Two-dimensional Collisions - Educational Simulator

Use the controls to change the variables of the collision simulator. You can change the relative weights by sliding the button on the lower left, and change the point of impact by clicking on and dragging the balls. This simulator makes it easy to visualize how collisions occur between marbles or pool balls. Do the same principles apply to cars, trucks and other vehicles? You bet! Imagine what a head on collision would be like between a small car and a truck by simulating one here. OUCH!!! How about a glancing blow? Makes you think twice about wearing a seat belt, doesn't it? Can you think of any shortcomings that a two-dimensional simulator such as this would have in predicting a real collision between two vehicles?