PASCO
MAIN PROCEDURE
   
In this experiment, students determine the impulse of collisions with different "air bags" that they create themselves.




    1. Record the mass of the Cart.

    2. With no air bag attached, simultaneously press the Start button ( )and release the cart 40 cm from the Force Sensor.

    3. Data collection will stop after 2.0 seconds.

    4. Use the cursor to highlight the section of the Force vs. Time graph that corresponds to the time just before and just after collision.

    5. DataStudio automatically calculates the area of this section in the legend. Record this value in the table below.

    6. Use the cursor to highlight the section of the Velocity vs. Time graph that corresponds to the time just before and just after collision.

    7. DataStudio automatically calculates the velocity just before and just after the collision. Record these values.

    8. From the Edit Menu select "Delete all data runs."

    9. Attach your "Air Bag" to the cart.

    10. Repeat steps 1-7 above.
    1. Calculate the change in momentum in each collision. Enter these values into the table below.

        Area of Force v. Time
      Units: (           )

      Change in Momentum
      Units: (           )
      No Air Bag    
      Air Bag    

    DataStudio

    1. The area of the Force v. Time graph gives the "Impulse." Enter the units of the impulse in the table above.

    2. Enter the correct units for the Change in Momentum in the table above.

    3. Write an equation that relates the impulse to the change in momentum.

    4. Draw qualitative force diagrams for each collision.

    5. In what direction is the force and acceleration? Explain.

    6. Which collision produced the greatest force? Explain.

    7. Which collision took the longest amount of time? Explain.

    8. Why do air bags save lives? Explain using terms such as force, time, impulse, change in momentum, etc.