Context
Momentum and impulse are often taught abstractly. This hands-on iPad lesson brings the physics of collisions to life using video analysis and real-time sensors.
Preparation & Flow
Introduction and Set-up (10 mins)
Teachers to review concepts like momentum = mv and impulse = Ft. Discuss real-world applications of these concepts in relation to car crash safety.
Crash Simulation (30 mins)
Students crash toy cars into different barriers at different speeds. Using slow-mo video (or sensors), record the duration of impact and final velocity. Teachers can guide students in calculating velocity using frame rate and time of the slow-mo video.
Analysis and Calculations (10 mins)
Calculate impulse and change in momentum.
Discuss how the time of collision affects force, and how interventions can possibly save a life (e.g., seatbelts, airbags).
Real World Link (5 mins)
Watch an airbag deployment video and a simulated car crash video. Discuss why airbags increase collision time and its impacts.
Possible Extensions
Conduct a design-a-crash-barrier competition to talk about practical engineering of real-world crash barriers and speed reduction mechanisms
From the LearnGrowCreate Team
Main author: Sharon
Attach up to 5 files which will be available for other members to download.