Coefficient of Restitution:
* The coefficient of restitution e is a measure of the elasticity in a one-dimensional collision.

* Its origin arises from the fact that during a perfectly elastic collision of two bodies, the velocity of approach is always equal to the velocity of separation, so that e = 1 in elastic collisions. In a perfectly inelastic collision the velocity of separation is zero, so that e = 0 in a totally inelastic collisions.


CLASSIFIATION of ONE-DIMENSIONAL COLLISION
Type
Kinetic Energy
Restitution
Perfectly Elastic
Conserved
e = 1
Partially Elastic
Not Conserved
0 < e < 1
Perfectly Inelastic
Maximum Possible Loss
e = 0
Hyperelastic
Energy Gained
e > 1


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