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Physics Formulas

Elastic Formula

A collision of any two objects in physics is always either

elastic or inelastic collision. Te elastic collision refers to
a collision process where there is no loss in energy
whereas the inelastic collision occurs with loss in energy

Feedback
of the system of the two objects that collide. In this
article, we will study about elastic collision formula and
"
!
its application.

Definition
An elastic collision happens when two bodies collide
with each other, but, no loss occurs in the overall kinetic
energy. In other words, it is an encounter amongst two
bodies where the total kinetic energy of the two bodies is
the same.

Moreover, it may be either one-dimensional or two-

dimensional. Therefore, in the real world, perfectly
elastic collision is not likely to happen as some
conversion of energy, however small is bound to happen.

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Elastic Formula

An elastic collision is a collision where both the Kinetic

Energy, KE, and momentum, p are conserved. In other
words, it means that KE0 = KEf and po = pf. When we
recall that KE = 1/2 mv2, we will write 1/2 m1(v1i)2 +
1/2 m2(vi)2 = 1/2 m1(v1f)2 + 1/2 m2 (v2f)2. Thus, we see
that the final total KE of the bodies is similar to the
initial KE of these two bodies. Moreover, as p = linear
momentum = mv, then we will write m1v1i + m2v2i =
m1v1f + m2v2f.

[A] m1v1i + m2v2i = m1v1f + m2v2f

[B] 1/2 m1(v1i)2 + 1/2 m2(vi)2 = 1/2 m1(v1f)2 + 1/2

m2 (v2f)2

Over here:

KE is the kinetic energy

p refers to the momentum

m is the mass, kg

mi refers to the mass of the 1st object

and m2 is the mass of the 2nd object

v is the velocity, m/s

v1 refers to the velocity of the 1st object

and v2 is the velocity of the 2nd object

vi refers to the initial velocity

vf is the final velocity

Solved Examples on Elastic

Formula
Question- A green ball having a mass of 0.2 kg hits a
yellow ball having a mass of 0.25 kg in an elastic
collision, and the green ball halts. After that, the velocity
of the green ball is 5 m/s and the yellow ball was at rest.
Calculate the final velocity of the yellow ball.

Answer- Looking at the question, we see we have the

values of the mass of the 1st ball, m1 = 0.2 kg and the
the mass of the 2nd ball, m2 = 0.25kg. Furthermore, we
have the initial velocity of the 1st ball, v1i = 5 m/s and
the initial velocity of the 2nd ball, v2i = 0. Finally, we
have the final velocity of the 1st ball, (v1f) = 0.

m1v1i + m2v2i = m1v1f + m2v2f

(0.2 kg)(5 m/s) + (0.25 kg)(0 m/s) = (0.2 kg)(0) + (0.25

kg)(v2f)

1.0 kg.m/s + 0 = 0 + (0.25 kg)(v2f)

1.0 kg.m/s = (0.25 kg)(v2f)

(1.0 kg.m/s) / 0.25 kg = (v2f)

4 m/s = (v2f)

Question- Find out the final velocity of the yellow ball

using the equation for conservation of kinetic energy in
an elastic collision.

Answer- We have the mass of the 1st ball, m1 = 0.2 kg

and the mass of the 2nd ball, m2 = 0.20kg. Furthermore,
the initial velocity of the 1st ball is given as v1i = 5 m/s
and the initial velocity of the 2nd ball, v2i = 0. Finally,
the final velocity of the 1st ball, (v1f) = 0.

1/2 m1(v1i)2 + 1/2 m2(vi)2 = 1/2 m1(v1f)2 + 1/2 m2 (v2f)2

1/2 (0.2 kg)(5m/s)2 + 1/2 (0.2 kg)(0) = 1/2 (0.2 kg)(0) +

1/2 (0.2 kg)(v2f)2

1/2 (0.2 kg)(5m/s)2 = 1/2 (0.2 kg)(v2f)2

(5m/s)2 = (v2f)2

25 m2/s2 = (v2f)2

v2f = √25 m2/s2

v2f = 5 m/s

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$ newest $ oldest $ most voted

Roger Carmichael '

Typo Error>
Speed of Light, C = 299,792,458 m/s in vacuum
So U s/b C = 3 x 10^8 m/s
Not that C = 3 x 108 m/s
to imply C = 324 m/s
A bullet is faster than 324m/s

+ 29 (   ! Reply

# 1 year ago

Malek safrin '

I have realy intrested to to this topic

+ 11 (   ! Reply

# 1 year ago

umer '

m=f/a correct this

+ 2 (  ! Reply

# 1 year ago "

B. Akshaya '

M=f/g

+ -21 (   Reply

# 1 year ago

Kwame David '

Interesting studies

+ -7 (   ! Reply

# 1 year ago

Yashdeep tiwari '

It is already correct f= ma by second newton formula…

+ -10 (   ! Reply

# 1 year ago

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