• Push the trolley gently so that it collides with the bumper

• Note the area under the force - time graph

• Read off the velocity before and after the collision from the velocity - time graph

• Calculate the change of momentum during the collision (remember momentum is a vector quantity)

• Compare this with the impulse (area under graph)

• Repeat the experiment with a harder push

• Repeat the experiment replacing the spring with clay and then with repelling magnets

Copyright Physics Support Materials 2000