Collisions with Ramp
The goal of my project is to demonstrate collisions with the use of balls of varying masses and a ramp. If an object of a greater mass collides with an object of a smaller mass (stationary), the smaller mass will have a large velocity. Likewise, if an object of a smaller mass collides with an object of a greater mass (also stationary), the greater mass will have a small velocity, if any.
This concept is demonstrated by balls being launched off of a ramp. When a ping pong ball is released from the top of the ramp, it travels a distance x. When the ping pong ball is set on the bottom of the ramp and a more massive ball is released from the top of the ramp, the collision causes the ping pong ball to travel a distance 3x (shown by videos below). The distance the ball travels is proportional to its velocity, so therefore, the collision causes the ball to leave with a greater velocity.
This concept is demonstrated by balls being launched off of a ramp. When a ping pong ball is released from the top of the ramp, it travels a distance x. When the ping pong ball is set on the bottom of the ramp and a more massive ball is released from the top of the ramp, the collision causes the ping pong ball to travel a distance 3x (shown by videos below). The distance the ball travels is proportional to its velocity, so therefore, the collision causes the ball to leave with a greater velocity.
|
|
Construction
The most difficult part of this project was finding a material that would be able to handle screws, bend at a sharp angle, and be relatively frictionless. Lauan plywood proved unsuccessful because it was unable to bend to the required angle. The ramp needed to be relatively steep because the balls needed to gain enough speed. However, I was able to find paneling that met all of my criteria and was perfect for the ramp.
Finally, rubber foam strips (used for window insulation) were stuck on to the ramp to create a funnel for the travel down. If the ball doesn't collide with head on with the other one in the slightest of ways, it goes off course. Also, a small notch was put on the bottom of the ramp to rest the ball that will be hit.
|
Log
- Preparation/Planning/Shopping: 2.5 hours
- Construction/Testing: 6 hours
- Total Project Time: 8.5 hours
- Construction/Testing: 6 hours
- Total Project Time: 8.5 hours