Collision 
 

   
  

Collision 
Transfer of momentum 

Momentum P ​=​ ​m​v 

Vector quantity 
 
 
 
For an isolated system, momentum is conserved. 

 
  

Collision 
For the brief moment during which the two objects are in contact, some (or 
all) of the energy is stored momentarily in the form of elastic potential 
energy.   
   
  

Types of Collision 
 
Collision 
 
Elastic Partially Inelastic Inelastic  
 
 
Collision 
 
Head on​ (1D) Oblique​(2D, 3D) 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Head on collision: 
Velocities is along the ​line of impact​ (common normal)    
  

Energy & Momentum 

Momentum is always conserved 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Kinetic energy gets transformed into other forms of energy 
   
  

Head-on Collision (1D) 

Trains 
Ball falling on a floor 
   
  

Approach & Separation 

   
  

Example 
   
  

Example 
   
  

Example   
  

Inelastic Collision 
   
  

Example 
   
  

Elastic Collision   
  

Elastic Collision 
Case 1​: if both masses are equal   
  

Elastic Collision 
Case 2​: one mass dominates (m​1​>>m​2​)   
  

Newton’s Cradle 
   
  

Example 
If two masses are equal, velocities interchange   
  

Example 
Exchange of velocities   
  

Example   
  

Coefficient of Restitution 
V elocity of separation Relative velocity af ter collision KE af ter collision
e= = =
V elocity of approach √ Relative velocity bef ore collision KE bef ore collision  
   
  

Example   
  

Example   
  

 
Example 
   
  

Example 
   
  

Example   
  

Oblique Collision (2D) 

 
   
  

Example 
   
  

Scattering 
Deviation from straight trajectory 
   
  

Rocket Propulsion   
  

Example