Interactive Collision Simulation
Explore the physics of elastic and inelastic collisions in a dynamic 2D environment
Value: 2 kg
Value: 3 kg
Value: 4 m/s
Physics Behind the Simulation
This simulation demonstrates the conservation of momentum and (for elastic collisions) kinetic energy during collisions between two objects.
Elastic Collisions: Both momentum and kinetic energy are conserved.
Inelastic Collisions: Only momentum is conserved - some kinetic energy is converted to other forms of energy.
The velocities after collision are calculated using the conservation equations:
\[ m_1v_{1i} + m_2v_{2i} = m_1v_{1f} + m_2v_{2f} \]
For elastic collisions: \[ \frac{1}{2}m_1v_{1i}^2 + \frac{1}{2}m_2v_{2i}^2 = \frac{1}{2}m_1v_{1f}^2 + \frac{1}{2}m_2v_{2f}^2 \]
