Cart on Cart, 1F30.30

Topic and Concept:

• Newton's First Law, [:Newtons1STLaw#InertiaofMotion: 1F30. Inertia of Motion]

Location:

• Cabinet: [:MechanicsCabinet:Mechanic (ME)]

• Bay: [:MechanicsCabinetBayA5:(A5)]

• Shelf: #2

attachment:CartOnCart03-400.jpg

Abstract:

A small cart is free to move on top of a large rolling cart which comes to a sudden stop. The cart continues to move due to the cart's inertia.

Important Setup Notes:

• N/A

Setup and Procedure:

1. Level the longer track on the table.
2. Place two cars on this track.
3. Position the two cars such that their outtermost ends are the length of the smaller track appart.
4. Place the smaller track on top of these such that it is supported in a stable position.
5. Place the third car on top of this track section.
6. By applying equal force simultaneously to both the top track(thereby setting the bottom two cars into motion) and the top car, set the system in motion.

Cautions, Warnings, or Safety Concerns:

• N/A

Discussion: When the whole system is set into motion, all carts obtain some particular velocity which would remain constant as per Newton's first law if air resistance and friction were not present. When the two carts on the bottom layer and the track resting on top of them collide with the wood block on the end of the bottommost track, they change their velocity. However, the top car remains in motion with its original velocity until reaches the end of the top track, putting a new force on the top car making its net externally applied force nonzero and therefore changing its velocity.

Videos:

• [https://www.youtube.com/user/LectureDemostrations/videos?view=1 Lecture Demonstration's Youtube Channel]

References:

• N/A

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