M.6.2 Air Track Collisions and Explosions

A moving glider colliding elastically with an equal mass stationary glider comes to rest, and the originally stationary glider moves away with all the velocity. Elastic collisions between gliders of different mass can be tried. Since each velocity timer can record two readings, the three (or four) velocities involved in an elastic collision can be measured to completely determine the collision.

Completely inelastic collisions result when Velcro is put on the ends of the gliders. The completely inelastic collision is a good first one to do with the velocity timers, making actual measurements to check the theoretical prediction.

A thread holding two gliders compressing a spring is burned so the gliders fly apart. Their velocities can be measured to check conservation of momentum.