Question

What is the difference between an elastic and inelastic collision?

Answer 1

• An elastic collision conserves both momentum and kinetic energy
• An inelastic collision conserves momentum but not kinetic energy
• inelastic collisions result in deformation or heat generation, while elastic collisions do not 

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Answer 2

An elastic collision is one in which the total kinetic energy of the system is conserved, meaning that the kinetic energy before the collision is equal to the kinetic energy after the collision. In contrast, an inelastic collision is one in which some of the kinetic energy is converted into other forms of energy, such as mechanical energy or heat, and is not conserved.

In an elastic collision, both the momentum and kinetic energy of the objects involved are conserved. This means that the objects may exchange energy and momentum, but the total amount of energy and momentum remains the same before and after the collision. For example, two billiard balls colliding on a table would experience an elastic collision.

In an inelastic collision, the objects involved may stick together or deform upon collision, resulting in a loss of kinetic energy. This means that the total momentum of the system is still conserved, but the total kinetic energy is less than before the collision. For example, when a baseball hits a catcher's mitt, the ball experiences an inelastic collision.

Answer 3

In an elastic collision, the total kinetic energy of the system is conserved, while in an inelastic collision, some of the kinetic energy is converted into other forms of energy, such as heat or sound. In an elastic collision, the objects bounce off each other, while in an inelastic collision, the objects stick together or deform.

Answer 4

The difference between elastic and inelastic collisions lies in the conservation of kinetic energy.

In an elastic collision, both momentum and kinetic energy are conserved. Momentum conservation means that the total momentum before and after the collision remains the same. Kinetic energy conservation means that the total kinetic energy of the system is conserved, with no energy lost or gained.

In an inelastic collision, momentum is conserved, but kinetic energy is not fully conserved. Some kinetic energy is transformed into other forms of energy, such as heat, sound, or deformation.

Here are some key distinctions between elastic and inelastic collisions:

Kinetic Energy Conservation: In an elastic collision, the total kinetic energy of the system remains constant. The initial kinetic energy equals the final kinetic energy. In an inelastic collision, the total kinetic energy of the system may change. Some kinetic energy is transformed into other forms, resulting in a decrease in the overall kinetic energy.

Object Interaction: In an elastic collision, objects bounce off each other without any permanent deformation. They retain their original shapes and sizes. In an inelastic collision, objects may stick together, deform, or undergo structural changes. This typically occurs when the objects have adhesive forces or are subjected to an external force.

Coefficient of Restitution: The coefficient of restitution is a parameter used to characterize collisions. In an elastic collision, the coefficient of restitution is 1, indicating a perfect rebound. In an inelastic collision, the coefficient of restitution is less than 1, signifying a partial rebound or no rebound at all.

Examples: A collision between two billiard balls is an example of an elastic collision. After the collision, the balls move away from each other with the same speed and energy as before the collision. On the other hand, a car collision is an example of an inelastic collision. The vehicles deform upon impact, and some kinetic energy is dissipated as heat and sound.

It's important to note that real-world collisions may not be purely elastic or inelastic but rather exhibit a combination of both characteristics.

Answer 5

What is the difference between an elastic and inelastic collision?

In physics, an elastic collision is a type of collision where kinetic energy and momentum are conserved. In an elastic collision, the objects involved bounce off each other without losing any kinetic energy. That is, the total kinetic energy before and after the collision remains the same, while the momentum is conserved.

On the other hand, in an inelastic collision, the kinetic energy is not conserved, and some of the energy is lost to other forms of energy, such as heat or sound. In an inelastic collision, the objects involved stick together or deform, and the total kinetic energy after the collision is less than the total kinetic energy before the collision.

In summary, the key difference between elastic and inelastic collisions lies in the conservation of kinetic energy. In an elastic collision, the kinetic energy is conserved, while in an inelastic collision, the kinetic energy is lost to other forms of energy

Answer 6

An elastic collision is one in which both momentum and kinetic energy are conserved, while in an inelastic collision, only momentum is conserved.