1D Collisions: Coefficient of Restitution e
One mass at rest, measured v₁′ and v₂′, e = −(v₂′−v₁′)/v₁.
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
- Run collisions; v₁,v₂ recorded with noise.
Experiment
Conclusion
e matches the inelastic preset.