The total system kinetic energy before the collision equals the total system kinetic energy after the collision. Elastic collisions are collisions in which both momentum and kinetic energy are conserved. If total kinetic energy is not conserved, then the collision is referred to as an inelastic collision.
Calculating kinetic energy before and after the collision:
The above calculation expects you to enter a final velocity for mass m1 and then it calculates the final velocity of the other mass required to conserve momentum and calculates the kinetic energy either gained or lost to make possible such a collision.
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