An experiment is described for the general physics laboratory where metal cylinders slide, with acceleration, down an inclined metal track and out onto a horizontal track. The apparatus is quite primitive and readily fabricated from easily available materials. After the coefficient of friction is calculated through energy considerations, the conservation of momentum and Q-value for elastic and inelastic collisions is investigated. The masses of the cylinders and various distances are the only measurements necessary. In this case where friction must not be ignored, the experiment has been found stimulating to beginning students and the results satisfactory, particularly when the collision is made totally inelastic (a capture reaction).

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