Quick Answer: The Conservation of Momentum STEM Lab is a collision track set with a 1.2m anodised aluminium rail and two low-friction carts. Interchangeable magnetic, spring and hook-and-loop bumpers let students compare elastic and inelastic collisions.
Last updated: October 2026
Key Features
1.2m extruded anodised aluminium track
2 low-friction collision carts with bearings and weight-loading slots
Magnetic pairs and coil-spring caps for elastic collisions
Hook-and-loop pads for inelastic collisions in which the carts stick together
Stackable metal bar weights to change cart mass
Adjustable thumb-screw feet, bubble level and mounting brackets for photogates
Technical Specifications
Specification
Value
Track
Anodised aluminium rail, 1.2m
Carts
2, low-friction, with bearings
Bumpers
Magnetic pairs, coil-spring caps, hook-and-loop pads
Added mass
Stackable metal bar weights
Levelling
Dual thumb-screw feet with bubble level
Sensor mounting
Brackets for standard digital photogates
About This Product
With the track levelled and the carts weighed, one cart is launched at a stationary one and photogates or timers record the speeds before and after impact. Students calculate the momentum on each side of the collision and see that the totals match; with the hook-and-loop bumpers the carts move off together and kinetic energy is lost while momentum is still conserved.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why must the Conservation of Momentum track be level?
A sloping track lets gravity speed up or slow down the carts, which would distort the velocity readings.
