This lab uses Tracker video analysis software to measure and analyze the center of mass of a system of two pucks during a two-dimensional collision. Students measure the initial and final velocity vector for each puck and calculate the center-of-mass velocity of the system before and after the collision and show that it is constant. Tracker can automatically calculate and mark the center of mass in each frame, so it is easy to see that the center of mass velocity is constant and calculate its value from graphs of center-of-mass variables.
The TRZ file contains the lab handout, a video showing a 2-D collision of pucks, and the Tracker data file. The video copyright is Flashmedia.
The videos can be used with other video analysis software; however, the handout has screen captures from Tracker and instructions specifically written for Tracker.
Video Analysis of a 2-D Collision of Pucks -- Center of Mass Velocity
This lab handout guides students using Tracker to calculate the center of mass of a system of two pucks that undergo a two-dimensional colllision. download 182kb .pdf
Last Modified: January 9, 2011
A. Titus, Computer Program 2-D COLLISION OF PUCKS -- CENTER OF MASS VELOCITY (2011), WWW Document, (https://www.compadre.org/Repository/document/ServeFile.cfm?ID=10579&DocID=2072).
A. Titus, Computer Program 2-D COLLISION OF PUCKS -- CENTER OF MASS VELOCITY (2011), <https://www.compadre.org/Repository/document/ServeFile.cfm?ID=10579&DocID=2072>.
Titus, A. (2011). 2-D Collision of Pucks -- Center of Mass Velocity [Computer software]. Retrieved October 3, 2024, from https://www.compadre.org/Repository/document/ServeFile.cfm?ID=10579&DocID=2072
Titus, Aaron. "2-D Collision of Pucks -- Center of Mass Velocity." https://www.compadre.org/Repository/document/ServeFile.cfm?ID=10579&DocID=2072 (accessed 3 October 2024).
Titus, Aaron. 2-D Collision of Pucks -- Center of Mass Velocity. Computer software. 2011. 3 Oct. 2024 <https://www.compadre.org/Repository/document/ServeFile.cfm?ID=10579&DocID=2072>.
%A Aaron Titus %T 2-D Collision of Pucks -- Center of Mass Velocity %D April 25, 2023 %U https://www.compadre.org/Repository/document/ServeFile.cfm?ID=10579&DocID=2072 %O application/pdf
%0 Computer Program %A Titus, Aaron %D April 25, 2023 %T 2-D Collision of Pucks -- Center of Mass Velocity %8 April 25, 2023 %U https://www.compadre.org/Repository/document/ServeFile.cfm?ID=10579&DocID=2072
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