
Model No. ME-9454 Collision Cart
Collision Cart
Model No. ME-9454
Equipment List
Included Equipment Replacement
Model Number*
1. Collision Cart (1)
2. 500 g Mass (1)
ME-9454
648-0636
*Use Replacement Model Numbers to expedite replacement orders.
Additional Equipment Required
Dynamics Cart Track, 1.2 meters or 2.2 meters
Replacement Parts
Wheel-Axle Assembly (2)
End cap (2)
End cap plug (2)
Suspension spring (4)
Base Plate (1)
1/2” Velcro® loop (2)
1/2” Velcro® hook (2)
Magnet (4)
Foam Retainer (4)
ME-9435A or ME-9458
003-05311
648-04969
648-04694
632-034
648-04651
616-074
616-075
634-022
648-04702
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Collision Cart Model No. ME-9454
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 ME9430 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.
Tip: For best
results, measure
the mass of the cart and
any added mass with an
accurate balance or
scale.
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.
Note: Experiments
using the Collision Cart
are described in the
Experiment Guide for the
ME-9458 and ME-9435
Dynamics Track
Accessory Sets.
2

Collision Cart Model No. ME-9454
Figure 1: Removing the Magnetic Bumper Assemblies
Collision Cart
Vel cr o
®
Pads
End Cap
Magnet Bumper
Assemblies
Thread-forming
screws
Vel cr o
®
Pads
End cap with
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.
3