Inelastic Collision Velocity Calculator

Historical Background

An inelastic collision is a type of collision in which part of the kinetic energy is transformed into other forms of energy, such as heat, sound, or deformation energy. In physics, studying such collisions provides insights into material properties and energy dissipation.

Formula

The formula to calculate the final velocity after an inelastic collision is:

\[ V = \frac{M_1 \cdot V_1 + M_2 \cdot V_2}{M_1 + M_2} \]

where:

• \( V \) is the final velocity of both objects after the collision,
• \( M_1 \) and \( M_2 \) are the masses of the objects, and
• \( V_1 \) and \( V_2 \) are the velocities of the objects before the collision.

Example Calculation

Suppose we have two objects:

• Mass 1 (\( M_1 \)) = 5 kg,
• Velocity 1 (\( V_1 \)) = 10 m/s,
• Mass 2 (\( M_2 \)) = 8 kg, and
• Velocity 2 (\( V_2 \)) = -3 m/s.

The final velocity (\( V \)) is calculated as follows:

\[ V = \frac{5 \cdot 10 + 8 \cdot (-3)}{5 + 8} = \frac{50 - 24}{13} \approx 2.0000000000 \text{ m/s} \]

Common FAQs

1. How does an inelastic collision differ from an elastic collision?
   In an elastic collision, the total kinetic energy is conserved, while in an inelastic collision, some kinetic energy is converted to other forms like heat or sound.

2. Is the total momentum always conserved in an inelastic collision?
   Yes, the total momentum is conserved in any collision according to the principle of conservation of momentum.

3. Can inelastic collisions cause objects to stick together?
   Yes, in perfectly inelastic collisions, the colliding objects stick together and move as a single unit after the collision.

Understanding inelastic collisions and their velocities helps engineers and scientists design better safety mechanisms, improve material properties, and analyze energy transformations in various systems.