Chapter 27 : Collision of Elastic Bodies 553

553 553
Contents
1. Introduction.
2. Phenomenon of Collision.
3. Law of Conservation of
Momentum.
4. Newtons law of Collision of
Elastic Bodies.
5. Coefficient of Restitution.
6. Types of Collisions.
7. Direct Collision of Two Bodies.
8. Loss of Kinetic Energy During
Collision.
9. Indirect Impact of Two Bodies.
10. Direct Impact of a Body with
a Fixed Plane.
11. Indirect Impact of a Body
with a Fixed Plane.
Collision of
Elastic Bodies 27
C H A P T E R C H A P T E R C H A P T E R C H A P T E R C H A P T E R
27.1. INTRODUCTION
We daily see children playing with balls of
glass, rubber and other elastic materials. If we see
them carefully, we will find that if a glass ball is
allowed to fall on a marble floor, from a certain height,
it rebounds (i.e. rises up, after striking the floor) to a
certain height. This height is, generally, less than the
height from which the ball is allowed to fall. If the
same ball is allowed to fall on a wooden floor, then it
will rebound to a lesser height. We will also see that
if the balls of different materials are allowed to fall
on a marble floor, they will rebound to different
heights.
This property of bodies, by virtue of which,
they rebound, after impact, is called elasticity. It may
Contents
554 A Textbook of Engineering Mechanics
be noted that a body, which rebounds to a greater height is said to be more elastic, than that which
rebounds to a lesser height. But, if a body does not rebound at all, after its impact, it is called an
inelastic body.
27.2. PHENOMENON OF COLLISION
Whenever two elastic bodies collide with each other, the phenomenon of collision takes place
as given below :
1. The bodies, immediately after collision, come momentarily to rest.
2. The two bodies tend to compress each other, so long as they are compressed to the
maximum value.
3. The two bodies attempt to regain its original shape due to their elasticity. This process of
regaining the original shape is called restitution.
The time taken by the two bodies in compression, after the instant of collision, is called the
time of compression and time for which restitution takes place is called the time of restitution. The
sum of the two times of collision and restitution is called time of collision, period of collision, or
period of impact.
27.3. LAW OF CONSERVATION OF MOMENTUM
It* states, The total momentum of two bodies remains constant after their collision or any
other mutual action. Mathematically
m
1
u
1
+ m
2
u
2
= m
1
v
1
+ m
2
v
2
where m
1
= Mass of the first body,
u
1
= Initial velocity of the first body,
v
1
= Final velocity of the first body, and
m
2
, u
2
, v
2
= Corresponding values for the second body.
27.4. NEWTONS LAW OF COLLISION OF ELASTIC BODIES
It states, When two moving bodies collide with each other, their velocity of separation bears
a constant ratio to their velocity of approach. Mathematically,
(v
2
v
1
) = e (u
1
u
2
)
where v
1
= Final velocity of the first body,
u
1
= Initial velocity of the first body,
v
2
, u
2
= Corresponding values for the second body, and
e = Constant of proportionality.
* Mathematically this law may be explained as stated below :
Initial momentum of the first body
= Mass Velocity = m
1
u
1
Similarly, initial momentum of the second body
= m
2
u
2
Total initial momentum = m
1
u
1
+ m
2
u
2
Similarly, total final momentum
= m
1
v
1
+ m
2
v
2
According to the law of conservation of momentum
m
1
u
1
+ m
2
u
2
= m
1
v
1
+ m
2
v
2
Contents
Chapter 27 : Collision of Elastic Bodies 555
27.5. COEFFICIENT OF RESTITUTION
Fig. 27.1.
Consider two bodies A and B having a direct impact as shown in Fig. 27.1 (a).
Let u
1
= Initial velocity of the first body,
v
1
= Final velocity of the first body, and
u
2
, v
2
= Corresponding values for the second body.
A little consideration will show, that the impact will take place only if u
1
is greater than u
2
.
Therefore, the velocity of approach will be equal to (u
1
u
2
). After impact, the separation of the two
bodies will take place, only if v
2
is greater than v
1
. Therefore the velocity of separation will be equal
to (v
2
v
1
). Now as per Newtons Law of Collision of Elastic Bodies :
Velocity of separation = e Velocity of approach
(v
2
v
1
) = e (u
1
u
2
)
where e is a constant of proportionality, and is called the coefficient of restitution. Its value
lies between 0 and 1. It may be noted that if e = 0, the two bodies are inelastic. But if e = 1, the two
bodies are perfectly elastic.
Notes : 1. If the two bodies are moving in the same direction, before or after impact, then the
velocity of approach or separation is the difference of their velocities. But if the two
bodies are moving in the opposite directions, then the velocity of approach or separation
is the algebraic sum of their velocities.
2. The above formula holds good under the assumed conditions (i.e. u
1
> u
2
and v
2
> v
1
).
But if the above assumptions do not hold good, in an example, then the formula may be
adjusted accordingly, to keep both the sides of the equation as positive.
27.6. TYPES OF COLLISIONS
When two bodies collide with one another, they are said to have an impact. Following are the
two types of impacts.
1. Direct impact, and 2. Indirect (or oblique) impact.
27.7. DIRECT COLLISION OF TWO BODIES
The line of impact, of the two colliding bodies, is the
lien joining the centres of these bodies and passes through the
point of contact or point of collision as shown in Fig. 27.2.
If the two bodies, before impact, are moving along the
line of impact, the collision is called as direct impact as shown
in Fig. 27.2.
Now consider the two bodies A and B having a direct impact as shown in Fig. 27.2.
Let m
1
= Mass of the first body,
u
1
= Initial velocity of the first body,
Fig. 27.2. Direct impact
Contents
556 A Textbook of Engineering Mechanics
v
1
= Final velocity of the first body and
m
2
, u
2
, v
2
= Corresponding values for the second body.
We have already discussed in Art.. 27.3 that
m
1
u
1
+ m
2
u
2
= m
1
v
1
+ m
2
v
2
Notes. 1. Since the velocity of a body is a vector quantity, therefore its direction should always be
kept in view while solving the examples.
2. If velocity of a body is taken as + ve in one direction, then the velocity in opposite
direction should be taken as ve.
3. If one of the body is initially at rest, then such a collision is also called impact.
Example 27.1. A ball of mass 1 kg moving with a velocity of 2 m/s impinges directly on a
ball of mass 2 kg at rest. The first ball, after impinging, comes to rest. Find the velocity of the second
ball after the impact and the coefficient of restitution.
Solution. Given : Mass of first ball (m
1
) = 1 kg ; Initial velocity of first ball (u
1
) = 2 m/s ;
Mass of second ball (m
2
) = 2 kg ; Initial velocity of second ball (u
2
) = 0 (because it is at rest) and final
velocity of first ball after impact (v
1
) = 0 (because, it comes to rest)
Velocity of the second ball after impact.
Let v
2
= Velocity of the second ball after impact.
We know from the law of conservation of momentum that
m
1
u
1
+ m
2
u
2
= m
1
v
1
+ m
2
v
2
(1 2) + (2 0) = (1 0) + (2 v
2
)
2 = 2v
2
or v
2
= 1 m/s Ans.
Coefficient of restitution
Let e = Coefficient of restitution.
We also know from the law of collision of elastic bodies that
(v
2
v
1
) = e (u
1
u
2
)
(1 0) = e (2 0)
or e =
1
2
= 0.5 Ans.
Example 27.2. A ball overtakes another ball of twice its own mass and moving with 1/7
of its own velocity. If coefficient of restitution between the two balls is 0.75, show that the first
ball will come to rest after impact.
Solution. Given : Mass of first ball (m
1
) = M kg ; Mass of second ball (m
2
) = 2 M ; Initial
velocity of first ball (u
1
) = U ; Initial velocity of second ball (u
2
) =
7
U
and coefficient of restitution
(e) = 0.75
Let v
1
= Velocity of the first ball after impact, and
v
2
= Velocity of the second ball after impact.
We know from the law of conservation of momentum that
m
1
u
1
+ m
2
u
2
= m
1
v
1
+ m
2
v
2
1 2
2
2
7
MU
MU Mv Mv + = +
Contents
Chapter 27 : Collision of Elastic Bodies 557
1 2 1 2
9 9
2 or 2
7 7
MU U
Mv Mv v v = + = + ...(i)
We also know from the law of collision of elastic bodies that
(v
2
v
1
) = e (u
1
u
2
) = 0.75
9
7 14
U U
U

=


or
2 1
9
14
U
v v = +
Substituting this value of v
2
in equation (i),

1 1 1 1
9 9 9
2 3 or 0
7 14 7
U U U
v v v v

= + + = + =


Thus the first ball will come to rest after impact. Ans.
Example 27.3. The masses of two balls are in the ratio of 2 : 1 and their velocities are in
the ratio of 1 : 2, but in the opposite direction before impact. If the coefficient of restitution be 5/6,
prove that after the impact, each ball will move back with 5/6th of its original velocity.
Solution. Given : Mass of first ball (m
1
) = 2 M ; Mass of second ball (M
2
) = M ; Initial
velocity of first ball (u
1
) = U ; Initial velocity of second ball (u
2
) = 2U (Minus sign due to opposite
direction) and coefficient of restitution (e) =
5
6
Let v
1
= Final velocity of the first ball, and
v
2
= Final velocity of the second ball.
We know from the law of conservation of momentum that
m
1
u
1
+ m
2
u
2
= m
1
v
1
+ m
2
v
2
2M U + M ( 2U) = 2Mv
1
+ Mv
2
or 0 = 2Mv
1
+ Mv
2
v
2
= 2v
1
...(i)
We also know from the law of collision of elastic bodies that
(v
2
v
1
) = e (u
1
u
2
)
( )
5 5
2
6 2
U
U U = =

...(ii)
Substituting the value of v
2
from equation (i)
1 1 1
5 5
2 ( ) or
2 6
U
v v v U = =

Minus sign indicates that the direction of v
1
is opposite to that of U. Thus the first ball will
move back with
5
th
6
of its original velocity. Ans.
Now substituting the value of v
1
in equation (i),
2
5 5
2 2
6 6
v U U

= = +


Plus sign indicates that the direction of v
2
is the same as that of v
1
or opposite to that of u
2
.
Thus the second ball will also move back with
5
th
6
of its original velocity. Ans.
Contents
558 A Textbook of Engineering Mechanics
Example 27.4. Three perfectly elastic balls A, B and C of masses 2 kg, 4 kg and 8 kg move
in the same direction with velocities of 4 m/s, 1m/s and 0.75 m/s respectively. If the ball A impinges
with the ball B, which in turn, impinges with the ball C, prove that the balls A and B will be brought
to rest by the impacts.
Solution. Given : Coefficient of restitution (e) = 1(because the balls are perfectly elastic) ;
Mass of ball A (m
1
) = 2 kg ; mass of ball B (m
2
) = 4 kg ; Mass of ball C (m
3
) = 8 kg ; Initial velocity of
ball A (u
1
) = 4 m/s ; Initial velocity of ball B (u
2
) = 1 m/s and initial velocity of ball C (u
3
) = 0.75 m/s
Final velocity of the first ball after impact
First of all, consider the impact of the first and second ball.
Let v
1
= Final velocity of the first ball after impact, and
v
2
= Final velocity of the second ball after impact.
We know from the law of conservation of momentum that
m
1
u
1
+ m
2
u
2
= m
1
v
1
+ m
2
v
2
(2 4) + (4 1) = 2 v
1
+ 4 v
2
2v
1
+ 4v
2
= 12 or v
1
+ 2v
2
= 6 ...(i)
We also know from the law of collision of elastic bodies that
(v
2
v
1
) = e (u
1
u
2
) = 1 (4 1) = 3 ...(ii)
Adding equations (ii) and (i),
3v
2
= 9 or v
2
= 3 m/s
Substituting the value of v
2
in equation (ii),
3 v
1
= 3 or v
1
= 0
Thus the first ball will be brought to rest by the impact of first and second ball. Ans.
Final velocity of the second ball
Now consider the impact of second and third ball. In this case u
2
= v
2
= 3 m/s
Let v
2
= Final velocity of the second ball, after the impact of second
and third ball, and
v
3
= Final velocity of the third ball after impact.
We know from the law of conservation of momentum that
m
2
u
2
+ m
3
u
3
= m
2
v
2
+ m
3
v
3
(4 3) + (8 0.75) = 4 v
2
+ 8 v
3
4v
2
+ 8v
3
= 18 or 2v
2
+ 4v
3
= 9 ...(iii)
We also know from the law of collision of elastic bodies that
(v
3
v
2
) = e (u
2
u
3
) = 1 (3 0.75) = 2.25
Multiplying the above equation by 4,
4v
3
4v
2
= 9 ...(iv)
Subtracting equation (iv) from (iii),
6v
2
= 0 or v
2
= 0
Hence the second ball will also be brought to rest by the impact of second and third ball. Ans.
Contents
Chapter 27 : Collision of Elastic Bodies 559
27.8. LOSS OF KINETIC ENERGY DURING COLLISION
The kinetic energy may be broadly defined as the energy possessed by a body by virtue of its
mass and velocity. Mathematically kinetic energy,
2
1
2
E mv =
where m = Mass of the body, and
v = Velocity of the body,
The loss of kinetic energy, during impact, may be obtained by finding out the kinetic energy
of the two bodies before and after the impact. The difference between the kinetic energies of the
system, gives the required loss of kinetic energy during impact. Consider two bodies A and
B having a direct impact.
Let m
1
= Mass of the first body,
u
1
= Initial velocity of the first body,
v
1
= Final velocity of the first body,
m
2
, u
2
, v
2
= Corresponding values for the second body,
e = Coefficient of restitution.
We know that kinetic energy of the first body, before impact
2
1 1
1
2
m u =
and kinetic energy of the second body, before impact,
2
2 2
1
2
m u =
Total kinetic energy of the two bodies, before impact,
( )
2 2 2 2
1 1 1 2 2 1 1 2 2
1 1 1
2 2 2
E m u m u m u m u = + = + ...(i)
Similarly, total kinetic energy of two bodies, after impact
( )
2 2 2 2
2 1 1 2 2 1 1 2 2
1 1 1
2 2 2
E m v m v m v m v = + = + ...(ii)
Contents
560 A Textbook of Engineering Mechanics
Loss of kinetic energy, during impact
E
L
= E
1
E
2
( ) ( )
2 2 2 2
1 1 2 2 1 1 2 2
1
2
m u m u m v m v

= + +

Multiplying the numerator and denominator of the right hand side by (m
1
+ m
2
),
( )
( ) ( )
2 2
1 2 1 1 2 2
1 2
1
2
L
E m m mu m u
m m

= + +

+
( ) ( )
2 2
1 2 1 1 2 2
m m m v m v

+ +

2 2 2 2 2 2
1 1 1 2 2 1 2 1 2 2
1 2
1
( )
2( )
m u m m u m m u m u
m m

= + + +

+
2 2 2 2 2 2
1 1 1 2 2 2 1 1 2 2
( ) m v m m v m m v m v

+ + +

{ }
2 2 2 2 2 2
1 1 2 2 1 2 1 2
1 2
1
( ( )
2( )
m u m u mm u u
m m

= + + +

+
{ }
2 2 2 2 2 2
1 1 2 2 1 2 1 2
( ( ) m v m v mm v v

+ + +

{
2
1 1 2 2 1 2 1 2
1 2
1
( ) (2 )
2( )
m u m u m m u u
m m

= +

+
}
2
1 2 1 2 1 2 1 2
( ) (2 ) m m u u m m u u + +
{
2
1 1 2 2 1 2 1 2
( ) (2 ) m v m v m m v v +
}
2
1 2 1 2 1 2 1 2
( ) (2 ) m m v v m m v v

+ +

{ }
2 2
1 1 2 2 1 2 1 2
1 2
1
( ) ( )
2( )
m u m u m m u u
m m

= + +

+
{(m
1
v
1
+ m
2
v
2
)
2
+ m
1
m
2
(v
1
v
2
)
2
}]
We know that in a direct impact,
Initial momentum = Final momentum
i.e. m
1
u
1
+ m
2
u
2
= m
1
v
1
+ m
2
v
2
(m
1
u
1
+ m
2
u
2
)
2
= (m
1
v
1
+ m
2
v
2
)
2
...(Squaring both sides)
Therefore loss of kinetic energy due to impact,

( )
( ) ( )
2 2
1 2 1 2 1 2 1 2
1 2
1

2
L
E mm u u mm v v
m m

=


+
Now substituting (v
1
v
2
) = e (u
1
u
2
) in the above equation,

( )
( ) ( )
2 2
2
1 2 1 2 1 2 1 2
1 2
1
2
L
E mm u u mm e u u
m m

=


+

( )
( ) ( )
2
2 1 2
1 2
1 2
1
2
mm
u u e
m m
=
+
Note. The loss of kinetic energy may also be found out by calculating the kinetic energy of the
system before impact, and then by subtracting from it the kinetic energy of the system after impact.
Example 27.5. A ball impinges directly on a similar ball at rest. The first ball is reduced
to rest by the impact. Find the coefficient of restitution, if half of the initial kinetic energy is lost
by impact.
Contents
Chapter 27 : Collision of Elastic Bodies 561
Solution. Given : Initial velocity of second body (u
2
) = 0 (because it is at rest) and final
velocity of the first body (v
1
) = 0 (because it comes to rest by the impact)
Let m
1
= Mass of the first body,
m
2
= m
1
= Mass of the second body,
...(Q both the balls are similar)
u
1
= Initial velocity of the first body,
v
2
= Final velocity of the second body, and
e = Coefficient of restitution.
We know that kinetic energy of the system before impact,
2 2
1 1 1 2 2
1 1
2 2
E m u m u = +
2
1 1
1
2
m u = ... ( )
2
0 u = Q
and kinetic energy of the system after impact,
2 2
2 1 1 2 2
1 1
2 2
E m v m v = +
2
1 2
1
2
m v = ... ( )
1
0 v = Q
Loss of kinetic energy during impact
E
L
= E
1
E
2
=
2 2
1 1 1 2
1 1
2 2
mu m v

Since half of the initial K.E. is equal to loss of K.E. by impact, therefore

2 2 2
1 1 1 1 1 2
1 1 1 1
2 2 2 2
mu mu m v

=


2
2 2 1 1
1 1 1 2
2
m u
m u m v =

2 2
1 1 1 2
2 m u m v =
or
2 2
1 2
2 u v = ...(i)
We know from the law of conservation of elastic bodies that
(v
2
v
1
) = e (u
1
u
2
)
v
2
0 = e (u
1
0) ...(Q v
1
= 0 and u
2
= 0)
v
2
= eu
1
...(ii)
Substituting the value of v
2
in equation (i),
( )
2
2 2 2
1 1 1
2 2 u eu e u = =
or
2 1
2
or 0.707 e e = = Ans.
Example 27.6. A sphere of mass 1 kg, moving at 3 m/s, overtakes another sphere of mass
5 kg moving in the same line at 60 cm/s. Find the loss of kinetic energy during impact, and show
that the direction of motion of the first sphere is reversed. Take coefficient of restitution as 0.75.
Solution. Given : Mass of first sphere (m
1
) = 1 kg; Initial velocity of first sphere (u
1
) = 3 m/s;
Mass of second sphere (m
2
) = 5 kg ; Initial velocity of second sphere (u
2
) = 60 cm/s = 0.6 m/s and
coefficient of restitution (e) = 0.75.
Contents
562 A Textbook of Engineering Mechanics
Loss of kinetic energy during impact
We know that loss of kinetic energy during impact,
2 2 1 2
1 2
1 2
( ) (1 )
2( )
L
m m
E u u e
m m
=
+
2 2
1 5
(3 0.6) (1 0.75 ) N-m
2(1 5)

=
+
2
5
(2.4) 0.4375 1.05 kg-m
12
= = = 1.05 J Ans.
Final velocity of the first sphere0
Let v
1
= Final velocity of the first sphere, and
v
2
= Final velocity of the second sphere.
We know from the law of conservation of momentum that
m
1
u
1
+ m
2
u
2
= m
1
v
1
+ m
2
v
2
(1 3) + (5 0.6) = 1 v
1
+ 5 v
2
v
1
+ 5v
2
= 6 ...(i)
We also know from the law of collision of elastic bodies that
(v
2
v
1
) = e (u
1
u
2
) = 0.75 (3 0.6) = 0.75 2.4
or v
2
v
1
= 1.8 ...(ii)
Adding equations (i) and (ii),
6v
2
= 7.8
2
7.8
1.3 m/s
6
v = =
Substituting this value of v
2
in equation (i),
v
1
+ (5 1.3) = 6
or v
1
= 6 (5 1.3) = 0.5 m/s
Minus sign indicates, that direction of motion of the first body is reversed after impact. Ans.
EXERCISE 27.1
1. A ball of mass 2 kg impinges directly with a ball of mass 1 kg, which is at rest. If the
velocity of the smaller mass after impact, be the same as that of the first ball before
impact, find the coefficient of restitution. (Ans. 0.5)
2. Two balls of masses 2 kg and 3 kg are moving with velocities 2 m/s and 3 m/s towards
each other. If the coefficient of restitution is 0.5, find the velocity of the two balls after
impact. (Ans. 2.5 m/s ; 0)
3. Three spheres of masses 2 kg, 6 kg and 12 kg are moving with velocities of 12 m/s, 4 m/s
and 2 m/s respectively in a straight line. Show that after impact of first and second as well
as second and third, the first two spheres will be brought to rest. Take e = 1.0.
4. A bullet of mass 50 gm is fired into a freely suspended target of 2.5 kg. On impact, the
target moves with a velocity of 2.5 m/s. Find the velocity of the bullet and the loss of
kinetic energy, if the impact is perfectly inelastic. (Ans. 127.5 m/s ; 398.4 kg-m)
Hint. After impact, the bullet and target will move with the same velocity.
Contents
Chapter 27 : Collision of Elastic Bodies 563
27.9. INDIRECT IMPACT OF TWO BODIES
If the two bodies, before impact, are not moving along the line of impact, the collision is
called an indirect (or oblique) impact as shown in Fig. 27.3.
Fig. 27.3. Indirect impact.
Consider two bodies A and B having an indirect impact as shown in Fig. 27.3.
Let m
1
= Mass of the first body,
u
1
= Initial velocity of the first body,

1
= Angle which the initial velocity of the first body, makes with
the line of impact,
v
1
= Final velocity of the first body,

1
= Angle, which the final velocity of the first body, makes with
the line of impact, and
m
2
, u
2
,
2
, v
2
,
2
= Corresponding values for the second body,
A little consideration will show, that the components of u
1
, u
2
, v
1
and v
2
along the line of
impact, will cause the direct impact and all the relations for direct impact, will hold good for these
components. The other components of u
1
, u
2
, v
1
and v
2
, (i.e., along the perpendicular to the line of
impact) will not effect the phenomenon of impact in any way, and the component of initial velocity
will be equal to the component of final velocity of body.
Now u
1
cos
1
= Component of the initial velocity of the first body along the
line of impact.
Similarly, u
2
cos
2
= Component of initial velocity of the second body along the
line of impact.
v
1
cos
1
= Component of the final velocity of the first body along the line
of impact.
and v
2
cos
2
= Component of the final velocity of the second body along the
line of impact.
Now the law of conservation of momentum may be applied in the amended form in this case
also. i.e.,
Total initial momentum along the line of impact
= Total final momentum along the line of impact
m
1
u
1
cos
1
+ m
2
u
2
cos
2
= m
1
v
1
cos
1
+ m
2
v
2
cos
2
Contents
564 A Textbook of Engineering Mechanics
The Newtons Law of Collision of Elastic Bodies, also holds good for indirect impact i.e.,
(v
2
cos
2
v
1
cos ) = e (u
1
cos
1
u
2
cos
2
)
Example 27.7. A ball of mass 2 kg, moving with a velocity of 3 m/sec, impinges on a ball of
mass 4 kg moving with a velocity of 1 m/sec. The velocities of two balls are parallel and inclined at
30 to the line joining their centres at the instant of impact. If the coefficient of restitution be 0.5, find
(a) direction, in which the 4 kg ball will move after impact ;
(b) velocity of the 4 kg ball after impact ;
(c) direction, in which the 2 kg ball will move after impact ; and
(d) velocity of the 2 kg ball after impact.
Solution. Given : Mass of first ball (m
1
) = 2 kg ; Initial velocity of first ball (u
1
) = 3 m/s ;
Mass of second ball (m
2
) = 4 kg ; Initial velocity of second ball (u
2
) = 1 m/s ; Angle, which initial
velocity of first ball makes with the line of impact (
1
) = 30 ; Angle, which initial velocity of second
ball makes with the line of impact (
2
) = 30 and coefficient of restitution (e) = 0.5
Fig. 27.4.
(a) Direction, in which the 4 kg ball will move after the impact
Let
1
= Angle, which the 2 kg ball makes with the line of impact,

2
= Angle, which the 4 kg ball makes with the line of impact,
v
1
= Velocity of the 2 kg ball after impact, and
v
2
= Velocity of the 4 kg ball after impact,
We know that the components of velocities, perpendicular to the line of impact, remain
unchanged before and after impact.
v
1
sin
1
= u
1
sin
1
= 3 sin 30 = 3 0.5
or v
1
sin
1
= 1.5 ...(i)
Similarly v
2
sin
2
= u
2
sin
2
= 1 sin 30 = 1 0.5
or v
2
sin
2
= 0.5 ...(ii)
We also know from the law of conservation of momentum
m
1
u
1
cos
1
+ m
2
u
2
cos
2
= m
1
v
1
cos
1
+ m
2
v
2
cos
2
(2 3 cos 30) + (4 1 cos 30) = 2v
1
cos
1
+ 4v
2
cos
2
(6 0.866) + (4 0.866) = 2v
1
cos
1
+ 4v
2
cos
2
8.66 = 2v
1
cos
1
+ 4v
2
cos
2
v
1
cos
1
+ 2v
2
cos
2
= 4.33 ...(iii)
Contents
Chapter 27 : Collision of Elastic Bodies 565
We know from the law of collision of elastic bodies that
v
2
cos
2
v
1
cos
1
= e (u
1
cos
1
u
2
cos
2
) = 0.5 (3 cos 30 1 cos 30)
= 0.5 (3 0.866 1 0.866)
v
2
cos
2
v
1
cos
1
= 0.866 ...(iv)
Adding equations (iii) and (iv),
3v
2
cos
2
= 5.196
or v
2
cos
2
= 1.732 ...(v)
Dividing equation (ii) by (v),
2 2
0.5
tan 0.2887 or 16.1
1.732
= = = Ans.
(b) Velocity of the 4 kg ball after impact
Substituting the value of
2
in equation (ii),
v
2
sin 16.1 = 0.5

2
0.5 0.5
1.803 m/s
sin 16.1 0.2773
v = = =

Ans.
(c) Direction, in which the 2 kg ball will move after impact
Substituting the values of
2
and v
2
in equation (iv),
1.803 cos 16.1 v
1
cos
1
= 0.866
or v
1
cos
1
= 1.803 cos 16.1 0.866
= (1.803 0.9608) 0.866 = 0.866 ...(vi)
Dividing equation (i) by (vi)
1 1
1.5
tan 1.732 or 60
0.866
= = = Ans.
(d) Velocity of 2 kg ball after impact
Now substituting the value of
1
in equation (i),
v
1
sin 60 = 1.5

1
1.5 1.5
1.732 m/s
sin 60 0.866
v = = =

Ans.
27.10. DIRECT IMPACT OF A BODY WITH A FIXED PLANE
In the previous articles, we have been discussing the impacts of two bodies. Both these bodies
had some initial velocities, and after impact they had some final velocities (in particular cases, some
of these velocities were zero also). But in the following articles, we shall discuss the impact of a body
with a fixed plane.
Now consider a body having a direct impact on a fixed plane.
Let u = Initial velocity of the body,
v = Final velocity of the body, and
e = Coefficient of restitution.
We know that the fixed plane will not move even after impact. Thus the velocity of approach
is equal to (u) and velocity of separation is equal to (v). The Newtons Law of Collision of Elastic
Bodies also holds good for this type of impact. i.e.
v = eu
Contents
566 A Textbook of Engineering Mechanics
Notes. 1. In such cases, we do not apply the principle of momentum (i.e., equating the initial mo-
mentum and the final momentum), since the fixed plane has infinite mass.
2. If a body is allowed to fall from some height on a floor, then the velocity, with which the
body impinges on the floor, should be calculated by the relations of plane motion as dis-
cussed below :
Let H = Height from which the body is allowed to fall.
Velocity with which the body impinges on the floor,
2 u gH =
3. If a body is first projected upwards from the ground with some initial velocity, it will
reach the greatest height and will return to the ground with the same velocity, with which it was
projected upwards.
Example 27.8. From a point, on a smooth floor of a room, a toy ball is shot to hit a wall. The
ball then returns back to the point of projection. If the time taken by the ball in returning is twice the
time taken in reaching the wall, find the coefficient of restitution between the ball and the wall.
Solution.
Let s = Distance between the point of shot and the wall, and
t = Time taken by the ball in reaching the wall.
Time taken by the ball in returning to the point of shot
= 2t ...(given)
Let e = Coefficient of restitution between the ball and the wall.
Since the ball is rolling on a smooth floor, therefore its velocity will remain constant.
Velocity, with which the ball will hit the wall,
Distance
Time
s
u
t
= = ...(i)
and velocity with which the ball will rebound after hitting,
Distance
Time 2
s
v
t
= =
...(ii)
We know that the velocity after hitting (v),
2
s s
eu e
t t
= =

1
0.5
2
e = = Ans.
Example 27.9. A ball is dropped from a height h
0
= 1 m on a smooth floor. Knowing that the
height of the first bounce is h
1
= 81cm, determine
(a) coefficient of restitution, and
(b) expected height h
2
after the second bounce.
Solution. Given : Height from which the ball is dropped (h
0
) = 1m and height to which the
ball rose after first bounce (h
1
) = 81 cm. = 0.81 m.
(a) Coefficient of restitution
Let e = Coefficient of restitution.
We know that the velocity with which the ball impinges on the floor,
0
2 2 1 2 m/s u gh g g = = = ...(i)
Contents
Chapter 27 : Collision of Elastic Bodies 567
and velocity with which the ball rebounds,
1
2 2 0.81 0.9 2 m/s v gh g g = = = ...(ii)
We also know that the velocity with which the ball rebounds (v)
0.9 2 2 g e g =
e = 0.9 Ans.
(b) Expected height after the second bounce
Let h
2
= Expected height after the second bounce.
We know that *velocity, with which the ball impinges second time,
0.9 2 m/s u g =
and velocity, with which the ball rebounds,
2
2 v gh =
We also know that the velocity with which the ball rebounds second time (v)
2
2 0.9 0.9 2 0.81 2 gh eu g g = = =
2gh
2
= (0.81)
2
2g = 0.656 2g
or h
2
= 0.656 m Ans.
Example 27.10. From what height, must a heavy elastic ball be dropped on a floor, so that
after rebounding thrice it will reach a height of 16 metres ? Take e = (0.5)
1/3
.
Solution. The system of rebounding is shown in Fig. 27.5
Fig. 27.5.
Let h
0
= Height from which the ball is dropped,
h
1
= Height after first rebound, and
h
2
= Height after second rebound
* The velocity, with which the ball impinges second time is the same with which the ball rebounded first
time.
Contents
568 A Textbook of Engineering Mechanics
We know that the velocity with which the ball impinges on the floor,
0
2 u gh = ...(i)
and the velocity with which the ball rebounds first time
1
2 v gh = ...(ii)
Similarly, velocity with which the ball impinges after first rebound,
1 1
2 u v gh = = ...(iii)
and velocity with which the ball rebound second time
1 2
2 v gh =
Similarly, velocity with which the ball impinges after second rebound,
2 1 2
2 u v gh = = ...(iv)
and velocity with which the ball rebounds third time
3
2 16 4 2 m/s u g g = = ...(v)
We know that during first impact,
v
1
= eu
1
...(vi)
or
1/ 3
1 0
2 (0.5) 2 gh gh = .. .(vii)
Similarly, during second impact,
2
1
1/ 3
2
2
(0.5)
gh
gh =
...(viii)
1/ 3
2 1
2 (0.5) 2 gh gh = ...(ix)
and during third impact
1/ 3
2
2 16 (0.5) 2 g gh =
or 2
1/ 3 1/ 3
2 16 4 2
2
(0.5) (0.5)
g g
gh

= =
Substituting the value of
2
2gh in equation (viii),
1
1/ 3 1/ 3 2/ 3
4 2 4 (2 )
2
(0.5) (0.5) (0.5)
g g
gh = =

Now substituting the value of

1
2gh in equation (vii)
1/ 3
0
2/ 3
4 (2 )
(0.5) 2
(0.5)
g
gh =
0
4
8
(0.5)
h = =
h
0
= 64 m Ans.
Contents
Chapter 27 : Collision of Elastic Bodies 569
27.11. INDIRECT IMPACT OF A BODY WITH A FIXED PLANE
Fig. 27.6.
Consider a body having an indirect impact on a fixed plane as shown in Fig. 27.6.
Let u = Initial velocity of the body,
v = Final velocity of the body,
= Angle, which the initial velocity of the body makes with the line of impact,
= Angle which the final velocity of the body makes with the line
of impact, and
e = Coefficient of restitution.
A little consideration will show, that the component of u, along the line of impact will cause the
direct impact of the body with the fixed plane. The other component of u (i.e. along the perpendicu-
lar to the line of impact) will not affect the phenomenon of impact and will be equal to the other
component of v (i.e., along the perpendicular to the line of impact).
We know that velocity of approach
= u cos
and velocity of separation = v cos
The Newtons Law of Collision of Elastic Bodies also holds good for this impact i.e.,
v cos = eu cos
Notes : 1. In this impact also, we do not apply the principle of momentum (i.e. equating the
initial momentum and the final momentum) since the fixed plane has infinite mass.
2. The components of initial and final velocities at right angles to the line of impact are same i.e.
u sin = v sin
Example 27.11. A ball, moving with a velocity of 4 m/s, impinges on a fixed plane at an
angle of 30. If the coefficient of restitution is 0.5, find,
(a) direction of the body after impact, and
(b) velocity of the body after impact.
Solution. Given : Initial velocity of the body (u) = 4 m/s ; Angle, which the initial velocity of
the body makes with the line of impact () = 90 30 = 60 and coefficient of restitution (e) =
0.5.
Contents
570 A Textbook of Engineering Mechanics
Fig. 27.7.
(a) Direction of the body after impact
Let = Angle, which the final
velocity makes with the
line of impact, and
v = Final velocity of the body
after impact.
We know from the law of conservation of momentum
that
u sin = v sin
v sin = u sin = 4 sin 60 = 4 0.866 = 3.464 ...(i)
We also know from the law of collision of elastic bodies that
v cos = e u cos = 0.5 4 cos 60 = 2 0.5 = 1 ...(ii)
Dividing equation (i) by (ii),
sin 3.464
cos 1
v
v

=

tan = 3.464 or = 73.9 Ans.

(b) velocity of the body after impact
Substituting the value of in equation (ii),
v cos 73.9 = 1
or
1 1
3.6 m/s
cos 73.9 0.2773
v = = =

Ans.
EXERCISE 27.2
1. A ball is dropped from a height of 25 metres upon a horizontal floor. Find the coefficient
of restitution between the floor and the ball, if it rebounds to a height of 16 metres.
(Ans. 0.8)
2. A 1 kg ball traverses a frictionless tube as shown in Fig. 27.8.
Fig. 27.8.
The ball, after falling through a height of 1.2 metres, strikes a 1.5 kg ball hung on a rope.
Find the velocities of the two balls, if the collision is perfectly elastic.
(Ans. v
1
= 0.97 m/s ; v
2
= 3.88 m/s)
3. A heavy elastic ball drops from the ceiling of a room, and after rebounding twice from the
floor reaches a height of equal to one-half of the ceiling. Show that the coefficient of
restitution is (0.5)
1/4
.
Contents
Chapter 27 : Collision of Elastic Bodies 571
4. A ball moving with a velocity of 2 m/s, hits a smooth fixed plane at an angle of 30. If the
coefficient of restitution is 0.8, find the angle which the ball makes with the line of impact
after hitting . Also find the velocity of the ball after hitting. (Ans. 65.2 ; 1.91 m/s)
QUESTIONS
1. Define the terms collision of elastic bodies. Discuss the phenomenon of collision.
2. What are various types of impacts ? Discuss any one of them.
3. Define the coefficient of restitution.
4. If m
1
and m
2
are the masses of two bodies, u
1
and u
2
, v
1
and v
2
are the velocities of the
bodies before and after the impact respectively and e the coefficient of restitution, show
that the loss of a kinetic energy due to direct impact is given by :
2 2 1 2
1 2
1 2
0.5 ( ) (1 )
m m
u u e
m m
+
+
5. What is the difference between the impact of two bodies and the impact of a body on a
fixed plane ?
OBJECTIVE TYPE QUESTIONS
1. The total momentum of two bodies remains constant after collision or any other mutual
action. This is known as
(a) Law of Conservation of Momentum
(b) Newtons Law of Collision of Elastic Bodies
(c) both (a) and (b)
(d) none of them
2. The coefficient of restitution for inelastic bodies is
(a) zero (b) between zero and one (c) one
3. The bodies which rebound after impact are called
(a) inelastic bodies (b) elastic bodies
(c) neither elastic or inelastic bodies
4. The loss of kinetic energy during elastic impact is zero.
(a) Yes (b) No
5. The loss of kinetic energy due to direct impact of two bodies depends on
(a) the mass of two bodies
(b) the initial velocities of two bodies
(c) the final velocities of two bodies
(d) Both (a) and (b)
6. If a lead ball with a certain velocity is made to strike a wall, it does not rebound. But if a
rubber ball of same mass and velocity strikes the same wall, it rebounds. Select correct
reason from the followig :
(a) the change in momentum suffered by the rubber ball is more than that of the lead ball.
(b) the change in momentum suffered by the lead ball is more than that of the rubber ball.
(c) both (a) and (b).
(d) none of the above.
ANSWERS
1. (a) 2. (a) 3. (b) 4. (a) 5. (d) 6. (a)
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