Inelastic Collision Calculator

What is an Inelastic Collision?

An inelastic collision is a type of collision where objects hit each other, and some of their movement energy (kinetic energy) is lost. This lost energy usually turns into other forms like heat, sound, or changes the shape of the objects. Even though kinetic energy isn't conserved, the total momentum of the system is always conserved in an inelastic collision. Think of a car crash where the cars crumple and make noise – that's an inelastic collision!

Perfectly Inelastic Collisions

A perfectly inelastic collision is a special type of inelastic collision where the colliding objects stick together and move as one single mass after the impact. In these collisions:

• The objects combine and move together after they hit.
• This type of collision results in the maximum possible loss of kinetic energy.
• Both objects will have the same final velocity after they stick.
• Just like all collisions, the total momentum is conserved.

Conservation of Momentum

One of the most important rules in physics is the conservation of momentum. This means that in any collision (elastic or inelastic), the total momentum of the system before the collision is equal to the total momentum after the collision. Momentum is a measure of an object's mass in motion.

Kinetic Energy Loss

In an inelastic collision, some of the initial kinetic energy is transformed. This kinetic energy loss is a key characteristic. Our calculator helps you find exactly how much energy is "lost" or converted into other forms during the impact.

Coefficient of Restitution (e)

The coefficient of restitution (e) is a number that tells us how "bouncy" a collision is. It ranges from 0 to 1:

• e = 1: This means the collision is perfectly elastic. No kinetic energy is lost, and objects bounce off each other perfectly (like an ideal superball).
• 0 < e < 1: This indicates a partially inelastic collision. Some kinetic energy is lost, and objects don't stick together but don't bounce perfectly either (most real-world collisions).
• e = 0: This signifies a perfectly inelastic collision. The maximum kinetic energy is lost, and the objects stick together after impact.