Calculating the Coefficient of Restitution: A Quick Guide

[BMcN]

Whats the equation for the coefficient of restitution again? Went blank!

 

[lavalamp]

Coefficient of Restitution = Speed of Separation = v[sub]1[/sub]-v[sub]2[/sub]
                             -------------------   -----
                              Speed of Approach    u[sub]1[/sub]-u[sub]2[/sub]

 

[Doc Al]

For the simple case of something bouncing off the floor (or any immoveable object) the coefficient of restitution is:

c = v_f/v₀
where v₀ is the speed of the object before the collision, and v_f is the speed after the collision.

For perfectly elastic collisions, c = 1.

 

[lavalamp]

It's like waiting for a bus, you have to wait for ages and then two come along at once.

 

[BMcN]

v1-v2/u1-u2, that's the one, that's guys!