Answers are grounded in this paper and cite their sources.
By numeric integration of the dynamic equations of motion for linear elastic collisions we show that the final velocities are different from those traditionally expected. Both air-track glider and compressible sphere collisions were modeled. Final velocities in all cases were independent of the force constants of the separating springs and the compressibility of the spheres. Experimental measurements of the final velocities for three body collisions of similar air-track gliders and of similar elastic spheres are presented which agree well with the calculations.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Flansburg et al. (1979) studied this question.
Synapse has enriched 10 related papers. Consider them for comparative context: