Collisions Of Balls - Equal Masses

Purpose

To demonstrate conservation of energy and conservation of linear momentum in multiple elastic collisions.◙

Equipment

Collision ball apparatus, as photographed.◙

Suggestions

For best results make sure balls are well aligned.◙

Images

Description

To start, hold one, two, three, or four balls to the side and release. Symmetric oscillations result from◙conservation of energy and conservation of linear momentum in the collision sequence.◙

References

(PIRA 1N30.10)