NOTE

P H Y S I C S

COLLISIONS
CONSERVATION OF LINEAR MOMENTUM

What you already know What you will learn

• Kinematics • Conservation of momentum

• Newton’s laws of motion • Impulse
• Circular motion
• Work, power and energy
• Centre of mass

NEET
Conservation of Linear Momentum

If all the external forces acting on a system add up to zero, the linear momentum of the system
remains constant. This is known as the principle of conservation of linear momentum (PCLM).

  dpsys
= Fnet = (
∑ Fext sys dt )

When ∑ Fext (
= 0, ) sys

 
pinitial = p final

In any particular direction, if the external forces acting on the system add up to zero, the linear
momentum will be conserved along that direction only.
Example: If the external forces acting on the system add up to zero along the x-axis, the linear
momentum of the system remains constant along the x-axis.

 
(
If ∑ Fext ) system
= ( p f )
0 ⇒ ( pi ) system =
system

  
(
If ∑ Fext ) x
=
0 (
If ∑ Fext ) y
=
0 ( )=
If ∑ Fext 0
z

( p f )
⇒ ( pi ) x =
x

( p f )
⇒ ( pi ) y =
y

( p )
⇒ (p ) =
i z f z

The momentum is The momentum is The momentum is

conserved along the x-axis. conserved along the y-axis. conserved along the z-axis.

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 02

A body of mass 1000 kg is moving horizontally with a velocity 50 ms-1. A mass of 250 kg is
added suddenly. Find the final velocity.

(A) 40 ms-1 (B) 20 ms-1 (C) 30 2 ms -1 (D) 50 ms-1

Solution

As the net external force acting on the mass is zero, we can use the principle of conservation of
linear momentum (PCLM).

(
As ∑ Fext = 0,) sys

 
pinitial = p final

⇒ m1v1 = ( m1 + m2 ) v2

⇒ 1000 × 50 = (1000 + 250)v2

⇒ v2 = 40 ms -1
Thus, option (A) is the correct answer.

vS
A bullet of mass 10 g moving with 300 ms-1 hits a block of vB, MB
steel of mass 5 kg and drops dead. What is the velocity MS
of the block?

(A) 50 cm s-1 (B) 60 cm s-1 (C) 40 cm s-1 (D) 30 cm s-1

Solution

Consider the bullet and the block together as a single system.

Let vB be the velocity of the bullet and vS be the velocity of the block achieved after it gets hit by the
bullet. As there is no external force acting on this system, we can use the principle of conservation
of linear momentum. vS
Initial momentum of the system is as follows:
pi = ( MB × vB ) + ( MS × 0) MB
MS
Final momentum of the system is as follows:
p f = ( M B × 0 ) + ( M S × vS )
However,
pi = p f
⇒ ( 0.01 × 300) + 0 = ( 0.01 × 0 ) + (5 × vs )
0.01 × 300
⇒ vs =
5
⇒ v s 0=
= .6 ms -1 60 cm s -1
Thus, option (B) is the correct answer.

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 03

A bullet of mass 200 g is fired by a gun of mass 100 kg. If the muzzle speed of the bullet is
80 ms-1, calculate the recoil speed of the gun.

(A) -16 cm s-1 (B) 8 cm s-1 (C) 4 cm s-1 (D) 16 cm s-1

Solution

Consider the gun and the bullet together as a single system.

Let vG be the recoil velocity of the gun and vB be the velocity of the bullet. As there is no external
force acting on this system, we can use the principle of conservation of linear momentum.
Initial momentum of the system is as follows:
pi = 0
pi = p f
Final momentum of the system is as follows:
= ( MG × vG ) + ( MB × vB )
⇒p0f =

⇒Thus,
MG vG = - MB vB
pi = p f
0.2 × 80
⇒ vG = -
⇒ 0 = ( M100G × vG ) + ( M B × v B )

vG =
⇒⇒ = -ms
MG-v0G .16 - 16 cm s -1
MB-1vB=

0.2 × 80
⇒ vG = -
100
⇒ vG =
- 0.16 ms -1 =
- 16 cm s -1
Thus, option (A) is the correct answer.

A gun of mass 10 kg fires 4 bullets per second. The mass of each bullet is 20 g and the velocity
of the bullet when it leaves the gun is 300 ms-1. What is the average force per second required
to hold the gun in place while firing?

(A) 6 N (B) 8 N (C) 24 N (D) 240 N

Solution

When a bullet is fired, the reaction force acts on the gun. To hold the gun, we need to apply some
force on it. This force will be equal to the rate of change of momentum of the gun.
Let vG be the recoil velocity of the gun and vB be the velocity of the bullet. Let m be the mass of
the bullet and M be the mass of the gun. By Newton’s second law of motion, the net external force
applied is equal to the rate of change of momentum of the system.
The initial momentum of the gun and the bullet is zero as they are stationary.
pinitial = 0
Final momentum of n bullets is as follows:
pB = nmvB

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 04

Thus, the final momentum of the system is as follows:

pfinal = pB = nmvB
Force applied is as follows:
Change in momentum of the system
F=
1 second
= nmvB - 0
= 4 × 0.02 × 300
= 24 N
Thus, option (C) is the correct answer.

Impulse


The change in the momentum of the system due to the action of a force (F ) for an infinitesimal
J
amount of time is known as impulse ( ) given by the force (F ) to the system.
Consider a force F which is applied on a football of mass m for time dt.
Mass = m

F
Time = dt

Initial velocity = vi Final velocity = vf

   
pi = mvi p f = mv f
Impulse is given as follows:
    
J=∫ dt =
F p f - pi =∆p

Impulse applied to an object in a given time interval is area under curve of the force vs time (F-t)
graph for the same time interval.
F
 
Area = ∫ F dt = ∆ p
Impulsive force: A force acting for a very short interval of time is
known as an impulsive force. This force causes significant change
in momentum.

A ball of mass 150 g starts moving with an acceleration of a

20 ms-2 when hit by a force, which acts on it for 0.1 s. What m
is the impulsive force? F

(A) 0.5 Ns (B) 0.1 Ns (C) 0.3 Ns (D) 1.2 Ns

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 05

Solution

Impulse is calculated as follows:

    
J=∫ dt =
F p f - pi =∆p

Thus,
J=m×a×t
= 0.15 × 20 × 0.1
= 0.3 Ns
Thus, option (C) is the correct answer.

A 100 g iron ball having the velocity 10 ms-1 collides with a wall at an angle 30° and rebounds
at the same angle. If the period of contact between the ball and the wall is 0.1 second, then
what is the force experienced by the wall?

(A) 10 N (B) 100 N (C) 1 N (D) 0.1 N

Solution

Consider the wall and the ball together as a system. The force on the wall will be equal to the
change in the momentum of the ball.
The horizontal component of the initial momentum of the ball is mv cos 60° and the vertical
component is mv sin 60°. After the collision, the vertical component remains the same and the
horizontal component becomes -mv cos 60°.
Force is calculated as follows:
∆p p f - pi
F
= = y
∆t ∆t
-mv cos 60° Fwall
-mv cos 60 - mv cos 60
= x
∆t 60°
mv cos 60°
1 60°
2 × 0.1 × 10 ×
2 30°
= -
0.1
= -10 N

The change of momentum will act as a force on the wall in the opposite direction.
Thus, option (A) is the correct answer.

A bullet is fired from a gun. The force on the bullet is given by, F = 600 − 2 × 105 t, where F is
in newton and t is in second. The force on the bullet becomes zero as soon as it leaves the
barrel. What is the average impulse imparted to the bullet?

(A) 9 Ns (B) 0 Ns (C) 0.9 Ns (D) 1.8 Ns

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 06

Solution

Here, the force on the bullet becomes zero as soon as it leaves the barrel.
By equating the force to zero to get the time, we get the following:
0 = 600 − 2 × 105 t,
Thus, t = 300 × 10-5 s
As the force is variable, impulse needs to be found by integrating the force.
3×10-3
J=∫ F dt
0

(600 - 2 × 10 t ) dt
3×10-3
⇒J
= ∫
5
0

3 × 10 -3
 2 × 105 t 2 
⇒=J 600t - 
 2 0

 ( ) 
2
2 × 105 × 3 × 10-3
J
⇒=  -3
600 × 3 × 10 - -0
 2 
 

⇒J=0.9 Ns
Thus, option (C) is the correct answer.

F(N)
6
A force F acting on a particle of mass m is indicated by 3
the given force vs time graph. What is the change in 0
momentum of the particle over the time interval from 2 4 6 8
t(s)
0 s to 8 s? -3

(A) 12 Ns (B) 6 Ns (C) 24 Ns (D) 20 Ns

Solution

We know that the algebraic sum of the areas under the F−t
F(N)
graph gives the value of impulse. Take the area above the
x-axis as positive and below as negative. 6
Divide the graph into three segments: A1, A2, and A3 so that 3
the area is calculated easily. A A3
0 1
Change in momentum, ∆p = Impulse 2 A 4 6 8
2 t(s)
∆p = Area under the F−t graph = A1 + A2 + A3 -3
∆p = (0.5 × 2 × 6) + (2 × -3) + (4 × 3)
∆p = 12 Ns
Thus, option (A) is the correct answer.

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 07

F(N)

A body of mass 2 kg has an initial speed of 5 ms-1. 4

A force acts on it for some time in the direction of
motion. The force vs time graph is shown in the figure. 2.5
What is the final speed of the body?
0
2 4 4.5 6.5 t(s)

(A) 9.25 ms-1 (B) 5 ms-1 (C) 14.31 ms-1 (D) 4.25 ms-1

Solution

We know that the algebraic sum of the areas under the F-t graph gives the value of impulse. Take
the area above the x-axis as positive and below as negative.
Divide the graph into four segments: A1, A2, A3, and A4 so that the area is calculated easily.
Change in momentum (∆p) = Impulse F(N)
(∆p) = mvf - mvi = Area under the F−t graph = A1 + A2 + A3 + A4
m(vf - vi) = (0.5 × 2 × 4) + (2 × 4) + [0.5 × (4 + 2.5) × 0.5] + (2 × 2.5) 4
2(vf - 5) = 4 + 8 + 1.625 + 5 = 18.625 Ns
18.625 2.5
v f= 5 + A1 A2 A3 A4
2 0
2 4 4.5 6.5 t(s)
vf = 14.31 ms-1
Thus, option (C) is the correct answer.

x(m)

6
In the given figure, the position vs time graph of a particle of 4
mass 0.1 kg is shown. What is the impulse at t = 2 s? 2

2 4 6 t(s)

(A) 0.2 kg ms-1 (B) -0.2 kg ms-1 (C) 0.1 kg ms-1 (D) -0.4 kg ms-1

Solution

Velocity is the slope of the position vs time graph.

We have,
Change in momentum (∆p) = Impulse
J = mvf - mvi

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 08

4-0 x(m)
Slope 1= v=i
2-0 Slope 1
6
2 v=
Slope = f 0 Slope 2
4
 4 2
⇒ J =  0 -  × 0.1
 2

⇒ J =- 0.2 kgms -1 2 4 6 t(s)

Thus, option (B) is the correct answer.

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DIMENTIONS OF HEADER

NOTE
P H Y S I C S

COLLISIONS
ELASTIC COLLISION IN ONE DIMENSION

What you already know What you will learn

• Conservation of momentum • Collision

• Impulse • Line of impact
• Types of collision

Collision

Collision is an event in which an impulsive force acts between two or more bodies for a short
interval of time that results in the change of their momenta.
During the collision, the following conditions are applicable.
• The particles may or may not be in physical contact.
• The effects of non-impulsive forces (like gravity) are not taken into account.
• The time interval is considered small due to the impulsive nature of the forces.

Line of impact
N12 N21 LOI
During the collision, the common normal to the
involved surfaces is known as the line of impact.
The maximum impact during the collision acts
along this line on both the bodies.

Classification of Collision

On the basis of line of impact

1. Head-on collision
LOI
In a head-on collision, the velocity of the particles are
along the same line before and after the collision.

2. Oblique collision LOI

In an oblique collision, the velocity of the particles are
along different lines before and after the collision.

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 02

On the basis of kinetic energy conservation

1. Elastic collision
The kinetic energy is conserved during elastic collisions, i.e., the initial kinetic energy of the
system will be equal to the final kinetic energy of the system.
2. Inelastic collision
• The particles do not retain their shape and size completely after the collision.
• The kinetic energy is not conserved.
• The law of conservation of the linear momentum holds good in inelastic collision.
3. Perfectly inelastic collision
In a perfectly inelastic collision, the velocity of separation along the line of impact is zero.
The body will deform and will not be able to regain its shape completely.

Elastic Collision in One Dimension

To understand elastic collision in one dimension, consider two balls of masses m1 and m2 that
are moving with velocities u1 and u2, respectively, in the same direction such that u1 > u2. Let the
velocities of the balls after the collision be v1 and v2.
u1 u2 (u1 > u2) v1 v2

m1 m2 m1 m2

TThe
hemomentum
momentumisisconserved
conservedthroughout
throughoutthe
thecollision.
collision.Thus,
Thus,we
weget
getthe
thefollowing:
following:
mm
1uu
1 + m2u2 = m1v1 + m2v2
1 1 + m2u2 = m1v1 + m2v2

By
Byrearran
rearranging
gingthe terms,wweeget
theterms, getthe followwiningg: :
thefollo

1 (u
mm ) ) mm2 2( v( 2v2−−uu2 )2 )........
1 − v1= ........( i()i )
1 ( u1 − v1=

The
Theinitial
initialkinetic
kineticenergy
energyand
andthe
thefinal kinetic
finalkine ticenergy
energyisissame.
same.Thus,
Thus,we
weget
getthe
thefollowing:
following:
11 2 2 11 2 2 11 2 2 11 2 2
m1u1 + m2u2 = m1v1 + m2v2
22 m1u1 +22 m2u2 =22 m1v1 +22 m2v2

⇒mm
⇒ 1uu
1 + m2u2 = m1v1 + m2v2
2 2 2 2
1 1 + m2u2 = m1v1 + m2v2
2 2 2 2

⇒mm
⇒ 1 uu
1
2
2
1
((
1 −−v1
v=
2
))
m2 v22 2− u22 2
1 = m2 v2 − u2
2 (( ))
1 (u
⇒mm
⇒ 1 + v1 ) ( u1 − v1 =
) ) mm2 2( v( 2v2++uu2 )2 )( v( 2v2−−uu2 )2 ).........
.........( ii( ii) )
1 ( u1 + v1 ) ( u1 − v1 =

By
Bydividing equation( ii( ii) )by
dividingequation equation( i()i ,) ,we
byequation weget
getthe
thefollowi
following:
ng:
(u(u1 1++v1v1) )==( v( 2v2++uu2 )2 )
⇒uu
⇒ 1 −−uu
1
2 ==
2
v2v −−v1v
2 1

This
Thisshows
showsthat thatininthe
theelastic
elasticone
onedimensional
dimensionalcollision,
collision,relative
relativevelocity
velocitybefore
beforeand
andafter
after
the
thecollision
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collisionisisequal.
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equal.
 03

This shows that in the elastic one dimensional collision, relative velocity before and after the
collision is equal.
It can also be said that the velocity of approach is equal to the velocity of separation.

Two particles of masses 2 kg and 3 kg that are moving in the same direction on a frictionless
surface collide elastically with velocities 5 ms−1 and 2 ms−1, respectively. What are their
velocities after the collision?
5 ms−1 2 ms−1
μ=0 7
2 kg
(A) ms −1 and 3 kg22 ms −1
5 5
7 22 7 22
(A) ms and−1
ms −1
(A) 15ms −1and
−1
21ms −1
−1
5 5 (B) 5 ms and5 ms
4 4
715 −1 −1 and2221 ms 15 21
(A) msms
−1
(B) and ms −1 (B) ms −1
and −1 ms
−1

5 4 5 4 (C) 74ms −1
and 8 ms4
(C) 715ms −1 −1and 8 ms
21
−1
(D)
(C) 7 8 ms −1
2 ms −−11 and 5 −1
(B) ms and ms −1
4 −1 4 −1
(D) 2 ms and 5 ms (D) 2 ms −1 and 5 ms −1
7 ms −1 and 8 ms −1
(C)Solution

(D) 2 ms −1 and 5 ms −1
Let the velocity of the ball with the mass of 2 kg be v1 and that of the ball with the mass of 3 kg be
v2 after the collision. Let their velocities before the collision be u1 and u2, respectively.

v1 After collision v2
μ=0
2 kg 3 kg

As the collision is elastic, the velocity of approach is equal to the velocity of separation.
Thus, we get the following:
u1 − u2 = v2 − v1

⇒ 5 − 2 = v2 − v1

3 ....... ( i )
⇒ v2 − v1 =

From principle of conservation of momentum, we get the following:

m1u1 + m2u2 = m1v1 + m2v2

⇒ ( 2)(5) + (3)( 2) =
(2) v1 + (3) v2
16......... ( ii )
⇒ 2v1 + 3v2 =

By multiplying equation ( i ) by 2 and adding it with ( ii ) , we get the following:

3v2 + 2v=
2 16 + 6

22
⇒ v2 = ms −1
5
By substituting value of v2 in equation ( i ) , we get the following:
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 3vv22 +
3
04
+22vv=
=
2
2
16+
16 +6 6
22
22 ms −−11
⇒ vv22 =
⇒ = 5 ms
5
By
By substitu
substitutting
ing value of vv22 in
value of in equat ion (( ii )) ,, we
equation we get
get the
the followi
followin
ng:
g:
7
7 ms −−11
vv1 =
= ms
1 5
5
Thus, option (A) is the correct answer.

A ball of mass 1 kg is moving with velocity u towards another ball of mass m that is at rest.
After the collision, the velocity of the 1 kg ball is u in the opposite direction of the velocity
3
of mass m. Assuming that the collision is elastic, find the value of m.

NEET

Solution
Before collision
u Rest
Given,
u1 = u, u2 = 0 μ = 0 1 kg m
u
v1 = − , v2 = v
3
As the collision is elastic, the velocity of approach After collision
is equal to the velocity of separation.
u
Thus, we get the following: 3 v
u1 − u2 = v2 − v1 μ=0 m
1 kg
 u
⇒u − 0= v − − 
 3
2u
⇒ v = ....... ( i )
3
From the principle of conservation of momentum, we get the following:
m1u1 + m=
2u2 m1v1 + m2v2

u
⇒ (1)( u ) + ( m )( 0) = (1)  −
 + ( m) v
 3
u
⇒ u =− + mv
3
4u
⇒m =
3v
By substituting the value of v from equation ( i ) , we get the following:

4u 3
m= × = 2 kg
3 2u

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 NOTE
P H Y S I C S

COLLISIONS
INELASTIC COLLISION IN ONE DIMENSION

What you already know What you will learn

• Collision • Elastic collision in one dimension

For any collision, momentum is conserved. Thus,
• Line of impact • Special cases of elastic collision
we get the following :
• Types of collision • Perfectly inelastic collision
m1u1 + m2u2 = m1v1 + m2v2 .....(i )
For elastic collision, kinetic energy is conserved.
Thus,
Elastic Collision in One we get the following :
Dimension
KE i = KE f
Consider collision of two balls of unequal masses m1 and 1 m2, moving
1 with initial
1 velocities
1 u2 1 and u2,
⇒ the
respectively, in the same direction such that u1 > u2. Let m1uvelocities
1 +
2
m2uof
2 =
2
the m 1v1 after
balls
2
+ mthe .....(ii )
2v2 collision
2 2 2 2
be v1 and v2. Following equations can be written for Inthis
thecase (perfectly
elastic elastic collision):
one - dimensional collision, the
u1 u2 v1
relative velocities before vand 2 after collsion are
equal.
m1 m2 ⇒ u1 - um2 = v2 - v1 .....(iii ) m2
1
Final velocities after collision :
From equation (iii ), we get the following :
v2 = u1 - u2 + v1
For any collision, momentum is conserved. Thus, Substituting value of v2 in equation (i ),
we get the following : m1u1 + m2u2= m1v1 + m2 (u1 - u2 + v1 )
m1u1 + m2u2 = m1v1 + m2v2 .....(i ) ⇒ m1u1 + m2u2 = m1v1 + m2u1 - m2u2 + m2v1
For elastic collision, kinetic energy is conserved. ⇒ m1u1 + m2u2 + m2u2 - m2u1 = v1 (m1 + m2 )
Thus, we get the following : ⇒ (m1 - m2 ) u1 + 2m2u2 = (m1 + m2 ) v1
KE i = KE f (m1 - m2 ) 2m2
⇒ v1
= u1 + u2 .....(iv )
1 1 1 1 (m1 + m2 ) (m1 + m2 )
⇒ m1u12 + m2u22 = m1v12 + m2v22 .....(ii )
2 2 2 2 Similarly, we get formula for v2 as follows :
In the elastic one - dimensional collision, the (m2 - m1 ) 2m1
=
relative velocities before and after collsion are v2 u2 + u1 .....(v )
(m1 + m2 ) (m1 + m2 )
equal. When the two colliding masses are equal
⇒ u1 - u2 = v2 - v1 .....(iii ) (m = m ) , we get the following :
1 2
Final velocities after collision : =v1 u=
2 and v2 u1
From equation (iii ), we get the following : This shows that when two equal masses
v2 = u1 - u2 + v1 collide elastically, they interchange their
Substituting value of v2 in equation (i ), velocities.
m1u1 + m2u2= m1v1 + m2 (u1 - u2 + v1 )
⇒ m u + m u = m v + m2u1 - m2u2 + m2v1
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1 1 2 2 1 1
 02

Two identical particles of mass m, moving along the same line with velocities +3 ms-1 and −5 ms-1,
respectively, collide elastically. What will be their respective velocities after the collision?

(A) +4 ms-1 for both (B) −3 ms-1 and +5 ms-1 (C) −4 ms-1 and +4 ms-1 (D) −5 ms-1 and +3 ms-1

Solution

We know that, when two bodies of equal masses collide head on elastically, their velocities are
mutually interchanged.
u1 v1 v2 u2

Initial velocities are as follows:

u1 = 3 ms -1 and u2 = -5 ms -1
Thus, the final velocities are as follows:
v1 = -5 ms -1 and v2 = 3 ms -1
Thus, option (D) is the correct answer.

2v A v

Two objects of equal masses are moving in a circular path with a

constant speed as shown in the figure. After how many collisions
will they meet again at 𝐴?

(A) 1 (B) 2 (C) 3 (D) 4

Solution

We know that if the masses are equal and the collision is elastic, their velocities get mutually
interchanged.
2v v
A A

1 2v v 2
v 2v

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 03

The objects with speeds v and 2v will cover one-third and two-third of the total distance, respectively
till they collide for the first time at point 1. After collision, bodies interchange their velocities and the
same distance will be travelled for the second collision at point 2. After the second collision they
again interchange their velocities to get their initial velocities, and hence they will meet at point A.
Thus, option (B) is the correct answer.

If target particle is massive:

Let m2 be the target particle and m1 be the projectile particle, and (m2 >> m1), then,
v1 = -u1 + 2u2 and v2 = u2
If m2 is at rest initially, i.e., u2 = 0, then v1 = -u1 and v2 = 0. i.e., when a light particle collides
head on elastically with a very heavy particle at rest, the light particle recoils with almost
same speed while the heavy target remains practically at rest.
If projectile particle is massive:
Let m2 be the target particle and m1 be the projectile particle, and (m1 >> m2), then,
v1 = u1 and v2 = 2u1 - u2
If m2 is at rest initially, i.e., u2 = 0, then v1 = u1 and v2 = 2u1. i.e., when a heavy particle collides
head on elastically with a light target particle at rest, the motion of heavy projectile is
almost unaffected while the light body flies away at speed twice that of heavier.

A particle of mass m is moving with u2 = 4 ms-1

a horizontal speed 6 ms-1 as shown u1 = 6 ms -1

in the figure. If m ≪ M, then for a one

dimensional elastic collision, what will m M
be the speed of the lighter particle
after collision?

(A) 2 ms-1 in original direction (B) 2 ms-1 opposite to the original direction
(C) 4 ms-1 opposite to the original direction (D) 4 ms-1 in original direction

Solution

We know that when a light particle collides head on elastically with a massive particle, after collision,
velocities of the particles are as follows:
v1 = -u1 + 2u2 and v2 = u2
Thus,
v1 = -6 + 2 × 4
= 2 ms-1
Thus, option (A) is the correct answer.

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 04

A ball is moving with a speed of 2 ms-1

towards a heavy wall that is moving
towards the ball with a speed of 1 ms-1 2 ms-1 1 ms-1 v1 ms-1 1 ms-1
as shown in the figure. Assuming the
collision to be elastic, find the speed of
the ball immediately after the collision.
Before Collision After Collision

(A) 1 m (B) 2 m (C) 3 m (D) 4 m

Solution

Here, the mass of the ball is very small when compared to the wall.
Hence, the velocity of the ball after collision can be found by using the following formula:
v1 = -u1 + 2u2
= -2 + 2 × (-1)
= -4 ms-1
Thus, option (D) is the correct answer.

Perfectly Inelastic Collision

Following are the salient features of a perfectly inelastic collision:

• The objects stick together in a perfectly inelastic collision.
• KEinitial > KEfinal, because some part of kinetic energy is lost in deformation.
• Linear momentum is always constant.
Consider collision of two bodies of unequal masses, m1 and m2, which are moving with velocities
u1 and u2, respectively, in the same direction such that u1 > u2. Let the collision be inelastic and the
masses stick together after the collision. We can consider it as a system. Let the velocity of the
system be us. Following equations can be written for this case:
u1, m1 u2, m2 us, (m1 + m2)

For any collision, linear momentum is always constant, i.e.,

pinitial = p final

( m1 + m2 )us
⇒ m1u1 + m2u2 =

m1u1 + m2u2
⇒ us =
m1 + m2

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 05

A bullet of mass 1 kg and velocity 300 ms-1 hits an object of mass 9 kg inelastically and lodges
in it. Find the velocity of the object after the collision.

(A) 30 ms-1 (B) 45 ms-1 (C) 25 ms-1 (D) 35 ms-1

Solution vs , ms
vo , mo
vB , mB

Let the mass of the bullet be mB and the mass of the object be mo. Let the bullet move with velocity
vB. The collision is inelastic, that's why the bullet and object stick together after the collision. We can
consider it as a system. Let the velocity of the system be vs.
We know that when a collision is perfectly inelastic, we get the following:
m v + mo vo
vs = B B
mB + mo
(1 × 300) + (9 × 0)
⇒ vs =
1+9
⇒ vs =
30 ms -1
Thus, option (A) is the correct answer.

A bullet of mass 100 gm and velocity 300 ms-1 hits a ballistic pendulum of mass 900 gm and
lodges in it. When the bullet hits the pendulum, it swings up from the equilibrium position and
rises to height h. Determine the value of h.

(A) 10 m (B) 45 m (C) 4.5 m (D) 20 m

NEET

Solution

Let the mass of the bullet be mB and the mass

of the pendulum be mp. Let the bullet move with
velocity vB. Let the collision be inelastic, hence vB , mB
h
the bullet and pendulum stick together after the
collision. We can consider it as a system. Let the
velocity of the system be vS.

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 06

We know that when a collision is perfectly inelastic, we get the following:

m v + mp v p
vS = B B
mB + mp
(0.1 × 300) + (0.9 × 0)
⇒ vS =
0.1 + 0.9
⇒ vS =
30 ms -1
By using principle ofconservation of mechanical energy, and considering equilibrium position
of pendulum as datum for potential energy, we get the following:
1
mS vS2 = mS gh
2
vS2
⇒h =
2g
302
h
⇒= = 45 m
20
Thus, option (B) is the correct answer.

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 01

NOTE
P H Y S I C S

COLLISIONS
OBLIQUE COLLISIONS AND VARIABLE
MASS SYSTEM

What you already know What you will learn

• Collision • Coefficient of restitution

• Line of impact • Real-world inelastic collision
• Types of collision • Oblique collision

Coefficient of Restitution (e)

It is the ratio of the impulses of reformation (Jr) and deformation (Jd) of either body undergoing
collision.
It can be mathematically written as follows: u1 u2

e
=
Jr
=
∫ F dt
r
Before collision
Jd ∫ F dt
d

Coefficient of restitution signifies how much

deformation has happened to bodies due to v v
collision.
During collision
Its value can be maximum 1 and minimum 0. N12 N21
Let two balls be moving with velocities u1 and
u2 in the same direction as shown in figure. The
balls deform and reform their shapes at the v1 v2
time of collision. At an instant, when there will
be maximum deformation, both the balls will After collision
have the same velocity v. Let the balls separate
with velocities v1 and v2 after collision.
As per Newton's law of collision, coefficient of restitution (e) can be written as follows:
J r vsep
e =
=
J d vapp
Here,
vsep = v2 – v1
And, vapp = u1 – u2
Thus,
v − v1
e= 2
u1 − u2
For perfectly elastic collision, e = 1
For perfectly inelastic collision, e = 0

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 02

Real-World Inelastic Collision

Consider a ball colliding with a horizontal surface. If the collision is perfectly elastic, the ball will
bounce back to its original position. If the collision is perfectly inelastic, the ball will stick to the
surface.

Perfectly elastic collision Partially inelastic collision Perfectly inelastic collision

e=1 0<e<1 e=0

In the real world, perfectly elastic (e = 1) or perfectly inelastic (e = 0) collisions are rarely possible. Due
to slight deformation of bodies in the real world, the coefficient of restitution always lies between
0 to 1 (0 < e < 1).
As shown in the figure, when the ball collides, such that 0 < e < 1, it will bounce back but would not
reach its original position.

Velocity of a particle in real-world inelastic collision

Consider a ball that hits the ground with a velocity u in the downward direction. Let the velocity
after the collision be v.
Thus,
v1 = v and u1 = u
As the ground will remain always at rest, v2 = 0 and u2 = 0
Coefficient of restitution in this collision is given as follows:
v2 − v1
e=
u1 − u2

By substituting the values of velocities, we get the following:

0− v
e=
u−0

⇒ v =− eu

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 03

u = 5 ms‒1
A ball is moving with a velocity of 5 ms‒1 in the
downward direction as shown in the figure. After
collision with a surface having a value of coefficient
of restitution, e = 0.6, it rebounds back with a velocity
of v ms‒1. Find the rebound velocity of the ball. e = 0.6
(Velocities are constant) v

(A) 8.33 ms‒1 (B) 5 ms‒1 (C) 0.12 ms‒1 (D) 3 ms‒1

Solution

Consider the downward direction as negative.

We know that, when a ball, moving with velocity u, collides with another body at rest, its rebound
velocity (v) is given as follows:
v = –eu
⇒ v = –0.6 × (–5)
⇒ v = 3 ms‒1
Thus, option (D) is the correct answer.

5 ms‒1
A ball is moving with a velocity of 5 ms‒1 in the
downward direction and a surface is moving in the
upward direction with a velocity of 1 ms‒1 as shown
in figure. After colliding with the surface, that is
having a value of coefficient of restitution, e = 0.6,
e = 0.6
the ball rebounds back with a velocity of v ms‒1. Find 1 ms‒1
the rebound velocity. (Velocities are constant)

(A) 8.33 ms‒1 (B) 5 ms‒1 (C) 6.12 ms‒1 (D) 4.6 ms‒1

Solution

Consider the downward direction as negative.

Let the ball be moving with the velocity, u1 = –5 ms‒1 in the downward direction and the surface be
moving in the upward direction with the velocity, u2 = 1 ms‒1.
Let the final velocities of the ball and surface after collision be v1 and v2 = 1 ms‒1, respectively.

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 04

Assumption: The surface has comparatively a very high mass than the ball and it will continue to
move with the same velocity after the collision. The coefficient of restitution in this collision is given
as follows:
v − v1
e= 2
u1 − u2

By substituting the values of velocities and coefficient of restitution, we get the following:

1 − v1
0.6 =
−5 − 1

⇒ v1 =
4.6 ms −1
Thus, option (D) is the correct answer.

Oblique Collision

• In this, a pair of equal and opposite impulses Common normal direction (LOI)
act along the common normal direction.
• The momentum of the individual particles
changes along the common normal
direction.
• No component of impulse acts along the
common tangent direction. The linear
momentum of the individual particles
remains unchanged along this direction.
• The net impulse on the system is zero during
the collision.
• The net momentum of both the particles
remains conserved before and after the
collision in any direction.
• The coefficient of restitution can be applied
along the line of impact (LOI). Common tangent direction

Steps to solve problems based on oblique collision

1. Break down the velocities of the colliding bodies into components along the line of impact and
perpendicular to it.
2. Write down the equation of conservation of linear momentum along the line of impact.
3. Write the expression for coefficient of restitution along the line of impact and substitute the
values of the given velocities.
4. Use the concept: ‘Velocity along the common tangent direction remains unchanged or the
velocity along the tangent before the collision will be equal to the velocity after the collision
along the same direction.’

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 05

y
4 ms‒1 Rest
A
A ball A moving with a velocity of 4 ms‒1 x B
collides with another ball B that is at rest
as shown in the figure. If both the balls
have the same mass and their coefficient
of restitution is, e = 1, then find the velocity
of the ball A after collision (in ms‒1). Take
the angle between the line of impact and
the velocity of A as 30° just before and
after the collision.

(
(A) 2iˆ + 3 ˆj ms −1 ) ( )
(B) iˆ + 3 ˆj ms −1 ( )
(C) 2iˆ − 3 ˆj ms −1 ( )
(D) iˆ − 3 ˆj ms −1

NEET

Solution

Consider rightward direction as positive x-axis and upward direction as positive y-axis.
1. Break down the velocities of the colliding bodies into the components along the line of
impact and perpendicular to it as follows:
u sin 30° u sin 30°

A u A
30°

u1 = u cos 30° v1

B B
LOI
Before collision u2 = 0 After collision
v2

Ball Velocity direction Before collision After collision

Along the line of 3

u1= u cos 30° = 4 × = 2 3 ms −1 v1 ms‒1
impact 2
A
1 1
Along the tangent u sin 30° = 4 × = 2 ms −1 u sin 30° = 4 × = 2 ms −1
2 2

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 06

Ball Velocity direction Before collision After collision

Along the line of

v2 −B v1 u2 = 0 ms‒1 v2 ms‒1
e= impact
u1 − u2 v − v
e = 2 Along
1
the tangent 0 ms‒1 0 ms‒1
u
By substituting − u
1 the2 values of velocities, we get the following:

v22.−By substituting the values of velocities, we get the following:

vWrite down the equation of conservation of linear momentum along the line of impact.
1= 1

2 3 −m0uv2+−mv1u = m v + m v
1 =1 1 2 2 1 1 2 2

⇒ v2 − v1 ⇒= 2 3 − 0
+ 0 =( iiv)1 + v2
2 3 ........ (∵ Both the balls have the same mass)

By adding vv2 1−+vv12 =

⇒⇒equations …….(i)
= 2 i 3 and
( ) ........ ((iiii)), we get the following:
3. By
Write
addingthe equations
expression( i for coefficient
) and of restitution
( ii ), we get along the line of impact and substitute the
the following:
2v2 = 4 3values of the given velocities.
2v = v4 −3 v
⇒ v2 = 2 e32 =ms −21 1
u1 − u2
⇒ v
By substituting2 = 3 ms −1 ( i ) , we get the following:
2 equation
in
By substituting the values of velocities, we get the following:
By substituting in equation ( i ) , we get the following:
v1 = 0 ms −1 v −v
1 = 2 −1 1
v1 = 02ms3 − 0

2 3 ........ ( ii )
⇒ v2 − v1 =

By adding equations ( i ) and ( ii ), we get the following:

2v2 = 4 3

⇒ v2 =
2 3 ms −1

By substituting in equation ( i ) , we get the following:

v1 = 0 ms −1
This shows that ball A have a velocity component along 2 sin 60° 2 ms‒1
the tangent direction only, i.e., equal to 2 ms‒1.
As the tangent direction is inclined at an angle 60° with 60°
the x-axis, the velocity vector is written as follows: A
 2 cos 60°
= v A 2 cos 60o iˆ + 2 sin 60o ˆj

⇒ v A = iˆ + 3 ˆj ms −1 ( )
Thus, option (B) is the correct answer.

In oblique collision, when the masses of the colliding bodies are the same, they exchange
their velocities along the line of impact.

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