Verifying momentum conservation
Total momentum before equals after: m₁v₁ + m₂v₂ = m₁v₁′ + m₂v₂′; adjust restitution e.
Momentum & collisions (senior)Impulse, collisions, and recoil.
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Verifying momentum conservation
Momentum conservation: total momentum before equals after, m₁v₁ + m₂v₂ = m₁v₁′ + m₂v₂′. The restitution coefficient e controls collision type.
Total momentum is conserved; restitution e sets collision type (1=elastic, 0=inelastic).
Key formulas
m_1v_1+m_2v_2=m_1v_1'+m_2v_2'e=\frac{v_2'-v_1'}{v_1-v_2}
How to use
- Set masses m₁, m₂, initial speed v₁ᵢ, and restitution e.
- Watch velocity changes through the collision.
- Verify total momentum is conserved in the readouts.
Applications
- Verifying momentum conservation: Total momentum is conserved; restitution e sets collision type (1=elastic, 0=inelastic).
- Classroom focus: adjust restitution e.
FAQ
What do e = 0 and e = 1 mean?
e = 1 is a perfectly elastic collision (kinetic energy also conserved); e = 0 is perfectly inelastic (balls stick together, maximum KE loss).
What does MVP mean on this page?
An interactive sketch with formulas and parameters. Polished Ready labs are the full bench experience.
What does the “Verifying momentum conservation” lab practice?
Tune parameters and match readouts to the “Verifying momentum conservation” relations — useful for prep and demos.
Is force always along velocity?
No. Net force aligns with acceleration; velocity can point elsewhere.