2D Conservation of Momentum using Air Hockey Discs and Unit Vectors

The video tutorial discusses a physics problem involving the elastic collision of two air hockey disks. The problem is set up with initial conditions, and the concept of momentum conservation is explained. The tutorial walks through the mathematical calculations to determine the final velocities of the disks using unit vectors, highlighting the ease of using vectors over traditional methods. Observations from the experiment are shared, noting discrepancies due to potential experimental errors.

What is the mass of the stationary red air hockey disk?

• 26.9 grams

• 28.8 grams

• 20.0 grams

• 33.6 grams

What is the initial velocity of the yellow disk before the collision?

• 4.79 I - 9.57 J cm/s

• 33.6 I cm/s

• 0 cm/s

• 30.8 I + 10.2 J cm/s

Why is linear momentum conserved in this collision?

• Because the disks are of equal mass

• Because the net external force is zero

• Because the collision is inelastic

• Because the disks are stationary

What is the final velocity of the red disk after the collision?

• 30.8 I + 10.2 J cm/s

• 4.79 I - 9.57 J cm/s

• 31.2 I + 7.20 J cm/s

• 33.6 I cm/s

What was the observed final velocity of the red disk?

• 31.2 I + 7.20 J cm/s

• 30.8 I + 10.2 J cm/s

• 33.6 I cm/s

• 4.79 I - 9.57 J cm/s

What was the main advantage of using unit vectors in this problem?

• It simplified the process by avoiding separate component calculations

• It made the calculations more complex

• It allowed for more accurate measurements

• It was necessary for the conservation of energy

What could have affected the accuracy of the observed results?

• The disks were not of equal mass

• The air hockey table was not level

• The use of unit vectors

• The initial velocity was too high