Introduction

In any collision between two objects, momentum and kinetic energy are transferred. In this activity, you will use Vernier Video Analysis to collect position and time data for a pool ball as it bounces off a bumper and use that motion data to investigate how the pool ball’s momentum and kinetic energy change as a result of the collision.

Objectives

In this experiment, you will

  • Use video analysis techniques to obtain position and time data for the pool ball before and after a collision with a bumper.
  • Evaluate the change in momentum and kinetic energy of the pool ball.
  • Determine the impulse exerted on the pool ball during the collision.