Perfectly inelastic collision

Definition

A perfectly inelastic collision is a type of collision where two objects stick together after impact, moving with a common velocity. Kinetic energy is not conserved in this type of collision.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. In a perfectly inelastic collision, the maximum amount of kinetic energy is lost compared to other types of collisions.
2. Momentum is conserved in a perfectly inelastic collision.
3. After the collision, the colliding objects move together as one mass.
4. The final velocity can be found using the conservation of momentum equation: $m_1v_1 + m_2v_2 = (m_1 + m_2)v_f$.
5. Perfectly inelastic collisions are also known as completely inelastic collisions.

Review Questions

Related terms

Elastic Collision:

A type of collision where both momentum and kinetic energy are conserved.

Inelastic Collision:

A type of collision where momentum is conserved but kinetic energy is not fully conserved.

Conservation of Momentum:

A principle stating that the total linear momentum of a closed system remains constant if no external forces act on it.