Physics Explanation

This simulation demonstrates an elastic collision between a gas molecule and a container wall:

• The molecule approaches the wall with speed v at angle θ to the normal.
• During the collision, the component of velocity parallel to the wall remains unchanged.
• The component perpendicular to the wall is reversed (perfectly elastic collision).
• The molecule rebounds with the same speed but with the angle of reflection equal to the angle of incidence.
• Momentum is conserved in the system (though the wall's mass is effectively infinite).
• Kinetic energy is conserved, making this an elastic collision.