How to Calculate the Velocity of Objects in Motion

What is the velocity of the second glider in a lab experiment where two identical gliders are separated by a spring force?

Initial velocity when they are united: 0.420 m/s

Final velocity of one glider: 1.300 m/s

What is the velocity of the other glider?

Answer:

The velocity of the other glider is -0.460 m/s.

When conducting experiments involving objects in motion, it is crucial to understand how to calculate the velocity of each object. In the scenario provided, where two identical gliders are held together by a spring force on an air track, we are given the initial velocity of both gliders moving to the right at 0.420 m/s and the final velocity of one glider at 1.300 m/s after they are separated.

To determine the velocity of the other glider, we can use the concept of momentum. The initial momentum of the system when they are united is equal to the final momentum after they are separated. By applying the equation:

moment: Initial momentum = Final momentum

(m + m) * initial velocity = m * velocity of glider 1 + m * velocity of glider 2

Substituting the given values into the equation, we can solve for the velocity of the other glider:

2 * initial velocity - velocity of glider 2 = velocity of the other glider

2 * 0.420 - 1.300 = -0.460 m/s

The negative sign indicates that the velocity of the other glider is directed towards the left. This calculation showcases the application of momentum principles in determining the motion of objects in experiments.