Velocity After Collision Calculator

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 Velocity After Collision Calculator?

The Velocity After Collision Calculator computes the final velocity of two objects after a perfectly inelastic collision using conservation of momentum principles. This calculation is essential in physics for understanding object interactions where kinetic energy is not conserved.

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: This formula applies conservation of momentum where the two objects stick together after collision, moving with a common final velocity.

3. Importance Of Inelastic Collision Calculation

Details: Understanding inelastic collisions is crucial for analyzing real-world scenarios like car crashes, sports impacts, and various engineering applications where objects combine after impact.

4. Using The Calculator

Tips: Enter masses in kilograms and velocities in meters per second. Positive velocities typically indicate motion in one direction, negative velocities indicate opposite direction. All mass values must be greater than zero.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is the difference between elastic and inelastic collisions?
A: In elastic collisions, both momentum and kinetic energy are conserved. In inelastic collisions, only momentum is conserved while kinetic energy is not conserved.

Q2: Can this calculator handle negative velocities?
A: Yes, negative velocities represent motion in the opposite direction and are properly accounted for in the calculation.

Q3: What happens if both masses are equal?
A: If masses are equal, the final velocity becomes the average of the two initial velocities: \( v_f = \frac{v_1 + v_2}{2} \).

Q4: Is this formula valid for all types of collisions?
A: No, this formula applies specifically to perfectly inelastic collisions where objects stick together. Different formulas apply to elastic collisions.

Q5: What are practical applications of this calculation?
A: Used in automotive safety design, sports equipment testing, accident reconstruction, and various engineering analyses involving impact scenarios.