1D Collisions

Interactive simulation — adjust parameters and watch the visualization update in real time.

How it works

One-dimensional collision with coefficient of restitution e: relative speed after along the line of centers is −e times the relative speed before. e = 1 elastic, e = 0 perfectly inelastic (sticking). Momentum is conserved if no external impulse.

Key equations

v₁′ = v₁ − (1+e)m₂(v₁−v₂)/(m₁+m₂)
v₂′ = v₂ + (1+e)m₁(v₁−v₂)/(m₁+m₂)