1. What is Inelastic Collision?

An inelastic collision is a collision in which kinetic energy is not conserved, but momentum is conserved. The objects stick together after collision and move with a common final velocity.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the inelastic collision formula:

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 is derived from the conservation of momentum principle, where the total momentum before collision equals the total momentum after collision.

3. Importance of Momentum Conservation

Details: Momentum conservation is a fundamental principle in physics that applies to all collisions, regardless of whether kinetic energy is conserved. Inelastic collisions are common in real-world scenarios like car crashes and ballistic pendulums.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter all masses in kilograms and velocities in meters per second. Positive velocities indicate motion in one direction, negative velocities indicate motion in the opposite direction.

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 - kinetic energy is not conserved.

Q2: What is a perfectly inelastic collision?
A: A perfectly inelastic collision is when the objects stick together after collision and move with a common velocity, which is what this calculator calculates.

Q3: Can the final velocity be negative?
A: Yes, the final velocity can be negative if the net momentum before collision is in the negative direction.

Q4: What happens if one mass is much larger than the other?
A: If one mass is much larger, the final velocity will be close to the velocity of the larger mass before collision.

Q5: Is this formula valid for all reference frames?
A: The formula is valid in inertial reference frames. For non-inertial frames, additional forces must be considered.