Energy Transfer During a Collision (248K)
No Tape Version (34K)
Simulated is an 8x8 two-dimensional array of atoms joined by lattice work of springs representing inter atomic forces. The "simulated-solid" is dropped onto a rigid surface. One can observe that the translational kinetic energy of the "simulated-solid" transforming into random vibrational energy of the individual atoms during the collision.
QT Sovie Solid collides aliened with the Surface (420K)
QT Movie Solid collides tilted relative to the Surface (520K)

If the spring constants ("interatomic forces") are made small then the simulation represents what happens in high energy collision in which there is enough macroscopic kinetic energy to melt the solid. Atomic Collision Meltdown QT Movie (236K)