What are the differences between elastic and inelastic collisions?

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tezeuszxcL · Accepted Answer

DefinitionA collision occurs when two objects make impact with each other. It is the situation in which two or more bodies exert forces on each other in relatively close proximity.There are two types of collision, such as:Elastic collisionInelastic collisionElastic collisionsA state where there is no net loss in kinetic energy in the system as the result of the collision is called an elastic collision.Inelastic collisionsA type of impact where momentum is conserved but kinetic energy is not is called an inelastic collision. The lost kinetic energy is transformed into thermal energy, sound energy, and material deformation.Difference between elastic and inelastic collisions Elastic CollisionInelastic Collision1.The total kinetic energy is conserved.1.The total kinetic energy of the bodies at the beginning and the end of the collision is different.2.Momentum does not change.2.Momentum does not change.3.No conversion of energy takes place.3.Kinetic energy is changed into other energy such as sound or heat energy.4.Highly unlikely in the real world as there is almost always a change in energy.4.This is the normal form of collision in the real world.5.An example of this can be swinging balls or a spacecraft flying near a planet but not getting affected by its gravity in the end.5.An example of an inelastic collision can be the collision of two cars.

Tristin Wu · Accepted Answer

Awesome, thanks!

What are the differences between elastic and inelastic collisions?

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