2D Game Development 2D Physics and Collision Detection

Question 1

Which collision detection method checks if the bounding boxes of two objects overlap?

Accepted Answer

AABB (Axis-Aligned Bounding Box)

Answer

AABB collision detection checks whether the rectangular boundaries of two objects overlap along both axes.

Question 2

What is the purpose of a physics timestep in 2D games?

Accepted Answer

To ensure consistent physics simulation regardless of frame rate

Answer

A fixed physics timestep ensures that physics calculations produce consistent results independent of how fast the game renders frames.

Question 3

What does 'restitution' control in a 2D physics engine?

Accepted Answer

Bounciness after a collision

Answer

Restitution (coefficient of restitution) determines how much kinetic energy is preserved after a collision, controlling bounciness.

Question 4

Which data structure is commonly used to optimize broad-phase collision detection?

Accepted Answer

Spatial hash grid

Answer

A spatial hash grid partitions space into cells so only nearby objects need to be checked for collisions, reducing comparisons.

Question 5

What is a 'trigger' collider in 2D game development?

Accepted Answer

A collider that detects overlap without physical response

Answer

A trigger collider detects when objects enter its area but does not cause a physical collision response.

2D Game Development Practice Test