What Are Difference Between Elastic And Inelastic Collisions, Important Key Elements

What Are Difference Between Elastic And Inelastic Collisions : An elastic or bouncy collision is one where kinetic energy is conserved, or the same before and after a collision. In an inelastic or 'sticky' collision, there's no kinetic energy conserved; its surroundings absorb it. As a result, both objects stick together and move forward as one. Read the complete article to learn about the major difference between Elastic and Inelastic Collisions .

What are Collisions?

• Elastic Collisions
• Inelastic Collisions

What are Elastic Collision?

1. Conservation of Momentum: The total momentum of the system before the collision is equal to the total momentum after the collision.

1. Conservation of Kinetic Energy: The total kinetic energy of the system before the collision is equal to the total kinetic energy after the collision. Mathematically, it can be expressed as Total initial kinetic energy = Total final kinetic energy

What are Inelastic Collision

Important Key Elements Of inelastic collisions

1. Kinetic Energy Loss: Unlike in elastic collisions, where kinetic energy is conserved, kinetic energy is lost in inelastic collisions. Some of the kinetic energy is converted into other types of energy, such as internal energy or deformation energy. The decrease in kinetic energy is frequently associated with the objects sticking together or deforming during the collision.
2. Coefficient of Restitution: The coefficient of restitution (e) is a measure of how much kinetic energy is retained or lost during a collision. The coefficient of restitution for inelastic collisions is less than one, indicating a loss of kinetic energy. e is defined mathematically as the ratio of the relative velocity of separation to the relative velocity of approach following the collision.
3. Objects Stick Together: In many inelastic collisions, the colliding objects tend to stick together after the impact. This sticking behavior is a result of the loss of kinetic energy and is often observed in collisions involving macroscopic objects like cars or billiard balls.
4. Deformation: Inelastic collisions frequently involve the deformation of the colliding objects. This deformation contributes to the loss of kinetic energy and is a common feature in collisions between objects with finite elasticity.

Difference between Elastic And Inelastic Collisions