1. What is Coefficient of Restitution?

The coefficient of restitution (e) is a measure of the elasticity of collisions between two objects. It represents the ratio of relative velocities after and before impact, indicating how much kinetic energy is conserved during a collision.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the coefficient of restitution formula:

Where:

• \( e \) — Coefficient of restitution (dimensionless, 0-1)
• \( v_{1i} \) — Initial velocity of object 1 (m/s)
• \( v_{2i} \) — Initial velocity of object 2 (m/s)
• \( v_{1f} \) — Final velocity of object 1 (m/s)
• \( v_{2f} \) — Final velocity of object 2 (m/s)

Explanation: The formula calculates the ratio of relative separation velocity to relative approach velocity during a collision.

3. Importance of Coefficient of Restitution

Details: The coefficient of restitution is crucial in physics and engineering for analyzing collisions, designing sports equipment, understanding vehicle crash dynamics, and studying planetary impacts.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter all velocity values in meters per second (m/s). Ensure the denominator (v₁ᵢ - v₂ᵢ) is not zero. Values range from 0 (perfectly inelastic) to 1 (perfectly elastic).

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What does e = 0 mean?
A: e = 0 indicates a perfectly inelastic collision where objects stick together after impact and move with common velocity.

Q2: What does e = 1 mean?
A: e = 1 indicates a perfectly elastic collision where kinetic energy is conserved and objects rebound with reversed relative velocity.

Q3: What are typical e values for common materials?
A: Glass balls: ~0.95, Steel balls: ~0.8-0.9, Wood: ~0.5, Clay: ~0.1-0.3.

Q4: Does temperature affect coefficient of restitution?
A: Yes, temperature can affect material properties and thus the coefficient of restitution, particularly in rubber and polymer materials.

Q5: Can e be greater than 1?
A: No, e > 1 would violate energy conservation laws as it would imply more energy after collision than before.