Pendulum Collision Model

Tracker Experiment

Pendulum Collision Model

by 301_25_Tang Yimian
This video shows the collision of a heavier pendulum of 28g (Pendulum A) with a lighter one of 14g (Pendulum B). I would be investigating the kinematics and dynamics of their motions. The objects of interest are both the pendulums. The aim is to find out the horizontal motion of the pendulums before and after the collision and account for the horizontal motion of the two pendulums using dynamics.

Conclusion:
The magnitude of the acceleration and velocity of the two pendulums before the collision are generally the same. However, the magnitude of the acceleration and velocity of Pendulum A decreases a lot after the collision but the magnitude of the acceleration and velocity of Pendulum B remains almost the same. Comparing both Pendulum A and B, we can see that Pendulum B has a greater displacement, velocity and acceleration after the collision. This is because at the point of collision, the net forces on the two pendulums are the same. However, Pendulum A has a greater mass than Pendulum B, causing the acceleration to be smaller since F=ma (NewtonÍs Second Law)

Author: Tang Yimian video: model lookang

Contact: weelookang@gmail.com

More information at: http://weelookang.blogspot.sg/2014/07/tracker-pendulum-collision-model.html