Collision Calculator

Inelastic Collision Formula:

\[ v_f = \frac{m_1 u_1 + m_2 u_2}{m_1 + m_2} \]

Mass 1 (m1):

Mass 2 (m2):

Initial Velocity 1 (u1):

m/s

Initial Velocity 2 (u2):

m/s

Final Velocity (vf):

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1. What is Inelastic Collision?

An inelastic collision is a type of collision where kinetic energy is not conserved, but momentum is conserved. In perfectly inelastic collisions, the objects stick together after collision and move with a common final velocity.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the inelastic collision formula:

\[ v_f = \frac{m_1 u_1 + m_2 u_2}{m_1 + m_2} \]

Where:

\( v_f \) — Final velocity after collision (m/s)
\( m_1 \) — Mass of object 1 (kg)
\( m_2 \) — Mass of object 2 (kg)
\( u_1 \) — Initial velocity of object 1 (m/s)
\( u_2 \) — Initial velocity of object 2 (m/s)

Explanation: This formula calculates the final velocity when two objects collide and stick together, conserving momentum but not kinetic energy.

3. Importance of Collision Calculation

Details: Calculating collision outcomes is crucial in physics, engineering, accident reconstruction, and sports science to understand energy transfer, impact forces, and resulting motions.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter all masses in kilograms and velocities in meters per second. Mass values must be positive, while velocities can be positive or negative to indicate direction.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What's the difference between elastic and inelastic collisions?
A: In elastic collisions, both momentum and kinetic energy are conserved. In inelastic collisions, only momentum is conserved while kinetic energy is not.

Q2: When is this formula applicable?
A: This formula applies to perfectly inelastic collisions where objects stick together after impact, such as car crashes or objects embedding in each other.

Q3: Can velocities be negative?
A: Yes, negative velocities indicate motion in the opposite direction of the defined positive direction.

Q4: What if the objects don't stick together completely?
A: For partially inelastic collisions, a coefficient of restitution is needed, and this simple formula doesn't apply.

Q5: Does this work for objects moving at angles?
A: No, this formula is for one-dimensional collisions. For 2D collisions, vector components must be considered separately.