Collision in Two Dimensions

This apparatus consists of a curved track with a base at one end. On the base is a support to hold a ball at the proper height for a centre to centre collision with a second ball rolling down the track. The track is level so collision occurs only in the horizontal plane, simplifying calculations.
Consists of

25cm one piece track
3 balls 12mm diameter
2 steel
1 glass
1 plumb bob
Reasons to Love
A highly visual demonstration of collisions and the associated calculations.
Learning Outcomes
Key Stage 3 Physics – Motion and Force: Opposing forces and equilibrium: weight held by stretched spring or supported on a compressed surface. Forces being needed to cause objects to stop or start moving, or to change their speed or direction of motion (qualitative only)
Key Stage 4 Physics – Motion and Forces:
Relate linear motion as observed from one moving vehicle to its observation from another moving relative to the first. Recall and apply Newton’s Third Law both to equilibrium situations and to collision interactions and relate it to the conservation of momentum in collisions.