PASCO ME-9454 User manual

Instruction Manual
Manual No. 012-04966D
Collision Cart
Model No. ME-9454

®
Model No. ME-9454 Collision Cart
1
Collision Cart
Model No. ME-9454
Equipment List
*Use Replacement Model Numbers to expedite replacement orders.
Included Equipment Replacement
Model Number*
1. Collision Cart (1) ME-9454
2. 500 g Mass (1) 648-0636
Additional Equipment Required
Dynamics Cart Track, 1.2 meters or 2.2 meters ME-9435A or ME-9458
Replacement Parts
Wheel-Axle Assembly (2) 003-05311
End cap (2) 648-04969
End cap plug (2) 648-04694
Suspension spring (4) 632-034
Base Plate (1) 648-04651
1/2” Velcro®loop (2) 616-074
1/2” Velcro®hook (2) 616-075
Magnet (4) 634-022
Foam Retainer (4) 648-04702
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Collision Cart Model No. ME-9454
2
®
Note: Experiments
using the Collision Cart
are described in the
Experiment Guide for the
ME-9458 and ME-9435
Dynamics Track
Accessory Sets.
Introduction
The PASCO Model ME-9454 Collision Cart is designed specifically
for collision experiments in conjunction with any of the PASCO
Dynamics Cart and Dynamics Track systems. It differs from the ME-
9430 Classic Plunger Cart in two ways:
1. The Collision Cart has no spring plunger.
2. The Collision Cart has magnets and Velcro®pads installed on both
ends of the cart.
Like the Plunger Cart, the Collision Cart has a mass of approximately
500 g and holes in each end-cap for attaching string or springs. An
additional mass of approximately 500 g is included with the cart and
fits into the mass tray on top of the cart.
Advantages of the Collision Cart
• The cart comes supplied with Velcro®pads attached, so a Collision
Cart will stick to a Plunger Cart during an inelastic collision. (Note:
The end of the ME-9430 Plunger Cart used in the inelastic collision
must not have magnets attached, or the two carts will not stick
together due to the repulsive properties of the magnet assemblies.)
• The Collision Cart has magnets attached, so the cart will bounce off
any other cart’s magnetic bumpers in an elastic collision, with very
little frictional loss. (Note: If you place magnets on the end of the
ME-9430 Plunger Cart, the magnets must be placed in the same
orientation of polarity as the magnets in the ME-9454 Collision
Cart, or they will attract rather than repel during collisions.)
• The Collision Cart can be used against the plunger end of the
Plunger Cart to perform explosions.
• Multiple inelastic and elastic collisions may be performed using
three or more carts.
Tip: For best
results, measure
the mass of the cart and
any added mass with an
accurate balance or
scale.

Collision Cart Model No. ME-9454
3
®
Removing the Magnet Bumpers
1. Detach each end cap by removing the two screws from the rear of the
end cap (See Figure 1).
Note: The screws that secure the end caps to each end of the Collision
Cart are thread-forming screws and may require substantial force to
remove and reinstall. A #1 Phillips point screw driver is required.
2. Remove the two magnet bumper assemblies from the cavities on the
inside of the end cap as shown.
Note: When attaching the magnet assemblies, first slide the magnets
into the end cap cavities.
3. Replace the rear end cap with the two screws.
CAUTION!: Each magnet assembly consists of a foam pad
attached to a neodymium magnet. The neodymium magnets
are extremely strong. Although only the north end of the
magnet is exposed, they can still be a hazard. When opposite poles are
brought close to each other, they will accelerate rapidly and can pinch
fingers or be easily chipped. They can also erase computer disks and
distort computer monitors and television sets.
Figure 1: Removing the Magnetic Bumper Assemblies
Collision Cart
Velcro®Pads
End Cap
Magnet Bumper
Assemblies
Thread-forming
screws
Velcro®Pads
End cap with