Conservation of Momentum and Energy

In an elastic collision, both momentum and kinetic energy are conserved. The objects bounce off each other, maintaining the total energy of the system.

Box 1 (Blue)

10
5

Box 2 (Red)

10
-2
Positive Direction →0100200300400500600700800900100011001200130014001500160017001800190020002100220023002400250026002700280029003000310032003300340035003600370038003900400041004200430044004500460047004800490050005100520053005400550056005700580059006000610062006300640065006600670068006900700071007200730074007500760077007800790080008100820083008400850086008700880089009000910092009300940095009600970098009900m₁: 10 kgv₁: 5.00 m/sm₂: 10 kgv₂: -2.00 m/s

Momentum Conservation

Formula: p = m₁v₁ + m₂v₂
Initial Momentum:0.00 kg·m/s
Final Momentum:0.00 kg·m/s
Difference:0.00 kg·m/s
Momentum is conserved

Kinetic Energy

Formula: KE = ½m₁v₁² + ½m₂v₂²
Initial Energy:0.00 J
Final Energy:0.00 J
Difference:0.00 J
Energy is conserved (elastic collision)

How to use this simulation:

  1. Set the masses and initial velocities for both boxes using the sliders
  2. Choose between elastic or inelastic collision
  3. Use the zoom controls to adjust your view if needed
  4. Click "Start Simulation" to see the collision
  5. Observe how momentum and energy are affected
  6. Negative velocity means moving to the left, positive to the right
  7. For same-direction collisions (e.g., both boxes moving right but at different speeds), you may need to zoom out to see the entire simulation