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The objective of this experiment is to investigate the collision of two pucks in two dimensions and analyze whether momentum, rotational energy, and potential energy are conserved during elastic and inelastic collisions. The study involves measuring velocities, calculating momentum and kinetic energy before and after collisions, and comparing these values to theoretical expectations.

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The core aim of this experiment is to examine the dynamics of two-dimensional collisions between pucks, focusing on conservation laws in physics—specifically, momentum conservation and energy conservation during elastic and inelastic interactions. These fundamental principles are essential for understanding collision processes and have broad applications across physics, from particle interactions to macroscopic phenomena. The experiment involves recording velocities, calculating the initial and final momentum and kinetic energy, and analyzing whether the observed data align with theoretical predictions for elastic and inelastic collisions.

Two primary types of collisions were studied: elastic and inelastic. In the elastic collision, the two pucks collide such that both kinetic energy and momentum are conserved. In contrast, the inelastic collision involves some energy loss due to deformation or heat, which results in a decrease in total kinetic energy, while momentum is still conserved. Velocities needed for calculations were obtained from the slopes of position vs. time graphs plotted during the experiment. The initial velocities of the pucks before collision were measured for both blue and red pucks along x and y axes, while post-collision velocities were also recorded similarly to evaluate changes in momentum and energy.

Analysis of the experimental data revealed that in the elastic collision, the total initial momentum in the x and y directions closely matched the final momentum, demonstrating conservation of momentum. The initial kinetic energy was higher than the final kinetic energy, indicating some energy was lost or transformed into other forms, such as heat or rotational energy. Conversely, the inelastic collision showed a significant drop in kinetic energy after the interaction, confirming energy dissipation, though momentum remained conserved. Percentages calculated for energy loss and momentum variation verified these principles, with elastic collisions maintaining energy and momentum within experimental error, while inelastic collisions showed notable energy reduction.

Sources of error in the experiment may include inaccuracies in velocity measurements due to timing or video analysis errors, frictional forces between the pucks and the surface, and slight misalignments during collision. Additionally, air resistance and imperfections in puck symmetry could influence results, leading to deviations from ideal conservation laws. Measurement uncertainties in puck mass, radius, and position also contribute to discrepancies. These factors collectively cause variations, often resulting in small deviations from predicted theoretical values, especially in energy conservation for elastic collisions and perfect momentum conservation in inelastic ones.

Based on the experimental data, the laws of conservation of momentum and energy in elastic collisions were generally supported within measurement error margins. Inelastic collisions confirmed the conservation of momentum but not of kinetic energy, aligning with theoretical expectations. The results validate the fundamental physics principles governing collision dynamics, although real-world factors introduce minor deviations. Overall, the experiment successfully demonstrated the theoretical predictions concerning elastic and inelastic collisions, reinforcing the importance of these laws in understanding physical interactions.

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