This simulator demonstrates the principles of linear momentum and elastic collisions between two objects.
Momentum (p) is the product of an object's mass and velocity:
p = m × v
In an isolated system, total momentum is conserved:
m₁v₁₁ + m₂v₂₁ = m₁v₁₂ + m₂v₂₂
where subscripts 1 and 2 refer to before and after the collision respectively.
This simulation models one-dimensional elastic collisions, where kinetic energy is also conserved. The velocities after collision are calculated using:
v₁₂ = ((m₁ - m₂) * v₁₁ + 2 * m₂ * v₂₁) / (m₁ + m₂)
v₂₂ = ((m₂ - m₁) * v₂₁ + 2 * m₁ * v₁₁) / (m₁ + m₂)
Kinetic Energy (KE) is given by:
KE = 0.5 × m × v²
In elastic collisions, total KE before and after collision remains the same.
By adjusting the masses and velocities, you can observe how momentum and energy are exchanged between the objects during the collision.