Translations
Code | Language | Translator | Run | |
---|---|---|---|---|
![]() |
Credits
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.; Lye Sze Yee
Briefing Document: Student Learning Space Collision Carts Simulation
1. Overview
This document summarizes the key features, concepts, and resources associated with the "Student Learning Space Force vs Time Collision Carts JavaScript HTML5 Applet Simulation Model," a digital tool designed for teaching physics concepts related to momentum and collisions. The simulation, developed using Easy Java Simulations (EJS) and converted to JavaScript/HTML5, provides an interactive environment for students to explore these principles.
2. Main Themes and Key Concepts
- Momentum: The simulation is fundamentally built around the concept of linear momentum, defined as "the motion of a body of mass m and velocity v is described by a vector quantity known as momentum p where p = m v". This emphasizes the relationship between mass and velocity in defining an object's momentum.
- Conservation of Linear Momentum: A core principle is the "conservation of linear momentum," which states: "The total momentum of a system remains constant provided that no external resultant force acts on the system". The simulation allows users to observe this principle in action during collisions. The mathematical representation for two colliding bodies is provided as: "m1.u1 + m2.u2 = m1.v1 + m2.v2"
- Types of Collisions: The simulation categorizes collisions into three types:
- Elastic Collisions: Defined as collisions where both momentum and kinetic energy are conserved. The simulation allows investigation of the forces involved in these collisions. "A Perfectly elastic collision is defined as one in which both conservation of momentum and conservation of kinetic energy are observed"
- Inelastic Collisions: Defined as collisions where momentum is conserved, but kinetic energy is not. The simulation can show that the total kinetic energy of the system decreases in such collisions.
- Perfectly Inelastic Collisions: These are inelastic collisions in which the colliding carts stick together after the collision resulting in kinetic energy loss. "A Perfectly Inelastic collision is defined as one in which conservation of momentum is observed but the colliding carts stick together after collision with kinetic energy loss"
- Kinetic Energy: The simulation also introduces kinetic energy, defined by the equation KE1 = ½ m1.v1². The relationship between kinetic energy and the type of collision is also explored through this simulation.
- Force During Collisions: The simulation provides data on the forces involved in collisions, noting that "Elastic collision results in a large contact force F1 is -800 N that points to the left acting on m1, F2 is 800 N points to the right on the mass m2" This data, along with data from inelastic and completely inelastic collisions, helps illustrate the different forces at play and the change in forces depending on the type of collision.
3. Simulation Features & Functionality
- Interactive Interface: The simulation features an HTML5 applet with interactive sliders and a drop-down menu to manipulate variables.
- Variable Manipulation: Users can adjust:
- Mass of cart one (m1)
- Initial velocity of cart one (u1)
- Mass of cart two (m2)
- Initial velocity of cart two (u2)
- Collision Type Selection: A drop-down menu allows users to select the type of collision being simulated (elastic, inelastic, perfectly inelastic).
- Visualizations: The simulation offers multiple views:
- Velocity vectors to show the direction and magnitude of the carts’ velocities.
- Momentum vs. time graph, showing the change in momentum over time for individual carts and the system.
- Kinetic energy vs. time graph, demonstrating the change in kinetic energy over time for the carts and the system.
- Hints: The simulation includes hints labeled "COM" and "COKE" to provide the user with the equations for conservation of momentum and kinetic energy, respectively.
- Standard Controls: The simulation has "Play," "Step Forward," and "Reset" buttons for control.
4. Educational Resources & Support
- Worksheets: The site offers numerous downloadable worksheets, such as "Momentum1D01momAJCPBI Worksheet_Dynamics_2012_final.docx" These worksheets can be used to reinforce the concepts learned through the simulation.
- Video Resources: Links to external videos related to collisions and the simulation are provided, such as "Astro Academy: Principia - Collisions by National Space Academy" and several videos by lookang lawrence wee.
- Related Simulations: Links are provided to other similar simulation models, including those by Walter Fendt, Physicsclassroom, and PhET, broadening the range of learning experiences.
- Open Source: The model is open-source, and the EJS code is available for modification. Users can "examine and modify this compiled EJS model if you run the model (double click on the model's jar file), right-click within a plot, and select "Open EJS Model" from the pop-up menu."
- Research Article: A research paper is included, "arXiv:1204.4964" regarding the development and design ideas for a one-dimensional collision cart model.
5. Technical Details
- Developed with EJS: The simulation was created using the Easy Java Simulations (EJS) authoring tool, which is available at http://www.um.es/fem/Ejs/. It has been converted to JavaScript/HTML5 for broader accessibility.
- Multiple Versions: The resource lists various versions of the simulation created over time (Java and JavaScript) to showcase the iterative development process.
- Mobile Apps: Mobile apps are also available on Google Play and the Apple App Store.
6. Intended Audience
The primary target audience for this simulation is students learning physics, particularly those studying dynamics, momentum, and energy. The available teaching resources and worksheets suggest it is intended for secondary and post-secondary education levels.
7. Conclusion
The "Student Learning Space Force vs Time Collision Carts JavaScript HTML5 Applet Simulation Model" is a comprehensive and interactive tool for learning about momentum and collisions. Its key features include variable manipulation, different collision models, visual representations, and readily available teaching resources. The simulation's open-source nature and availability on multiple platforms enhance its value as an educational tool.
Let me know if you need more information or would like me to focus on a particular aspect.
Collision Carts Simulation Study Guide
Quiz
Answer each question in 2-3 sentences.
- What is momentum, and how is it mathematically defined?
- State the principle of conservation of linear momentum.
- In the context of colliding objects, what condition must be met for the conservation of momentum to hold true?
- Describe the key difference between elastic and inelastic collisions.
- What is a perfectly inelastic collision?
- What two physical quantities are always conserved in a perfectly elastic collision?
- How does the simulation allow users to vary the properties of the collision carts?
- What visual tools does the simulation provide for understanding collision data?
- What is the significance of the forces F1 and F2 in the collision simulation, and how are they related?
- Besides the provided simulation, what other resources can you use to study collisions and momentum?
Quiz Answer Key
- Momentum is a vector quantity that describes the motion of a body. It is defined as the product of the mass of the object and its velocity (p = mv).
- The principle of conservation of linear momentum states that the total momentum of a system remains constant if no net external force acts on the system.
- For conservation of momentum to hold true, there can be no net external force acting on the colliding objects.
- In an elastic collision, both momentum and kinetic energy are conserved. In an inelastic collision, momentum is conserved, but kinetic energy is not.
- A perfectly inelastic collision is one where the colliding objects stick together after the collision, resulting in a loss of kinetic energy.
- In a perfectly elastic collision, both the total momentum and total kinetic energy of the system are conserved.
- The simulation uses sliders to adjust the mass and initial velocity of each cart, and a drop-down menu to choose the type of collision.
- The simulation provides velocity vectors, momentum vs time graphs, and kinetic energy vs time graphs to visualize the data.
- Forces F1 and F2 represent the contact forces between the two carts during the collision. They are equal in magnitude but opposite in direction, demonstrating Newton's Third Law.
- Besides the simulation, resources include videos, worksheets, other interactive models, and research articles.
Essay Questions
Answer each question with a full, thoughtful essay.
- Discuss the principle of conservation of momentum, providing examples of both elastic and inelastic collisions and explaining how this principle applies to each type of collision.
- Using the collision carts simulation, describe how variations in mass and initial velocity of the carts affect the outcome of different types of collisions. Focus on the concept of conservation of momentum and changes in kinetic energy.
- Explain how the simulation's visual tools (vectors and graphs) enhance the understanding of momentum and energy during collisions. Include a discussion of the educational value of using simulations in physics instruction.
- Compare and contrast elastic and perfectly inelastic collisions, focusing on the behavior of kinetic energy and how the equations for the conservation of energy are applied in each case.
- Analyze the concept of “impulse” in the context of the collision carts simulation, referencing the contact forces and changes in momentum experienced by the carts during a collision.
Glossary of Key Terms
Momentum (p): A vector quantity representing the motion of a body, calculated by multiplying the object's mass by its velocity (p = mv).
Conservation of Linear Momentum: The principle stating that the total momentum of a closed system remains constant if no external forces act on it.
Elastic Collision: A collision in which both momentum and kinetic energy are conserved.
Inelastic Collision: A collision where momentum is conserved but kinetic energy is not.
Perfectly Inelastic Collision: A type of inelastic collision where colliding objects stick together after the collision.
Kinetic Energy (KE): The energy of an object due to its motion, calculated as KE = ½ mv².
External Force: A force exerted on a system by something outside of the system.
Vector: A quantity having both magnitude and direction, often represented by an arrow.
Contact Force: The force exerted when two objects are in physical contact, like during a collision.
Simulation: A computer model or program designed to imitate real-world systems, like the collision of two carts.
Apps
https://play.google.com/store/
https://itunes.apple.com/us/
Description
Momentum One Dimension Collision Model
The motion of a body of mass m and velocity v is described by a vector quantity known as momentum p where
p = m v
When objects collide, whether trains, cars, billiard balls, shopping carts, or your foot and the sidewalk, the results can be complicated. Yet even in the most chaotic of collisions, as long as there are no net external forces acting on the colliding objects, one principle always holds and provides an excellent tool for understanding the collision. That principle is called the conservation of linear momentum which states that
The total momentum of a system remains constant provided that no external resultant force acts on the system
For two bodies colliding linearly, it is written mathematically as a vector equation
Total initial momentum = total final momentum
m1.u1 + m2.u2 = m1.v1 + m2.v2
If external forces (such as friction) are ignored, the total momentum of two carts prior to a collision (left side of equation) is the same as the total momentum of the carts after the collision (right side of equation).
Collisions are classified into elastic (or perfectly elastic), inelastic and completely inelastic.
There is also a concept of kinetic energy of a moving body is stated mathematically by the following equation:
KE1 = ½ m1.v12
Main Simulation View
The simulation has 2 collision carts on frictionless floor and wheels.
Sliders
Explore the sliders allows varying the variables .
* mass of cart ONE, mass_1, m1 in kg
* initial velocity of cart ONE, u1 in m/s
* mass of cart TWO, mass_2, m2 in kg
* initial velocity of cart TWO, u2 in m/s
DropDown Menu
Allows for selecting what kind of collision is simulated.
A Perfectly elastic collision is defined as one in which both conservation of momentum and conservation of kinetic energy are observed
A Perfectly Inelastic collision is defined as one in which conservation of momentum is observed but the colliding carts stick together after collision with kinetic energy loss
DropDown Menu
show: velocity, for visualizing the velocity vector
plot momentum vs time graph, for different representation of data for momentum of cart 1, 2 and both.
plot kinetic energy vs time graph, for different representation of data for kinetic energy of cart 1, 2 and both.
hint: COM, for the equation of conservation of momentum
hint: COKE, or the equation of conservation of kinetic energy
Buttons
Play
Step Forward
Reset
have their usual meaning.
Credits:
The Momentum 1D JavaScript Collision model was created by created by lookang using the Easy Java Simulations (EJS) version 5.2 authoring and modeling tool. Shout our thanks to the Ejs community namely, Francisco Esquembre, Félix J. García Clemente , Fu-Kwun Hwang and Wolfgang Christian for their professional learning community support. You can examine and modify this compiled EJS model if you run the model (double click on the model's jar file), right-click within a plot, and select "Open EJS Model" from the pop-up menu. You must, of course, have EJS installed on your computer. Information about EJS is available at: http://www.um.es/fem/Ejs/ and in the OSP comPADRE collection http://www.compadre.org/OSP/.
Video
Astro Academy: Principia - Collisions by National Space Academy
Ejs open source java applet 1D collision carts Elastic and Inelastic Collision by lookang lawrence wee
Ejs open source java applet 1D collision carts Elastic and Inelastic Collision v2 by lookang lawrence wee
https://www.facebook.com/AskMencom/videos/10153205007388723/
Screenshots
Student Learning Space Force vs Time Collision Carts JavaScript HTML5 Applet Simulation Model
![]() |
Student Learning Space Force vs Time Collision Carts JavaScript HTML5 Applet Simulation Model Elastic collision results in a large contact force F1 is -800 N that points to the left acting on m1, F2 is 800 N points to the right on the mass m2 https://sg.iwant2study.org/ospsgx/index.php/586 |
![]() |
Student Learning Space Force vs Time Collision Carts JavaScript HTML5 Applet Simulation Model a randomly generated (in this case e = 0.9) inelastic collision results in a large contact force F1 is -760 N that points to the left acting on m1, F2 is 760 N points to the right on the mass m2 https://sg.iwant2study.org/ospsgx/index.php/586 |
![]() |
Student Learning Space Force vs Time Collision Carts JavaScript HTML5 Applet Simulation Model Perfectly inelastic collision results in a large contact force F1 is -400 N that points to the left acting on m1, F2 is 400 N points to the right on the mass m2 https://sg.iwant2study.org/ospsgx/index.php/586 |
Worksheets
- Momentum1D01momAJCPBI Worksheet_Dynamics_2012_final.docx
- Momentum1D01momAJCPBI Worksheet_Dynamics_2012_final_soln.docx
- Momentum1D01momIJCMomentum_worksheet_v1.6_lab_worksheet_IJC1.doc
- Momentum1D01momIJCMomentum_worksheet_v1.6_lab_worksheet_IJC2.doc
- Momentum1D01momRVHSP06 EduLabs (st).doc
- Momentum1D01momRVHSP06 EduLabs v3 (tr).docx
- Momentum1D01momSRJCLessonPlan.docx
- Momentum1D01momSRJCMomentum_worksheet_control_teacher-led.doc
- Momentum1D01momSRJCMomentum_worksheet_experimental.doc
- Momentum1D01momSRJCPre- and Post-test (final).docx
- Momentum1D01momYJC2016 JC1 H1 Phy HBL (teacher) - Collision Carts Model.pdf
- Momentum1D01momYJCPWS 7 - Understanding Newton's 3rd law & COM using EJS (Student).doc
- Momentum1D01momYJCPWS 7 - Understanding Newton's 3rd law & COM using EJS (Teaching notes).doc
- ejss_model_Momentum1D0104.Dynamicsofcollision.WorksheetIJCFangFang.docx.docx
Versions
- http://weelookang.blogspot.sg/2018/01/student-learning-space-force-vs-time.html SLS version collaboration with Chai Seng
- http://weelookang.blogspot.sg/2013/09/one-dimension-collision-js-model.html JavaScript version of EJSS One Dimension Collision JS Model by
- http://weelookang.blogspot.sg/2012/02/ejs-open-source-collision-carts-model.html Java version of the Ejs Open Source Collision Carts Model with AJC and RVHS
- http://iwant2study.org/lookangejss/02_newtonianmechanics_3dynamics/ejs/ejs_model_Momentum1DForceModel09.jar Java version of simulation on Digital Library
Research
- arXiv:1204.4964 [pdf, other]
One-dimensional collision carts computer model and its design ideas for productive experiential learningComments: 6 pages, 8 figures, 1 table, 1 L. K. Wee, Physics Education 47 (3), 301 (2012); ISSN 0031-9120Journal-ref: Physics Education, 47(3), 301 (2012)Subjects: Physics Education (physics.ed-ph); Classical Physics (physics.class-ph); Computational Physics (physics.comp-ph)
Other Resources
- http://www.walter-fendt.de/html5/phen/collision_en.htm Collision Carts by Walter Fendt
- http://www.physicsclassroom.com/Physics-Interactives/Momentum-and-Collisions/Collision-Carts Collision Carts by Physicsclassroom
- http://weelookang.blogspot.sg/2014/11/ejss-collision-model-by-dave-lommen.html EJSS collision model by Dave Lommen
- http://weelookang.blogspot.sg/2014/07/ejs-1d-collision-model-with-virtual.html EJS 1D collision model with virtual spring model by Fu-Kwun Hwang and Loo Kang Wee
- https://phet.colorado.edu/en/simulation/collision-lab Collision Lab by PhET
- http://www.mrmont.com/games/carcollision.html
- http://www.opensourcephysics.org/items/detail.cfm?ID=14162 International Space Station: Collisions Video Analysis with Tracker by Tim Peake, Robin Mobbs, Anu Ojha, Andy McMurry, and Sophie Allan
- https://www.geogebra.org/m/n3X5njnT Elastic & Inelastic Collisions by ukukuku
- https://www.geogebra.org/m/gSmRe62s The Ballistic Pendulum by ukukuku
- https://www.geogebra.org/m/Ks939X8m Conservation of Momentum and Energy by ukukuku
Frequently Asked Questions about the Collision Carts Simulation
- What is momentum and how is it represented mathematically? Momentum is a vector quantity that describes the motion of an object. It's defined as the product of an object's mass (m) and its velocity (v), represented by the equation: p = m * v. The direction of the velocity is the same as the direction of the momentum. Therefore, the conservation of linear momentum is a vector equation.
- What is the principle of conservation of linear momentum? The principle of conservation of linear momentum states that in a closed system (where no net external forces act), the total momentum of the system remains constant. This means that the total momentum of the objects before a collision equals the total momentum of the objects after the collision. For two colliding bodies, this is represented as: m1 * u1 + m2 * u2 = m1 * v1 + m2 * v2, where m1 and m2 are the masses of the two objects, u1 and u2 are their initial velocities, and v1 and v2 are their final velocities.
- How are collisions classified and what are the differences? Collisions are categorized into three main types:
- Perfectly Elastic Collisions: Both momentum and kinetic energy are conserved in this type of collision.
- Inelastic Collisions: Momentum is conserved, but kinetic energy is not. Some of the kinetic energy is transformed into other forms of energy, such as heat or sound.
- Perfectly Inelastic Collisions: Momentum is conserved, but the colliding objects stick together after the collision. This usually results in kinetic energy loss (converted to heat etc). This is usually the case when there is maximum kinetic energy loss
- What is kinetic energy and how is it calculated? Kinetic energy is the energy an object possesses due to its motion. It is calculated using the equation: KE = 1/2 * m * v^2, where m is the mass of the object and v is its velocity. Note that the kinetic energy is not a vector and is always positive.
- What features are available in the Collision Carts simulation model? The simulation provides several interactive features, including:
- Sliders: These allow users to vary the mass (m1, m2) and initial velocities (u1, u2) of the two collision carts.
- Dropdown Menu: Users can choose between different types of collisions (perfectly elastic, inelastic and perfectly inelastic)
- Visualization: The simulation allows visualization of the velocity vectors, as well as plots of momentum vs time and kinetic energy vs time, for the individual carts as well as the total momentum or kinetic energy.
- Hints: Users can view equations for the conservation of momentum and kinetic energy.
- Buttons: Standard controls for "Play," "Step Forward," and "Reset" are included.
- Can external forces affect the conservation of momentum during a collision? Yes. The principle of conservation of momentum is only valid when there are no net external forces acting on the system. If external forces such as friction are present, the total momentum of the system may not remain constant. The simulation however is set up so that there are no net external forces like friction or air resistance.
- What is the educational value of using the Collision Carts simulation? The simulation is designed to be an interactive learning tool, allowing students to:
- Visually explore the concepts of momentum and kinetic energy.
- Investigate the differences between various collision types by changing initial parameters (mass, initial velocities) to better understand how the conservation principles apply in different scenarios.
- Develop a deeper understanding of collision dynamics through graphical representations of momentum and kinetic energy over time.
- Examine force interactions during collisions using the embedded force vs time simulations with the force pair being Newton's 3rd law.
- To use the model in multiple different worksheets, that can be printed and physically written on by the learners.
- What resources are available for learning more about collisions and related physics concepts? The simulation links to various educational resources, including:
- Video examples (Astro Academy: Principia - Collisions and other videos)
- Websites (Collision Carts by Walter Fendt, Collision Carts by Physicsclassroom and many more).
- Worksheets covering topics on linear momentum and collisions.
- Research papers providing deeper dives into the design and educational value of such simulation models.
- Various applets and interactive simulations like Phet Collision Lab.
- Details
- Written by Fremont
- Parent Category: 03 Motion & Forces
- Category: 02 Dynamics
- Hits: 8741