Force-versus-time curves during collisions between two identical steel balls

We describe a numerical procedure for plotting the force-versus-time curves in elastic collisions between identical conducting balls. A system of parametric equations relating the force and the time to a dimensionless parameter is derived from the assumption of a force compatible with Hertz's t...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:	American journal of physics Vol. 74; no. 3; pp. 176 - 179
Main Authors:	Hessel, R, Perinotto, A. C, Alfaro, R. A. M, Freschi, A. A
Format:	Journal Article
Language:	English
Published:	Woodbury American Institute of Physics 01-03-2006
Subjects:	Collisions Energieerhaltungssatz Experiment Impulserhaltungssatz Kugel Measurement techniques Mechanik Numerical analysis Physics Physik Theory
Online Access:	Get full text
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Summary:	We describe a numerical procedure for plotting the force-versus-time curves in elastic collisions between identical conducting balls. A system of parametric equations relating the force and the time to a dimensionless parameter is derived from the assumption of a force compatible with Hertz's theory of collision. A simple experimental arrangement consisting of a mechanical system of colliding balls and an electrical circuit containing a crystal oscillator and an electronic counter is used to measure the collision time as a function of the energy of impact. From the data we can determine the relevant parameters. The calculated results agree very well with the expected values and are consistent with the assumption that the collisions are elastic. © 2006 American Association of Physics Teachers.
ISSN:	0002-9505 1943-2909
DOI:	10.1119/1.2173276