Collisions. Elastic and inelastic

Do you want to better understand what happens when two or more objects collide?

The online collision simulations on this page show you in a practical way what happens when two or more objects collide with each other, what are the main types of collisions and what is the result of the physical quantities involved.

Collisions in physics are events in which two or more objects collide with each other, changing their speed and direction. Collisions are governed by the laws of conservation of linear momentum (quantity of motion) and energy. There are two fundamental types of collisions: elastic and inelastic.

Elastic collision. An elastic collision is a collision in which there is no loss of kinetic energy in the system. Both the linear momentum and the kinetic energy remain constant. Elastic collisions occur when objects collide and bounce off each other without any change in their shapes. Collisions of billiard balls or collisions between subatomic particles are good examples of elastic collisions.

Inelastic collision. An inelastic collision is a type of collision in which the kinetic energy is not conserved. In an inelastic collision the internal forces do work, so the kinetic energy of the system no longer remains constant. The main characteristic of this type of collision is that there is a dissipation of energy. Although the kinetic energy is not conserved, the total linear momentum of the system is conserved.

The study of collisions has applications in various areas of physics and engineering, such as in automotive mechanics, particle dynamics in nuclear physics, the collision of subatomic particles in particle physics, and in the design and analysis of safety systems in automobiles and other devices.

Below are several simulations and other educational resources, which can also serve as very illustrative examples. In addition, a selection of books and courses is included to help you broaden your knowledge of this subject.

Inelastic
Elastic
Explosion
Curling
Lab

Inelastic collision

In this simulation, the two balls remain together after the collision. You can change the mass and velocity of the balls. See what happens to the energy and the amount of motion (momentum) before and after the collision.

Elastic collision

In this simulation, the two balls have an elastic collision. You can change the mass and velocity of the balls. See what happens to the energy and the amount of motion (momentum) before and after the collision.

Explosion

In this simulation, the two balls separate simulating an explosion. You can change the mass of the balls and the amount of energy supplied. See what happens to the energy and the amount of motion (momentum) before and after the explosion.

Curling stones

Collision Lab

Investigate a simple 1D collision and more complex 2D collisions. Experiment with the number of balls, their masses and their initial conditions. Vary the elasticity and observe how the total momentum and kinetic energy change during collisions.