Calculating Ball Speed and Direction After 2D Collision: Game Programming Tips

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    Collision Momentum
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the speed and direction of two balls after a two-dimensional collision, specifically in the context of game programming. Participants explore the necessary equations and principles to accurately model ball behavior following a collision, while considering factors such as mass and initial velocities.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant asks how to determine the speed and direction of two colliding balls given their initial speeds, directions, and masses, while ignoring external forces like friction.
  • Another participant suggests using momentum equations for both the x and y dimensions, noting the need to clarify whether the collision is elastic or inelastic.
  • A later reply specifies that the collision is inelastic, akin to billiard balls colliding, and requests sources for the relevant equations.
  • One participant questions whether the original poster meant to refer to elastic collisions instead.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants have not reached a consensus on the type of collision being discussed (elastic vs. inelastic) and the specific equations needed for the calculations remain unresolved.

Contextual Notes

There is uncertainty regarding the definitions of elastic and inelastic collisions as well as the specific equations applicable to the scenario. The discussion also lacks clarity on how external forces may influence the outcomes in future developments.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for game developers and programmers interested in physics simulations, particularly those focusing on collision mechanics in two-dimensional spaces.

Cruncher
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Okay this is a question about after two balls collide knowing their speeds and directions and mass before collision, what is their speed and direction after collision in two dimensional space.


more specifically i need to know this because i am programming a game in which i need accurate ball behavior so, assuming collision occurs at the origin, and ball one comes from x degrees and ball 2 comes from x degrees, and i know their speeds, and can make up a mass for them based on their size,

how do i figure out their direction and speed? also note that at this point i am ignoring friction or anyother outside forces, but that will change in later development

thanks for any help and guidance you could give me

Cruncher,
 
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You need to use the equation for collisions. I don't know whether in your case it is elastic or inelastic. Write an equation for each dimension, one for all momentum in the x direction and one for all the momentum in the y direction.
 
it is not elastic, it is as though 2 billiard balls hit each other.. do you know where i could find these equations? thanks

Cruncher
 

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