Last updated on Sep 22, 2026

8.2 – Investigating Conservation of Momentum (Leaving Cert Physics): Flashcards

8.2 – Investigating Conservation of Momentum

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Total momentum before = after (no external forces)

$p = mv$ (mass × velocity)

Velocity (wider = faster, closer = slower)

$u = \frac{S_1}{n/50}$ , $v = \frac{S_2}{n/50}$

$p = (m_1 + m_2)v$

Inelastic (trolleys stick together)

Momentum only, NOT kinetic energy

None - they cancel out (Newton's 3rd law)

They are internal forces (equal & opposite)

Friction (air resistance & rolling friction)

Parallax errors

Trolley moves at constant speed

Box with cushion under runway to catch falling trolleys

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8.2 – Investigating Conservation of Momentum (Leaving Cert Physics): Flashcards

Practise the cards

Conservation of momentum principle

Momentum formula

Ticker tape dot spacing indicates

Velocity from ticker tape formula

Momentum before collision

Momentum after collision

Type of collision in experiment

Conserved in inelastic collision

Internal forces effect on momentum

Why magnets don't change momentum

Main systematic error source

Random error in tape measurement

Purpose of raising runway

Ticker timer frequency

Safety precaution for trolleys

Explore Leaving Cert Physics Revision Notes by Topics

3.1 – Calculations of Refraction of Light

3.1 – Calculations of Refraction of Light

3.2 – Measuring the Critical Angle and Refractive Index

3.2 – Measuring the Critical Angle and Refractive Index

4.1 – Verifying the Lens Equation

4.1 – Verifying the Lens Equation

5.1 – Investigating Constant Velocity Using a Trolley or Rider

5.1 – Investigating Constant Velocity Using a Trolley or Rider

6.1 – Investigating Accelerated Motion Using a Trolley or Rider

6.1 – Investigating Accelerated Motion Using a Trolley or Rider

6.2 – Determining Acceleration Due to Gravity

6.2 – Determining Acceleration Due to Gravity

6.3 – Determining Acceleration Due to Gravity Using a Simple Pendulum

6.3 – Determining Acceleration Due to Gravity Using a Simple Pendulum

7.1 – Verifying the Law of Vector Addition

7.1 – Verifying the Law of Vector Addition

6.1 – Investigating Accelerated Motion Using a Trolley or Rider

6.1 – Investigating Accelerated Motion Using a Trolley or Rider

6.2 – Determining Acceleration Due to Gravity

6.2 – Determining Acceleration Due to Gravity

6.3 – Determining Acceleration Due to Gravity Using a Simple Pendulum

6.3 – Determining Acceleration Due to Gravity Using a Simple Pendulum

7.1 – Verifying the Law of Vector Addition

7.1 – Verifying the Law of Vector Addition

8.1 – Investigating Force, Mass and Acceleration Relationships

8.1 – Investigating Force, Mass and Acceleration Relationships