Conservation of momentum in two dimensions
Variant i Dynamics first
Developed by Peter Shaffer (creator) and Karen Wosilait (contributor)
The tutorial extends to two dimensions the principle of momentum conservation developed in the previous tutorial, Conservation of momentum in one dimension.
Topics Mechanics / Momentum: vectors, momentum, momentum conservation, and two-dimensional motion
Materials
Materials by the UW team
- Equipment List
- Instructor’s Guide
- Sample Pre-test
- Sample Exam Questions
Tutorial details
The tutorial begins with a situation in which two blocks connected by a spring move without rotation in two dimensions. Students analyze the forces exerted on each object and relate the resultant accelerations to changes in velocity and momentum. They then treat the system of two blocks and spring as a single system and consider the motion of the center of mass. Finally, they apply the ideas they have developed to the case in which the spring is disconnected from one of the blocks and the two blocks collide.
For instruction tips, login or register as a verified educator to see the Instructor Guide.
Prerequisites
Prerequisite tutorials
The Conservation of momentum tutorial is a prerequisite to Conservation of momentum in two dimensions.
Other prerequisites
Students should already have been introduced to the principle of momentum conservation.
Coming Soon! We hope to release the discussion section on each tutorial by the end of July 2024.
