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Collision Speed Calculator

Formula

The formula to calculate the collision speed is:

$\text{CS} = \left| \frac{m_1 \cdot v_1 + m_2 \cdot v_2}{m_1 + m_2} \right|$

Where:

CS – The collision speed (m/s).
m1 – The mass of object 1 (kg).
v1 – The velocity of object 1 (m/s).
m2 – The mass of object 2 (kg).
v2 – The velocity of object 2 (m/s).

Definition

Collision Speed: The speed at which two objects move together after a perfectly inelastic collision, where they stick together and move as a single object. This speed is a result of the conservation of momentum, assuming no external forces act on the system of the two objects. It is an important concept in physics, particularly in the study of momentum and collisions.

Example

Let's say the mass of object 1 is 5 kg, its velocity is 3 m/s, the mass of object 2 is 10 kg, and its velocity is -2 m/s. Using the formula:

$\text{CS} = \left| \frac{(5 \times 3) + (10 \times -2)}{5 + 10} \right| = \left| \frac{15 - 20}{15} \right| = \left| \frac{-5}{15} \right| = 0.33 \, \text{m/s}$

So, the collision speed is 0.33 m/s.