Linear Collisions of Two Disks

mass of A

5

mass of B

10

initial velocity of A

5

initial velocity of B

-5

coefficient of elasticity

0.5

time

This Demonstration illustrates direct linear impact of two disks and the relationship between their masses, velocities, and the coefficient of elasticity. The velocity vectors of disks A and B are shown before and after impact by red and green vectors, respectively. Interesting variations to try are (1) A and B with the same mass and equal (but opposite) velocities, (2) disk B with zero initial velocity, and (3) coefficient of elasticity equal to 0.