Collision Modeling

In the gif below, we see an object the size of the planet Mars being hit by an object 1/10th of its size. After watching what happens a few times, use the observations you make and what you’ve learned to answer the questions.
NGSS Phenomena: One blue sphere in the center of the screen is hit by a smaller blue sphere. After the collision, parts of the smaller sphere are absorbed by the larger sphere and many smaller bits are scattered around.

1. The that keeps the larger mass together during the collision is .

Drag the answers below into the grey placeholders above

push
force
sphere
gravity
momentum

2. Using what you know about gravity, analyze the animation and explain what forces are acting on the larger planet before, during, and after the collision.

3. Explain why you drew your arrow where you did to show where the force of gravity is pulling.

4. Based on what you know about the formation of the Solar System, explain what this model might be an analogy for.

5. In the below image, we see the larger object after the collision. Draw an arrow to show the direction of the strongest pull of the force of gravity on the smaller pieces.

Color

Width

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This matching question aligns to the following standards

  • ESS1.B: Earth and the Solar System

This free response question aligns to the following standards

  • ESS1.B: Earth and the Solar System

  • Developing and Using Models

  • MS-ESS1-1

This free response question aligns to the following standards

  • Developing and Using Models

  • ESS1.B: Earth and the Solar System

  • MS-ESS1-1

This free response question aligns to the following standards

  • ESS1.B: Earth and the Solar System

  • Developing and Using Models

  • MS-ESS1-1

This drawing question aligns to the following standards

  • ESS1.B: Earth and the Solar System

  • Developing and Using Models

  • MS-ESS1-1

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