Written by the Fiveable Content Team โข Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 examโขWritten by the Fiveable Content Team โข Last updated September 2025
Definition
Collisions refer to the interactions between particles (atoms, molecules, etc.) where there is a transfer of momentum and/or energy. These collisions can occur between particles of the same type or different types.
Related terms
Elastic Collision: An elastic collision is a type of collision where kinetic energy is conserved before and after the collision.
Inelastic Collision: In an inelastic collision, kinetic energy is not conserved because some of it is converted into other forms such as heat or sound.