The Collisions and Rotation Simulation is an adjustable-size file that displays nicely on smart phones, on tablets such as the iPad, on Chromebooks, and on laptops and desktops. The size of the Interactive can be scaled to fit the device that it is displayed on. The compatibility with smart phones, iPads, other tablets, and Chromebooks make it a perfect tool for use in a 1:1 classroom. This Interactive is easy to use in order to quickly analyze a collision. It excels at demonstrating the conservation of linear and angular momentum. 

 

This Interactive can be used at several times during a learning cycle on collisions, linear and angular momentum conservation, and linear energy conservation (or loss). The objects can be set as a box or a cylinder. The mass and the dimensions of the object can be altered in order to change the rotational inertia. The linear velocity and rotational velocity of the objects can also be altered. A final variable that can be changed is the coefficient of restitution. 

Tapping the Collide button at the bottom of the simulation window will allow a student to perform a trial. Once the results have been collected, the Reset or Replay button can be tapped to prepare for another trial. Most students will likely prefer the Replay button as it rewinds the simulation without changing any of the input parameters. The Reset button rewinds the simulation and resets all parameters to their original start-up values.

We currently do not have any ready-to-use student activity sheets to complement this simulation. We hope to add some in the future, along with accompanying Concept Checkers. 

 

Related Resources

• Reading:
  Lesson 2 of the Momentum and Collisions Chapter of the Tutorial is a perfect accompaniment to this Interactive. The following pages will be particularly useful in the early stages of the learning cycle on collisions:
  
  Momentum Conservation Principle
  
  Using Equations as a "Recipe" for Algebraic Problem-Solving
  
  Using Equations as a Guide to Thinking
  
   

• The Calculator Pad
  Our Calculator Pad tool is sourced with more than 2500 ready-to-use Physics word problems. Each problem contains randomized numbers, an answer field for inputting an answer, immediate feedback, and (often) problem-specific help. Our Rotational Dynamics section has two particularly applicable problem sets associated with rotational kinetic energy and angular momentum. See Problem Sets RD7 and RD8 at The Calculator Pad.
  
   
• Minds On Physics Internet Modules:
  The Minds On Physics Internet Modules include a collection of interactive questioning modules that help learners assess their understanding of physics concepts and solidify those understandings by answering questions that require higher-order thinking. For those using this simulation for the topic of linear momentum conservation, assignments MC5, MC6, MC7, MC8, MC9, and MC10 of the Momentum and Collisions module provide great complements to this Interactive. They are best used in the middle to later stages of the learning cycle. Visit the Minds On Physics Internet Modules.
   
• Animation: Numerous GIF Animations at The Multimedia Physics Studios
  The Momentum and Collisions section of the Multimedia Physics Studios has several instructive animations that depict the collisions of objects. Visit the Multimedia Physics Studios.
  
   
• Curriculum/Practice: Several Concept Development worksheets at the Curriculum Corner will be very useful in assisting students in cultivating their understanding, most notably ...
  
  Action-Reaction and Momentum Conservation
  Collision Analysis
  
  Visit the Curriculum Corner.
  
   
• Lab Work: 
  Simulations should always support (never supplant) hands-on learning. The Laboratory section of The Physics Classroom website includes several hands-on ideas that complement this Interactive. Four notable lab ideas include ...
  
  Before and After Lab
  Sand Balloon Lab
  Inelastic Collision Analysis
  Two-Dimensional Collision
  
  Visit The Laboratory.

 

• Science Reasoning Activities:
  Science classrooms should be filled with reasoning activities. We have several interactive exercises in the Momentum and Collisions section of the Science Reasoning Center that will challenge students to employ close reading, data analysis, and logical reasoning. 
  
  Visit the Science Reasoning Center.

We owe a special thanks to Physics teacher Martin Kirby for donating the Collisions and Rotation Simulation to our Interactives collection. Martin has contributed many other simulations to our Interactives collection. You can view them all by visiting our page listing all Martin Kirby Simulations. Or visit Martin's website (kirbyx.com) to learn more.