Question

1a.

In the Impulse & Momentum experiment, the collision between the two carts of equal masses and the end stop was between two magnets faced against each other so that the magnets would repel. If the magnets were replaced with hard plastic, how would the magnitude of the force vs time chart change?

No change

The peak would become bigger

The magnitude would stall the same, but the sign would flip The peak would become smaller

1b.

In the Impulse & Momentum experiment, the collision between the two carts and the end stop was between two magnets. If the magnets were replaced with hard plastic, how would the width of the force vs time chart change?

The width would become narrower

The width wouldn't change

The width would become wider

Answer 1

a)The peak would bigger higher (since the momentum change takes place only when they strike each other and experience forces. When magnet is attached, the carts experience force beforhand due to which the peak is lower)

b)The width of the Force vs time graph would decrease. It will decrease since when the magnet is attached, the carts experience forces due to the repulsion of the magnets and hence slowing their speed. However when magnets are not there, the collision takes place for only small period of time during which they experience the force. hence the width decreases.