Formula Used:
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The Magnitude of Resultant Final Velocity represents the overall speed of an object after a collision, calculated from its velocity components in the x and y directions. It provides a comprehensive measure of the object's motion post-collision.
The calculator uses the Pythagorean theorem formula:
Where:
Explanation: This formula calculates the magnitude of the resultant velocity vector by combining the orthogonal velocity components using the Pythagorean theorem.
Details: Calculating the resultant velocity is crucial for understanding the overall motion of objects after collisions, analyzing energy transfer, and predicting post-collision trajectories in accident reconstruction and physics simulations.
Tips: Enter both velocity components in meters per second (m/s). The calculator will compute the magnitude of the resultant velocity using the Pythagorean theorem.
Q1: Why calculate resultant velocity after collision?
A: Resultant velocity provides the overall speed and direction of motion after impact, essential for analyzing collision dynamics and energy dissipation.
Q2: How accurate is this calculation?
A: The calculation is mathematically precise when accurate velocity components are provided, following the fundamental principles of vector mathematics.
Q3: Can this be used for 3D collisions?
A: For 3D collisions, the formula extends to include the z-component: \( V_{final} = \sqrt{V_{fx}^2 + V_{fy}^2 + V_{fz}^2} \)
Q4: What units should be used?
A: Velocity components should be in consistent units (typically m/s), and the resultant will be in the same units.
Q5: How does this relate to kinetic energy?
A: The resultant velocity is used to calculate kinetic energy: \( KE = \frac{1}{2}mv_{final}^2 \), where m is mass.