Inelastic Collision
Verified Calculation Engine
The online Inelastic Collision helps you calculate instantly and solve problems related to Laws Of Motion. This tool provides accurate results using standard formulas and step-by-step calculation; you can view the formula with example in the calculator where available. Whether you are a student, teacher, or professional, this calculator simplifies complex calculations and saves time. Enter the required values below and get instant results. Results are shown clearly, with optional step-by-step explanation where applicable. The tool is free to use and works in any modern browser—no download or installation required. Bookmark this page for quick access whenever you need reliable Physics calculations.
Inelastic Collision: calculate the requested physical quantity from the stated inputs using m₁v₁+m₂v₂=m₁v₁′+m₂v₂′; v₂′−v₁′=e(v₁−v₂). The page states the model assumptions, units and worked examples so the result can be checked.
- Idealized Newtonian mechanics. Forces and velocities are treated as signed 1-D quantities unless components are explicitly requested.
Inputs
Results
Symbols, Variables & Units
| Input | Symbol / name | Unit | Role |
|---|---|---|---|
mass1 | Mass 1 | kg | Mass 1 in kg. |
velocity1 | Velocity 1 | m/s | Velocity 1 in m/s. |
mass2 | Mass 2 | kg | Mass 2 in kg. |
velocity2 | Velocity 2 | m/s | Velocity 2 in m/s. |
coefficientOfRestitution | Coefficient of restitution (e) | — | 0 for perfectly inelastic; 1 for perfectly elastic. |
Use a consistent unit system. The Physics engine evaluates numerical inputs in the units stated beside each field; it does not silently convert incompatible dimensions.
Physics Study Guide
Concept
Newtonian dynamics, force, momentum and collisions
Exam focus
Use it after identifying the forces or momentum balance in the stated model. Distinguish a net force from one component or one physical interaction. In an exam, write the governing equation first, substitute values with units, and check the dimensions of the final quantity.
Common mistakes
- Do not mix units; convert all dimensional inputs to a consistent unit system before substitution.
- Check signs, directions, angles and reference points before entering values.
- Do not apply the formula outside its stated physical assumptions or boundary conditions.
How to verify your answer
Check the result against the displayed formula, expected unit and physical scale. For this calculator, also verify that the stated assumptions and limiting case are satisfied.
Model limits
This result is valid only under the assumptions stated on the calculator page. For real systems with non-ideal geometry, losses, distributed effects or relativistic/quantum corrections, use the appropriate advanced model.
Worked Examples
Worked example
Use mass1 = 2, velocity1 = 10, mass2 = 2, velocity2 = 10, coefficient of restitution = 0.5. The validated result is final velocity1 = 10, final velocity2 = 10, coefficient of restitution = 0.5, initial momentum = 40.
- mass1: 2
- velocity1: 10
- mass2: 2
- velocity2: 10
- coefficientOfRestitution: 0.5
- finalVelocity1: 10
- finalVelocity2: 10
- coefficientOfRestitution: 0.5
- initialMomentum: 40
- result: 10
Second worked example
Use mass1 = 3, velocity1 = 15, mass2 = 3, velocity2 = 15, coefficient of restitution = 0.75. The validated result is final velocity1 = 15, final velocity2 = 15, coefficient of restitution = 0.75, initial momentum = 90.
- mass1: 3
- velocity1: 15
- mass2: 3
- velocity2: 15
- coefficientOfRestitution: 0.75
- finalVelocity1: 15
- finalVelocity2: 15
- coefficientOfRestitution: 0.75
- initialMomentum: 90
- result: 15