The Cart and Brick

The Cart and Brick Interactive provides a learner with a virtual environment for studying momentum conservation for the situation of a dropped brick landing upon a moving cart. The Interactive simulates the collision and displays a ticker tape of the cart's motion before and after the collision. The relative masses of the two colliding objects and the pre-collision speed of the moving cart can be varied.

Launch Interactive


Users are encouraged to open the Interactive and explore. Or if desired, The Physics Classroom has prepared an activity for a more directed experience. The activity was designed with the intent of being used by classroom teachers with their classes.


Learners and Instructors may also be interested in viewing the accompanying Notes page. Technical information, teaching suggestions, and related resources that complement this Interactive are provided on the Notes page. View Notes.