Exploring 2-D Collision Experiment: Marbles Launched Off a Track

[polak333]

Using a 2-D collision experiment:
A marble is launched off a track and travels 28cm before it hits the floor.
A marble is launched off a track and hits another marble at the end of that track, where both hit the floor. One lands 13cm away at 44° from the perpendicular and the other lands 22cm away at 41° from the perpendicular.

I did the math and got the the correct answer, but then there is another question that asks "Explain why the displacement represents acceleration".
I really have no idea how these to have anything in common. I know that the collision causes energy transfer causing the balls to go in a slightly different direction. Does anyone have any hints?

Thanks.

 

[jbsteele]

The displacement of the marbles represents acceleration because the displacement is a measure of the change in the velocity of the marbles. The angle of the displacement indicates the direction of the new velocity, while the length of the displacement indicates the magnitude of the new velocity. This change in velocity (acceleration) is due to the collision between the two marbles, which transferred energy and momentum from one marble to the other.

 

[kerimek]

I would first like to commend you for conducting a 2-D collision experiment and collecting data to analyze. Based on your results, it seems that the collision between the two marbles caused them to deviate from their original paths and travel at different angles and distances. This can be explained by the conservation of momentum and energy principles.

In terms of the question about displacement representing acceleration, it is important to understand that acceleration is a change in velocity over time. In this experiment, the marbles are initially traveling at a constant velocity along the track. However, when they collide, the force of the impact causes a change in their velocity, resulting in a change in their displacement. This change in displacement over time can be interpreted as acceleration.

Furthermore, the fact that the marbles land at different distances and angles also indicates that the acceleration experienced by each marble was not the same. This can be attributed to factors such as the mass and velocity of each marble, the angle of impact, and the surface properties of the marbles.

In conclusion, the displacement of the marbles after the collision can be used to infer the acceleration they experienced during the collision. By understanding the relationship between displacement and acceleration, we can gain a better understanding of the forces and energy involved in the collision between the marbles. I hope this explanation helps to clarify the connection between displacement and acceleration in this experiment.