Impulse-Momentum Theorem
Students use TI-Nspire simulation exercises to investigate inelastic collisions between a ball and a wall with varying initial velocity and impulses. Students can create hypotheses related to the final velocity of the ball, and then view graphs related to the conditions of the experiment and the relation to the concepts of momentum, force, and impulse. Teachers notes and student questions are available as a pdf file.
The concepts of momentum, force, and impulse are all essential components for a complete understanding of Newton's Laws of Motion. This activity illustrates the relationships between these quantities in a visual and understandable format. Students will construct an understanding of momentum more readily when it is viewed both visually and graphically.
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