1. What is Inelastic Collision?

An inelastic collision is a type of collision where kinetic energy is not conserved, but momentum is conserved. In perfectly inelastic collisions, 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 final velocity formula:

Where:

• \( v_f \) — Final velocity after collision (m/s)
• \( m_1 \) — Mass of first object (kg)
• \( v_{1i} \) — Initial velocity of first object (m/s)
• \( m_2 \) — Mass of second object (kg)
• \( v_{2i} \) — Initial velocity of second object (m/s)

Explanation: This formula calculates the common velocity of two objects after they collide and stick together in a perfectly inelastic collision.

3. Importance of Final Velocity Calculation

Details: Calculating final velocity in inelastic collisions is crucial for understanding momentum conservation, analyzing collision outcomes, and solving physics problems involving impacts and collisions.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter masses in kilograms and velocities in meters per second. All mass values must be positive. The calculator assumes a perfectly inelastic collision where objects stick together.

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: When is this formula applicable?
A: This formula applies to perfectly inelastic collisions in one dimension where two objects collide and move together as a single object after collision.

Q3: What if the objects have opposite velocities?
A: The formula still applies. Simply input negative values for velocities in the opposite direction of your chosen positive direction.

Q4: Can this be used for collisions with more than two objects?
A: For multiple objects, the formula extends to: \( v_f = \frac{\sum m_i v_{i}}{\sum m_i} \), where you sum the momentum of all objects and divide by the total mass.

Q5: What are real-world examples of inelastic collisions?
A: Car crashes, bullet embedding in a target, two pieces of clay sticking together, and most everyday collisions where objects don't bounce off perfectly.