Untitled Document

Physics Demo Number: 174

Approximate

Run Time 5 min

Horizontal Version of Basketball Softball Collision

Demo Description

Using a 55 lb steel plate standing on edge as a fair approximation to the earth, one may let the two balls from demo(002) collide with it after they are released from rest swinging together toward the plate.

Scientific Principles

Conservation of energy and momentum

Equipment

Balls and stand from demo(002)
55 lb steel plate

Equipment Location

[F-1-4]
Kit (010) on cart at end of E-F columns

Instructions

The balls and stand from demo(002) on [F-1-4] are used with the 55 lb steel plate from demo(010) to show the reason for the basketball/softball success in demo(001).

The photo shows the details of the setup.

The steel plate rests on edge, with the two balls hanging at rest in contact with each other and with the big ball touching the steel plate.

The second photo gives a close-up view.

When the two balls are moved back, as a pair, and released, the first collision reduces the big ball (3m) to rest and the smaller ball (m) recoils to the right much further than its original release point.