A student carried out an experiment to verify the principle of conservation of momentum - Leaving Cert Physics - Question 1 - 2011

1. Adjust the gradient of the track to ensure that it is level.
2. Use trolley wheels that reduce friction, ensuring smooth movement.
3. Clear any obstacles or debris on the track.

The student verified that body A was moving at constant velocity by using two light gates placed at equal intervals along the track. Both gates provided time measurements that were equally spaced, indicating a constant speed, and the data was recorded in a position versus time graph that exhibited a linear relationship.

The student calculated the velocity $v$ by measuring the distance between two points after the collision using the formula: $v = \frac{\Delta x}{\Delta t}$ where $\Delta x$ is the distance measured and $\Delta t$ is the time taken recorded using the motion sensor.

Calculate the momentum before and after the collision. Before the collision, for body A: $\text{momentum A} = m_A \times u = (0.230 \text{ kg}) \times (0.53 \text{ m/s})$.

For body B (initially at rest): $\text{momentum B} = 0.$

Thus, total initial momentum: $P_{initial} = 0.230 \times 0.53 + 0 = 0.12139 ext{ kg m/s}.$

After the collision: $P_{final} = (m_A + m_B) \times v = (0.230 + 0.160) \times 0.32.$

The calculated final momentum should equal the initial momentum to verify the conservation of momentum.

To enhance accuracy, the student could:

1. Use a digital balance to measure mass with greater precision.
2. Select more data points for velocity measurements to minimize errors.
3. Ensure that the distance/displacement measuring devices are properly calibrated to avoid parallax errors.