Inelastic Collision

Definition

An inelastic collision is a type of collision where kinetic energy is not conserved. In this type of collision, the objects involved stick together or deform upon impact.

Related terms

Elastic Collision:

A type of collision where kinetic energy is conserved. The objects involved bounce off each other without any deformation.

Conservation of Momentum: The principle that states that the total momentum before a collision is equal to the total momentum after the collision.

Impulse:

The change in momentum experienced by an object due to a force applied over a certain period of time.