blog 6: momentum

Last week we played Kaua`i High School for Division II semi-finals.  Momentum is conserved in a collision between the ball and me.  I run a route and Reece throws me the ball, if i catch the ball it is a sticky collision; however if i drop the ball it is a bouncy collision.  This pass was a sticky collision that ended up in a touchdown. The equation for a sticky collision is m1v1i +m2v2i = (m1+m2)vf.  The collision is a sticky collision because there are two objects that combine masses after the collision and travel at the same final velocity.  If I were to drop this pass the equation for a bouncy collision is m1v1i + m2v2i = m1v1f + m2v2f.  In either situation momentum is alway conserved!