Physics
Center of Mass, Momentum and Collision
Elastic Collision
11
⚡ Quick Summary
When two bodies collide elastically, both momentum and kinetic energy are conserved. If the collision is not head-on and the bodies have equal mass, they move at right angles to each other after the collision.
Conservation of Momentum: m1v1 + m2v2 = m1v1' + m2v2'
Conservation of Kinetic Energy: 1/2 m1v1^2 + 1/2 m2v2^2 = 1/2 m1v1'^2 + 1/2 m2v2'^2
In an elastic collision, both momentum and kinetic energy are conserved. The direction of motion after a non-head-on collision between two bodies of equal mass will be at right angles.