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	Forensics Case 6 Measuring Momentum: Using distance moved after impact to estimate velocity

Activity Overview

This activity introduces the concept of momentum as it applies to vehicle collisions. Students accurately gather data of collision of a vehicle with a stationary object, and establish a relationship between the distance an object moves after a collision with a vehicle and the momentum of the vehicle.

Before the Activity

Use TI Connect™ to download Vernier EasyData™ application

Connect the Dual-Range Force Sensor to Vernier EasyLink™ interface

Plug EasyLink into the USB port of the calculator

Set up the calculator and the Force sensor for data collection

To measure velocity connect CBR 2™ to the calculator

See the attached PDF file for detailed instructions for this activity

Print pages 50 - 57 from the attached PDF file for your class

Print sample data and student work pages

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During the Activity

Distribute the pages to your class.

Follow the Activity procedures:

Plug the force sensor into EasyLink and plug EasyLink into the calculator

Hold the force sensor vertically with the hook pointing down

Hang the vehicle from the force sensor with the string or rubber band and find the weight of the vehicle

Convert the weight to mass

Weigh and calculate the mass of each book

Unplug the force sensor from the calculator and connect the CBR 2 to the calculator

Set up the ramp and place a book at the base of the ramp

On the ramp, mark various distances from the base

Place the CBR 2 at the top of the ramp with at least 25 cm between the CBR 2 and the rear of the vehicle

Place the vehicle at a particular mark on the ramp and release it

Take readings with the help of the CBR 2 as the car collides with the book

Measure the velocity of the vehicle

Measure the distance moved by the book

Repeat the activity using a lighter book and different starting points for the vehicle

Calculate the average momentum of the vehicle at impact for each average distance the book moved

Plot a graph of distance versus momentum for the heavier book and another graph for the lighter book

Determine the equation for the straight line that fits the data best

Extrapolate the equation for the accident scene and use the distance moved by the van to find the momentum and velocity of the car at the point of impact

After the Activity

Students analyze the results and answer the case analysis questions.

Review student results:

As a class, discuss questions that appeared to be more challenging

Re-teach concepts as necessary

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