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 formula:

Where:

• \( v_f \) — Final velocity after collision (m/s)
• \( m_1 \) — Mass of first object (kg)
• \( v_1 \) — Initial velocity of first object (m/s)
• \( m_2 \) — Mass of second object (kg)
• \( v_2 \) — Initial velocity of second object (m/s)

Explanation: This formula calculates the final velocity when two objects collide and stick together, conserving momentum but not kinetic energy.

3. Applications of Inelastic Collisions

Details: Inelastic collisions are important in automotive safety (car crashes), ballistics, sports physics, and various engineering applications where energy absorption is desired.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter all mass values in kilograms and velocity values in meters per second. Mass values must be positive numbers. Velocity can be positive or negative depending on direction.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What's 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.

Q2: Can velocities be negative in this calculation?
A: Yes, negative velocities represent movement in the opposite direction of the defined positive direction.

Q3: What happens if the masses are equal?
A: If masses are equal, the final velocity becomes the average of the two initial velocities: \( v_f = \frac{v_1 + v_2}{2} \).

Q4: Does this formula work for all inelastic collisions?
A: This specific formula applies only to perfectly inelastic collisions where objects stick together. Other inelastic collisions have different calculations.

Q5: What are real-world examples of inelastic collisions?
A: Car accidents, a bullet embedding in a target, two pieces of clay sticking together, and a football player tackling another are common examples.