Coefficient of Restitution Calculator
Calculate the coefficient of restitution for a one-dimensional collinear collision from signed before-and-after velocities.
e = |v₂ − v₁| / |u₁ − u₂|. Requires nonzero initial relative speed. e > 1 is flagged as outside the passive-collision model. Assumes a one-dimensional collinear collision.
All calculations run in this browser; values are not uploaded or saved.
Reference: OpenStax College Physics 2e
Enter values to calculate.
A QUICK WALKTHROUGH
How to use this tool
- Calculate the coefficient of restitution for a one-dimensional collinear collision from signed before-and-after velocities.
- e = |v₂ − v₁| / |u₁ − u₂|. Requires nonzero initial relative speed. e > 1 is flagged as outside the passive-collision model. Assumes a one-dimensional collinear collision.
- All calculations run in this browser; values are not uploaded or saved.
Formula
e = |v₂ − v₁| / |u₁ − u₂|. Requires nonzero initial relative speed. e > 1 is flagged as outside the passive-collision model. Assumes a one-dimensional collinear collision.
Assumptions and limits
All calculations run in this browser; values are not uploaded or saved.
GOOD TO KNOW
Common questions
How is the coefficient of restitution calculated?
Divide the absolute relative speed after the collision by the absolute relative speed before it; initial relative speed must be nonzero.
What does a result above 1 mean?
The tool flags e > 1 as outside the passive-collision model.
Are velocities uploaded?
No. All calculations run in this browser.