Collision Balls
Equipment: A set of 'collision balls'.
What it does: When the collision balls are dropped, the top ball (the only unconstrained ball) flies off with greatly increased energy and momentum.
Concepts Demonstrated: Energy and momentum tranfer through inelastic collisions.
Classroom assembly:
- Ensure the top ball is on the rod in line with the other collision balls.
- Drop the collision balls on the floor with the largest ball at the bottom. The smallest top ball will fly off with greatly increased energy and momentum.
Cautions: The top ball is small and hard to find. Pay attention to where it lands.
Setup Time: Short.
Difficulty: Straightforward.
Visibility: High. This demonstration is appropriate for large lecture halls.
Related demonstrations:
References:
Original Construction: Purchased.
Disclaimer: All demonstrations are posted for the convenience and benefit of faculty and staff in the Department of Physics at Simon Fraser University and are not intended for outside use. The author(s) assume no responsibility or liability for the use of information contained on this site. Warnings and precautionary measures listed on this site assume normal operation of equipment and are not inclusive. Demonstrations may pose a significant hazard and can, in some instances, result in death; reasonable safety precautions must be taken. Demonstrations should be performed by qualified individuals only.
Prepared by Jeff Rudd, 1999
Revised by Laura Schmidt, June 2007