Education Technology

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

Subject Area
Math: Algebra I: Linear Functions
Science: Forensics: Data Analysis
Level
9-12
Activity Time
60 - 100 Minutes
TI Calculator
TI-84 series
Accessories
Sensor - Dual Range Force
CBR™ 2 motion sensor
Other Materials
  • Dual-Range Force Sensor
  • Vernier EasyLink™
  • Clamp or heavy tape
  • 1.5 m (or longer) ramp of strong cardboard or wood
  • Meter stick
  • 25 cm (or higher) support for ramp
  • Masking tape
  • 450-500 g vehicle about 7 cm tall
  • Book, 5-7 cm thick
  • Book, 2 cm thick
  • String or wide rubber band
Resource Types
Lessons
Data Collection

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.

Subject Area
Math: Algebra I: Linear Functions
Science: Forensics: Data Analysis
Level
9-12
Activity Time
60 - 100 Minutes
TI Calculator
TI-84 series
Accessories
Sensor - Dual Range Force
CBR™ 2 motion sensor
Other Materials
  • Dual-Range Force Sensor
  • Vernier EasyLink™
  • Clamp or heavy tape
  • 1.5 m (or longer) ramp of strong cardboard or wood
  • Meter stick
  • 25 cm (or higher) support for ramp
  • Masking tape
  • 450-500 g vehicle about 7 cm tall
  • Book, 5-7 cm thick
  • Book, 2 cm thick
  • String or wide rubber band
Resource Types
Lessons
Data Collection
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