Conservation of Momentum in Collisions

You have seen how momentum is conserved in an explosion, but how do you analyze momentum in other types of interactions?

Interactions other than explosions are generally categorized as collisions. You will compare two types of collisions – elastic and inelastic. Elasticity is a measure of the amount of kinetic energy that is conserved after the collision. Normally, when objects bounce off of each other some kinetic energy is lost. In special cases, the kinetic energy is conserved. When they bounce, they are usually somewhat inelastic, and in special cases, they are perfectly elastic.

In the animation below, you will explore both elastic and inelastic collisions to see if momentum and kinetic energy are conserved.

This interactive animation covering Air Track Collisions from the University of Toronto simulates the collision of two gliders on an air track.  An air track works the way an air hockey table does, blowing air out of tiny holes on the track, creating a nearly frictionless surface.  Each glider is supported by the cushion of air as it moves along the track.