Momentum and Energy in Elastic Collisions (HSC SSCE Physics): Flashcards

Total kinetic energy conserved before and after

Both momentum and kinetic energy

$m_1 u_1 + m_2 u_2 = m_1 v_1 + m_2 v_2$

$\sum \frac{1}{2}mv^2$ before = $\sum \frac{1}{2}mv^2$ after

$u_1 + v_1 = v_2 + u_2$

Objects swap velocities

Rebounds: same speed, opposite direction

No friction, heat, or sound losses

Approximately elastic

$v_1 = 2u_2 - u_1$