9.4 Elastic and inelastic collisions

Question 1

What is an elastic collision?

Answer 1

» There is no loss of kinetic energy
» Momentum is conserved

Question 2

What is an inelastic collision?

Answer 2

» Where the colliding objects have less kinetic energy after the collision than before the collision
» Momentum is conserved

Question 3

Are objects that collide and couple together, inelastic or elastic collisions?

Answer 3

» Inelastic collision
» As some of the inital kinetic energy is transferred to the surroundings

Question 4

What is the equation to find the kinetic energy?

Answer 4

» E(k) = 1/2 x m x v^2