coefficient of restitution

American  

noun

Physics.

1. the ratio of the relative velocity after impact to the relative velocity before the impact of two colliding bodies, equal to 1 for an elastic collision and 0 for an inelastic collision.

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Etymology

Origin of coefficient of restitution

First recorded in 1875–80

Example Sentences

Radius of gyration, coefficient of restitution and other obscure forces cause tethered pins to fly around differently than their free-fall counterparts.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 21, 2023

That official explained that MLB reworked the baseball before the 2021 season so that it would have a lower and more consistent coefficient of restitution, or COR.

From Washington Post • May 14, 2022

I became a reluctant instrument in setting a coefficient of restitution standard, which I didn't believe was good for the game.

From Golf Digest • May 15, 2012

Allowing for some springlike effect--which is what the rule establishing an .830 limit on coefficient of restitution essentially did--upset this apple cart and started a reactionary trend in rules-making that we're still suffering through today.

From Golf Digest • May 15, 2012

So the coefficient of restitution is now comparable with that of accumulators of the Planté type.

From Scientific American Supplement, No. 455, September 20, 1884 by Various