Explicit physics instruction
This investigation tests both system momentum and kinetic energy across several collision types.
Preserve raw mass and velocity measurements, then compute signed momentum and kinetic energy separately.
Use residuals to judge conservation relative to measurement uncertainty instead of demanding perfect numerical equality.
Vocabulary: collision dataset; momentum residual; energy residual; uncertainty; model classification.
Worked example with reasoning
A trial has p_before=1.50 and p_after=1.47 kg·m/s, while KE drops from 0.90 to 0.55 J. Momentum is approximately conserved within a small residual, while kinetic energy clearly decreases.
Guided question
Which residual is more useful for deciding whether an event is elastic: momentum residual or kinetic-energy residual?
Independent work
- Analyze at least three supplied trials.
- Classify each collision.
- Calculate both residuals.
- State uncertainty and one revision.
Investigation / Data Lab
Preserve raw collision data, momentum/energy calculations, residuals, classification, uncertainty, and one revision.
Misconception check
Small momentum residual does not make a collision elastic; elasticity depends on kinetic-energy behavior too.
Formative understanding check
What evidence supports an elastic classification?
Reveal response
Both momentum and kinetic energy remain constant within uncertainty.
Mentor evidence conference
Ask Archaemenes to compare momentum, energy, and impulse representations for consistency.
Teacher guidance
Foundation: Use supplied tables and formulas.
Core: Classify multiple trials from calculated evidence.
Extended: Propagate simple velocity uncertainty into both momentum and KE residuals.