Year 1 Chapter 4: Elastic Collisions In One Dimension

Question 1

What is Newton’s law of restitution?

Answer 1

(Speed of separation of particles / speed of approach of particles) = e

Question 2

What does “e” mean?

Answer 2

“e” is the coefficient of restitution and is between 0 and 1.

Question 3

For the direct collision of a particle with a smooth plane, what can Newton’s law of restitution be written as?

Answer 3

(Speed of rebound / speed of approach) = e

Question 4

How do you calculate the loss of kinetic energy due to impact?

Answer 4

( (0.5m1(u1)^2) + (0.5m2(u2)^2) ) - ( (0.5m1(v1)^2) + (0.5m2(v2)^2) )