Be able to identify the system when particles are involved in collisions.
Construct momentum diagrams when objects are recoiling from one another.
Explain the meaning of the relative velocity of two particles.
Be able to use the concept of relative velocities to analyze an elastic collision in one dimension. Explain the meaning of the relative velocity of two particles.
Be able to identify the velocity of an object with respect to different inertial reference frames.
Be able to apply the conservation of momentum law for 1-dimensional collisions and in component form for 2-dimensional collisions.
Explain the difference between inelastic, elastic, and super-elastic collisions between two objects in terms of the relative velocity between the objects.
Be able to use the conservation of momentum and conservation of energy laws to solve problems involving two objects.
Be able to recognize, describe, and apply physical principles at various stages of a multi-stage problem to determine properties of final states; be able to apply relevant mathematical equations based on the physical principles.

Course Notes

Notes: Collision Theory (PDF - 2.8MB)

Video Excerpts

Watch the following excerpts from the Physics I lecture videos:

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» Clip 1: Two-Dimensional Car Collision (5 min)
» Transcript (PDF)

From Lecture 15 of 8.01 Classical Mechanics, Fall 1999

» Clip 2: Scenarios that Increase Kinectic Energy (15 min)
» Transcript (PDF)

From Lecture 15 of 8.01 Classical Mechanics, Fall 1999

» Clip 3: Elastic and Inelastic Collisions (49 min)
» Transcript (PDF)

From Lecture 16 of 8.01 Classical Mechanics, Fall 1999

» Clip 4: Surprising Bounce Demo (3 min)
» Transcript (PDF)

From Lecture 17 of 8.01 Classical Mechanics, Fall 1999

» Clip 5: Collisions and Conservation of Momentum (3 min)
» Transcript (PDF)

From Lecture 18 of 8.01 Classical Mechanics, Fall 1999

» Clip 6: Review of 1D Collisions (3 min)
» Transcript (PDF)

From Lecture 29 of 8.01 Classical Mechanics, Fall 1999

Download the complete lectures from this course:

» iTunes U
» Internet Archive

Guided Activities

Read through the class slides carefully. They explain all of the concepts from the module.

Slides: Collision Theory (PDF - 1.1MB)^#

Self-Assessment

Do the Concept Questions first to make sure you understand the main concepts from this module. Then, when you are ready, try the Challenge Problems. If you are struggling with the Challenge Problems, watch the Homework Help Session videos, which will give you tips on how to tackle problems of this type.