Elastic Collision Calculator – Quick & Accurate Impact Results

This elastic collision calculator helps you determine the final velocities of two objects after a collision without any loss of kinetic energy.

Elastic Collision Calculator

Explanation

An elastic collision is an event where two objects collide and bounce off without any loss of kinetic energy. This calculator computes the resulting velocities of two objects that have collided elastically.

How to Use the Calculator

  1. Enter the mass of Object 1 in kilograms.
  2. Enter the initial velocity of Object 1 in meters per second.
  3. Enter the mass of Object 2 in kilograms.
  4. Enter the initial velocity of Object 2 in meters per second.
  5. Click “Calculate” to see the resulting velocities.

How it Calculates the Results

The calculator uses the following equations, which are derived from the conservation of momentum and kinetic energy:

Resulting Velocity of Object 1: V1‘ = ((m1 – m2) / (m1 + m2)) * V1 + ((2 * m2) / (m1 + m2)) * V2

Resulting Velocity of Object 2: V2‘ = ((2 * m1) / (m1 + m2)) * V1 + ((m2 – m1) / (m1 + m2)) * V2

Limitations

This calculator assumes a one-dimensional elastic collision without rotational forces. It does not account for friction, air resistance or any other forces that might affect the actual outcome. It also assumes that no energy is lost to sound, heat, or deformation during the collision.

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