General One-Dimensional Collisions of Two Bodies:
Conservation of Momentum:
Conservation of Energy:
Coefficient of Restitution:
TYPES of COLLISIONS
| Type |
Kinetic Energy |
Restitution Coefficient |
| Perfectly Elastic |
Conserved |
e = 1 |
| Partially Elastic |
Not Conserved |
0 < e < 1 |
| Perfectly Inelastic |
Maximum Possible Loss |
e = 0 |
| Hyperelastic |
Energy Gained |
e > 1 |
Conservation of Momentum in an Inelastic Collision
The momentum and energy of to colliding blocks is displayed. The elasticity of the collision can be varied along with the mass and speed of the blocks. Even if the collision is not elastic and energy is lost during the collision, the momentum can be seen to be conserved.