This simulation allows you to explore the law of momentum conservation for explosion-like impulses. Two carts are positioned on a track and equipped with spring-loaded plungers. The plungers push the carts away from each other in opposite directions.  Vary the mass of two carts and observe the effect upon the post-explosion velocity. Look for patterns in the data and use the data to show that total system momentum is conserved.

Version 2.1

Exploding Carts

Begin

Blue Cart

--

Explode

Mass (kg):

2.00

Post-Explosion Speed (cm/s)

Red Cart

Mass (kg):

Vary the mass of the carts and observe the effect upon the post-explosion velocity. Do you see a pattern? And can you use the data to show that total system momentum is conserved?

Reset

40.0

1.50

49.4

37.0

1.00

65.3

32.7

0.50

101.2

25.3

98.0

46.2

92.4

80.0

62.0

41.3

56.6

1.5