Speed After Collision Formula

Inelastic Collision Formula:

\[ v_f = \frac{m_1 v_1 + m_2 v_2}{m_1 + m_2} \]

Mass 1 (m1):

Velocity 1 (v1):

m/s

Mass 2 (m2):

Velocity 2 (v2):

m/s

Final Velocity (v_f):

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1. What is the Speed After Collision Formula?

The Speed After Collision Formula calculates the final velocity of two objects after a perfectly inelastic collision, where the objects stick together and move as one combined mass. This formula is fundamental in physics for analyzing momentum conservation in collisions.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the inelastic collision formula:

\[ v_f = \frac{m_1 v_1 + m_2 v_2}{m_1 + m_2} \]

Where:

\( v_f \) — Final velocity after collision (m/s)
\( m_1 \) — Mass of first object (kg)
\( v_1 \) — Initial velocity of first object (m/s)
\( m_2 \) — Mass of second object (kg)
\( v_2 \) — Initial velocity of second object (m/s)

Explanation: The formula is derived from the conservation of momentum principle, where the total momentum before collision equals the total momentum after collision in a perfectly inelastic collision.

3. Importance of Inelastic Collision Calculation

Details: Understanding and calculating final velocities in inelastic collisions is crucial for analyzing car accidents, sports collisions, industrial processes, and various engineering applications where objects combine after impact.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter all masses in kilograms and velocities in meters per second. Masses must be positive values. Velocities can be positive or negative depending on direction.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is a perfectly inelastic collision?
A: A perfectly inelastic collision is one where the colliding objects stick together and move as a single object after impact, maximizing kinetic energy loss.

Q2: How does this differ from elastic collisions?
A: In elastic collisions, kinetic energy is conserved and objects bounce apart. In inelastic collisions, kinetic energy is not conserved and objects stick together.

Q3: Can velocities be negative in this calculation?
A: Yes, negative velocities indicate motion in the opposite direction of the defined positive direction.

Q4: What are real-world examples of inelastic collisions?
A: Car accidents where vehicles lock together, a bullet embedding in a target, or two pieces of clay sticking together after collision.

Q5: Is momentum conserved in inelastic collisions?
A: Yes, momentum is always conserved in all types of collisions, but kinetic energy is only conserved in perfectly elastic collisions.