Oblique Wall Impact

This interactive simulator explores Oblique Wall Impact in Classical Mechanics. One tilted segment: e, angles to normal n, open boundaries vs closed Wall Bounce. Use the controls to change the scenario; watch the visualization and any graphs or readouts to connect the model with lectures, labs, and homework.

Who it's for: Suited to beginners and first exposure to the topic. Typical context: Classical Mechanics.

Key terms

  • oblique
  • wall
  • impact
  • oblique wall bounce
  • mechanics
  • classical

Live graphs

How it works

Unlike the closed box in Wall Bounce, this lab shows a single flat segment with adjustable tilt. A puck approaches from the left; the wall normal n is drawn at the center. Impulses are normal-only: the tangential component of velocity is unchanged, while the normal component is reversed and scaled by the coefficient of restitution e. With e = 1 kinetic energy is conserved and the acute angle to n matches before and after; with e < 1 the outgoing speed along n is smaller and total K drops.

Key equations

v′ = v − (1+e)(v·n)n  ·  v·n < 0 (approaching)
v′_n = −e v_n  ·  v′_t = v_t  (smooth wall)