1D Collisions: Coefficient of Restitution e

One mass at rest, measured v₁′ and v₂′, e = −(v₂′−v₁′)/v₁.

School· 20 min·Related simulator: 1D Collisions

Goal

Estimate e from a series of runs.

Equipment

  • Air track (sim)

Theory

e = (v2f - v1f) / (v1i) for m2 initially at rest, one-dimensional.

Procedure

  1. Run collisions; v₁,v₂ recorded with noise.

Experiment

Conclusion

e matches the inelastic preset.