PURPOSE: To qualitatively show conservation of angular momentum in collisions of a circular puck with a rectangular puck.

DESCRIPTION: Show how linear and angular momentum are transferred between a small puck and the rectangular bar when the puck strikes the bar at various points along its length and/or at varying angles. Inelastic collisions can also be demonstrated using a puck with a velcro collar.

SUGGESTIONS: The air table is only available in rooms 1410, 1412, and 0405 because it will not fit through a standard door.

REFERENCES: (PIRA unknown.) See Demonstration Reference File for information on how this experiment can be done in a semi-quantitative manner.

EQUIPMENT: Air table with rectangular puck, circular pucks of various masses, puck with inelastic collision velcro collar.

SETUP TIME: 10 min.