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Elastic and Inelastic Collisions: Learn Definitions, Diagrams with Examples and FAQs
IMPORTANT LINKS
Laws of Motion
It is crucial to make your concepts thorough so that you score maximum in this subject. To further help you we are sharing this article on Elastic and Inelastic Collisions with related FAQs. Also carefully go through the elastic and inelastic collisions examples to understand this topic properly.
What are Elastic and Inelastic Collisions?Elastic Collision Definition
An elastic collision is a collision between two bodies in which the total kinetic energy of the two bodies remains the same. There is no net conversion of kinetic energy into other forms such as heat, potential energy, etc.
In an elastic collision, the objects get separated after impact and don’t lose any of their kinetic energy. Also, the momentum is conserved in this type of collision. So, the law of conservation of momentum is very useful here as it can be used whenever the net external force on a system is zero.
Perfectly elastic collisions happen with only subatomic particles. Everyday examples of perfectly elastic collisions actually don’t exist because some kinetic energy is always lost, as it is converted into heat due to friction. However, collisions between objects are almost perfectly elastic when they occur with objects and surfaces which are nearly frictionless.
There is no dissipative force acting during the perfectly elastic collision and all of the kinetic energy of the objects before the collision is still in the form of kinetic energy afterward.
The figure drawn below shows an elastic collision where momentum is conserved.
Elastic Collision Examples
- When a ball at a billiard table hits another ball.
2. Two steel blocks on ice
3. When you throw a ball on the ground and it bounces back to your hand.
Inelastic Collision Definition
An inelastic collision is one in which a part of kinetic energy is changed to some other form of energy in the collision. Any macroscopic collision between objects can convert some kinetic energy into internal energy and also other forms of energy.
A collision in which the objects stick together after colliding is called perfectly inelastic collision. Energy is not conserved in a perfectly inelastic collision.
If the objects bounce apart instead of sticking, the collision is either elastic or partially inelastic. A partially inelastic collision is one in which some energy is lost but the objects do not stick together.
Inelastic Collision Examples
- A collision of two cars.
2. When two football players stick together after colliding
So, this is all about the Elastic and Inelastic Collisions. Get some practice of the same on our free Testbook App. Download Now!
Check the below Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) related to Elastic and Inelastic Collisions to understand this concept clearly. Make a note of these questions, as such questions are often asked in the competitive exams.
Elastic and Inelastic Collisions FAQs
What happens to the energy in a perfectly inelastic collision?
Most of the energy is lost when the objects stick together.
A ball hitting the bat is an example of which collision?
Generally, this kind of collision comes under inelastic collision but it may vary depending on the material of the bat, etc.
Is the momentum conserved in an inelastic collision?
Yes, momentum is conserved in an elastic collision but the energy is not conserved in this type of collision.
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