Work done during a head-on elastic collision
Abstract
Abstract When two balls collide head-on in an elastic collision, the work done by the impact force can be calculated by modelling the collision as two masses connected by a spring. Work is done on each mass by the spring and work is done on the spring by each mass. The work done in each case depends on whether the work is defined as the force multiplied by the displacement of the centre of mass or whether it is defined as the force multiplied by the displacement of the point of application of the force. Both definitions are valid but give different but complementary results.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Sports Dynamics and Biomechanics
Experimental and Theoretical Physics Studies
Dynamics and Control of Mechanical Systems
Publication details
- Journal / source
- Physics Education
- Publisher
- IOP Publishing
- Volume
- 61
- Issue
- 2
- Pages
- 023002–023002
- Publication date
- 21 January 2026