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1D Elastic Collision Calculator

Velocities after an elastic 1D collision.

Compute the post-collision velocities of two bodies undergoing a one-dimensional elastic collision, conserving both kinetic energy and linear momentum.

Dr. Helena Ortiz By Dr. Helena Ortiz
Published Last reviewed 1 min read

Inputs

kg
m/s
kg
m/s

Results

Enter values and click Calculate to see results.
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How to use this calculator

  1. Fill in the inputs above using the units you already have.
  2. Values update automatically as you type — no submit button needed.
  3. Hover any result row for the underlying formula and intermediate values.

Formula

v₁' = ((m₁ − m₂)·v₁ + 2·m₂·v₂) / (m₁ + m₂); v₂' = ((m₂ − m₁)·v₂ + 2·m₁·v₁) / (m₁ + m₂).

In depth

Compute the post-collision velocities of two bodies undergoing a one-dimensional elastic collision, conserving both kinetic energy and linear momentum.