"Air Track Collisions Lab" Courseware

Air Track Collisions Lab

This interactive module explores one-dimensional collisions using a virtual air track model. Virtual air track models include elastic collisions, inelastic collisions, and a cart with hanging mass. These materials are designed to be flexible and easily modified to accommodate a variety of teaching and learning methods. The live scripts include background, pre-lab, virtual experiment using interactive models, and data analysis sections.

Learning Goals

• Compare inelastic and elastic collisions
• Use conservation laws to predict motion after collision
• Measure the velocities of carts using photogate readings
• Compute momentum and energy from experimental observations
• Assess conservation of momentum
• Assess conservation of energy

Have any questions or feedback? Contact the MathWorks online teaching team.