Class 11 Physics simulations · Work, Energy and Power

Glancing collision of two balls

Strike a stationary ball off-centre. Vary the impact offset and the coefficient of restitution.

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What to notice

For equal masses in an elastic glancing collision, the two balls leave at right angles.

Key relation

Along centres: v₂ = u cosα (1+e)/2 ; e = 1 → paths at 90°

Try this

Set e = 1 and try several offsets — measure the angle between the paths.

What you can change

• Cue-ball speed: 1 to 6 m/s
• Impact offset b/2r: 0 to 0.95
• Restitution e: 0 to 1

More in Work, Energy and Power

• Ballistic pendulum
• Elastic collision
• Conservation of energy
• Power of a lifting motor
• Spring launcher and energy transfer
• Work done by a variable force
• Motion in a vertical circle
• Work done by a force at an angle

See all Class 11 Physics simulations or every Physica simulation.