If you're seeing this message, it means we're having trouble loading external resources on our website.

If you're behind a web filter, please make sure that the domains *.kastatic.org and *.kasandbox.org are unblocked.

Main content

Pixar in a Box

Unit 7: Lesson 2

The physics of particle systems
Computing
Pixar in a Box
Effects
The physics of particle systems
© 2023 Khan AcademyTerms of usePrivacy PolicyCookie Notice

Particle collisions

Google Classroom

Problem

Two particles are travelling horizontally towards each other. Particle A has a velocity of 5 units in the x direction. Particle B has a velocity of minus, 3 units in the x direction.
Assuming the mass of the particles is the same and the collision is completely elastic, after the particles have collided,
What is the velocity of particle A in the x-direction?
  • Your answer should be
  • an integer, like 6
  • a simplified proper fraction, like 3, slash, 5
  • a simplified improper fraction, like 7, slash, 4
  • a mixed number, like 1, space, 3, slash, 4
  • an exact decimal, like 0, point, 75
  • a multiple of pi, like 12, space, start text, p, i, end text or 2, slash, 3, space, start text, p, i, end text
units.
What is the velocity of particle B in the x-direction?
  • Your answer should be
  • an integer, like 6
  • a simplified proper fraction, like 3, slash, 5
  • a simplified improper fraction, like 7, slash, 4
  • a mixed number, like 1, space, 3, slash, 4
  • an exact decimal, like 0, point, 75
  • a multiple of pi, like 12, space, start text, p, i, end text or 2, slash, 3, space, start text, p, i, end text
units.
Stuck?
Stuck?