Determination of momentum after reflection in free fall using infrared and vibration sensors

Abstract

Abstract Collision events are often encountered in daily life, such as free-falling balls. The falling ball will cause momentum, which is influenced by the speed and mass of the object. When an object falls, its speed before and after colliding with the reflecting plane will determine the coefficient of restitution (e). In this study, an apparatus for physics experiment was made using a 110 mm diameter by 125 cm height PVC cylinder pipe with two photodiode sensors attached to detect light reflection on the falling object. A vibration sensor was installed on the base to detect the bouncing ball and authenticate the time measurement. Sensor readings and measurements occur once an automated actuator triggers the sensor. The experimental results showed that the ball falling on the aluminum reflecting plane experienced the longest oscillation with a time of 4.19 Seconds, followed by ceramic at 3.59 seconds and wood at 3.29 seconds. The contact time experienced by the ball is 0.8487 seconds on aluminum, 0.8093 seconds on ceramic and 0.7830 on wood. This experimental apparatus can help students understand physics material.