Back to Physics For Engineers repository

Physics For Engineers2D

Impulse and Momentum - Theory & Concepts - Collision Momentum

A comprehensive overview of Impulse and Momentum, analyzing collisions, variable mass systems, and the impulse-momentum theorem.

Open the complete lesson

Interactive engineering simulation

Momentum & Elastic Collision Simulator

Adjust cart masses, incoming velocities, and coefficient of restitution. Scrub through the timeline and watch momentum conservation in action.

Cart A: 2.0kg

Cart B: 3.0kg

Cart A Parameters

Cart A Mass2.0 kg

kg

0.5–8.0

Drag for exploration or enter an exact value. Press Enter to apply; Escape restores the current value.

Cart A Initial Velocity6.0 m/s

m/s

-10.0–10.0

Drag for exploration or enter an exact value. Press Enter to apply; Escape restores the current value.

Cart B Parameters

Cart B Mass3.0 kg

kg

0.5–8.0

Drag for exploration or enter an exact value. Press Enter to apply; Escape restores the current value.

Cart B Initial Velocity-2.0 m/s

m/s

-10.0–10.0

Drag for exploration or enter an exact value. Press Enter to apply; Escape restores the current value.

Coefficient of Restitution (e)0.25

0.00–1.00

Drag for exploration or enter an exact value. Press Enter to apply; Escape restores the current value.

Timeline Scrubber0.45

0.00–1.00

Drag for exploration or enter an exact value. Press Enter to apply; Escape restores the current value.

Governing Principles

Conservation of Momentum

m_A v_{Ai} + m_B v_{Bi} = m_A v_{Af} + m_B v_{Bf}

Restitution Coefficient (e)

e = \frac{v_{Bf} - v_{Af}}{v_{Ai} - v_{Bi}}

Momentum before collision (p_i)

6.00 kg·m/s

Momentum after collision (p_f)

6.00 kg·m/s

Velocity Cart A

6.00 m/s

Velocity Cart B

-2.00 m/s

Model scope and verification

Use the displayed units and idealizations, then verify the governing balance or compatibility equation before interpreting the result.

Measurement and Vectors - Theory & Concepts - Significant Figures Kinematics - Theory & Concepts - Kinematics Graph Newton's Laws of Motion - Theory & Concepts - Newtons Second Law Work, Energy, and Power - Theory & Concepts - Conservation Energy