Collisions in One Dimension

In the general case of a one-dimensional collision between two masses, one cannot anticipate how much kinetic energy will be lost in the collision. Therefore, the velocities of the two masses after the collision are not completely determined by their velocities before the collision. However, conservation of momentum must be satisfied, so that if the velocity of one of the particles after the collision is specified, the other is determined.

Initial conditions:

Mass m1 = kg , v1 = m/s.

Mass m2 = kg , v2 = m/s.

Initial momentum p = m1v1 + m2v2 = kg m/s .

Initial kinetic energy KE = 1/2 m1v12 + 1/2 m2v22 = joules.

Final conditions:

If the velocity of mass m1 is v'1 = m/s.

Then the velocity of mass m2 is v'2 = m/s

because the final momentum is constrained to be p' = m1v'1 + m2v'2 = kg m/s .

Final kinetic energy KE = 1/2 m1v'12 + 1/2 m2v'22 = joules.

For ordinary objects, the final kinetic energy will be less than the initial value. The only way you can get an increase in kinetic energy is if there is some kind of energy release triggered by the impact. Was one of your objects a hand grenade?

In the perfectly elastic case, the final velocities are constrained to be

v'1(elastic) = m/s.

v'2(elastic) = m/s

You should be able to confirm from these velocity values that the velocity of separation after the collision is equal to the velocity of approach before the collision.

In the perfectly inelastic case where the two masses stick together, the final velocity of the combination will be

vinelastic = m/s

and the final kinetic energy will be

KEinelastic = joules.

A suggested exploration is to set the velocity of target mass m2 equal to zero and confirm that the fraction of kinetic energy retained in the perfectly inelastic case is equal to m1/(m1 + m2). This case is of practical value in the ballistic pendulum.

Perfectly Inelastic Collisions

Calculation notes: This calculation is designed to calculate the velocity of the target particle after the collision, assuming that the projectile velocity after the collision is specified. Default values will be entered if no data entries are made, but mass and initial velocity values can be changed.

Index

Collision concepts
 
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