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The students should understand energy considerations in elastic collisions, inelastic collisions, and explosions

Experiments

Here are experiments our science specialists have selected to support this IB* topic.

Momentum, Energy, and Collisions

Experiment #18 from Physics with Vernier

  • Observe collisions between two carts, testing for the conservation of momentum.
  • Measure energy changes during different types of collisions.
  • Classify collisions as elastic, inelastic, or completely inelastic.

Conservation of Momentum

Experiment #9 from Physics Explorations and Projects

  • Identify variables, design and perform investigations, collect data, analyze data, draw a conclusion, and formulate a model based on data from the investigation.
  • Determine momentum and total momentum, based on velocity and mass measurements
  • Create a mathematical model of the relationship between initial total momentum and final total momentum.

Educational Standard
International Baccalaureate (IB) 2025
Subject
Physics
Theme
A Space, time and motion
Topic
A.2 Forces and momentum
Level
Standard level and higher level

* The IB Diploma Program is an official program of the International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO) which authorizes schools to offer it. The material available here has been developed independently of the IBO and is not endorsed by it.

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