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Elasticity

Run the Elasticity MicroSim Fullscreen

About This MicroSim

This simulation demonstrates the concept of elasticity in collisions. When objects collide, some kinetic energy may be lost to heat, sound, or deformation. The elasticity coefficient (also called the coefficient of restitution) determines how much energy is retained after each bounce.

  • Elasticity = 1.0: Perfectly elastic collision - no energy lost, ball bounces forever
  • Elasticity = 0.5: Moderately inelastic - ball loses half its speed each bounce
  • Elasticity = 0.0: Perfectly inelastic - ball stops immediately on impact

How to Use

  1. Click the Run button to start the simulation
  2. Adjust the Elasticity slider to see how different values affect the bounce
  3. Click Pause to stop the ball and observe its position
  4. The ball will restart with a random velocity when you resume from rest

Iframe Embed Code

You can include this MicroSim on your website using the following iframe:

1
<iframe src="https://dmccreary.github.io/intro-to-physics-course/sims/elasticity/main.html" height="452px" scrolling="no"></iframe>

Lesson Plan

Learning Objectives

After using this simulation, students will be able to:

  1. Define elasticity and the coefficient of restitution
  2. Explain how energy is conserved or lost during collisions
  3. Predict the behavior of bouncing objects based on their elasticity
  4. Compare elastic and inelastic collisions

Suggested Activities

  1. Exploration: Set elasticity to 1.0 and observe. Then gradually decrease to 0. What patterns do you notice?

  2. Real-world connections: What real objects have high elasticity (rubber balls, trampolines)? What has low elasticity (clay, sandbags)?

  3. Energy analysis: Discuss where the "lost" energy goes in inelastic collisions (heat, sound, deformation).

Key Concepts

  • Elastic collision: A collision where kinetic energy is conserved
  • Inelastic collision: A collision where some kinetic energy is converted to other forms
  • Coefficient of restitution: The ratio of final to initial relative velocity between two objects after collision

Connections to Physics Standards

This simulation supports understanding of:

  • Conservation of energy
  • Types of collisions
  • Kinetic energy transformations
  • Real-world applications of physics principles

Remember to create an elasticity.png screenshot for social media previews.