Plan the investigation
What students will do
Use the student handout to organize predictions, measurements, and explanations.
- Predict the incoming speed. Measure masses and center heights. Use energy conservation to calculate the ramp block’s speed before impact.
- Analyze the collision. Predict both final velocities, then compare measured velocities and system momentum and kinetic energy.
- Follow the rebound. Predict and measure the ramp block’s rise after impact and explain its return to the table.
- Predict both landings. Use launch speeds and center-height drops to calculate flight distances, then test both predictions.
What students will learn
- Choose appropriate models for successive stages of motion.
- Track signed velocities through a collision and rebound.
- Use intermediate measurements to evaluate a final prediction.
Common misconception
Can one conservation equation describe the entire run?
Students identify system boundaries and apply the appropriate model to descent, impact, rebound, and flight.