Part 1: The relationship between Impulse and Momentum

1. We are going to set up the Force and Wheel sensors in the IOLab software. For the wheel sensor, you will only need to view velocity.
2. We’re going to insert a screw with a spring into the force sensor and push the device as in the video below. This video shows all of the data collection trials for this lab.

3. This gives us some data regarding the force applied to the force sensor and the velocity with which the IOLab device moved after being pushed. This data is called “Lab 4 Part 1” in the IOLab repository.
4. Using the data tool (See Figure 1), highlight the portion of the graph where my finger was in contact with the force sensor. Then record the area under the curve on the force graph which is symbolized as “a” on the graph. This area, Force times time, is a quantity we call “Impulse” and symbolize with “J”.
5. Use the data tool again to determine the velocity of the IOLab device right after my finger stopped pushing it. This is done by placing the cursor over the part of the graph where I stopped pushing. Then the velocity “V_y“ will be displayed in the upper left corner of the velocity graph ( Be careful to keep the cursor over the part of the graph you are interested in while recording this).

Part 2: Impulse and Collisions

We will need to use both IOLab devices for this part.

1. We will insert a screw with a washer into the force sensor of the second IOLab device (The first device will still use the spring). We will push each IOLab device at a book so that the force sensor collides with the book. We want to analyze the difference between a collision between the book and spring and between the book and washer. We will again record velocity and force.
2. First we will make a collision between the book and washer. This is called “Lab 4 Book and Washer” in the repository. Record the speed with which the IOLab device hits the book, the maximum force it experienced, the average force it experienced, and the time interval over which the collision occurred. (See Figure 2 for where to find average force and time interval).

3. The IOLab device was moving with a velocity of about -0.1 m/s as it struck the book. We want to push the IOLab device with the spring toward the book with as close to the same speed as possible so that we can compare the forces during the collisions. This is called “Lab 4 Book and Spring” in the repository. Record the maximum force experienced during this collision, the average force it experienced, and the time interval over which the collision occurred.

Part 3: Elastic Collisions between 2 Objects

Trial 1: A moving object (object 1) colliding with a stationary object (object 2) of the same mass.

1. Now we will have the IOLab devices collide with each other. We will collect data regarding the force applied on each device and their changes in velocity. In this first trial we will push one device toward the other so that they will collide elastically (The device being hit will initially be stationary). This trial is called “Collision Trial 1” in the repository.
2. Use the data tool to highlight the portion of the force graphs where the collision took place. Make sure that the full area under the curves of both graphs are highlighted. Then record the area under the curve of each graph (J₁ and J₂).
3. Record the velocities of both objects just before, V_i1 and V_i2, and just after, V_F1 and V_F2, the collision. Also record the total mass of each object, M₁ and M₂, as well as the time interval over which each collision occurred.

Trial 2: A moving object (object 1) colliding with a stationary object (object 2) of less mass.

6. In this trial we will repeat steps 3 through 5 with a 1 kg mass placed on the moving IOLab device. “Collision Trial 2” in the repository. 

Trial 3: A moving object (object 1) colliding with a stationary object (object 2) of greater mass.

7. In this trial we will repeat steps 3 through 5 with a 1 kg mass placed on the stationary IOLab device. “Collision Trial 3” in the repository.