Inelastic Collision

Definition

An inelastic collision is a type of collision where kinetic energy is not conserved. The objects involved stick together after the collision and move as one.

Related terms

Conservation of Linear Momentum: The principle that states that the total momentum of a system remains constant if no external forces act on it.

Elastic Collision:

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

Perfectly Inelastic Collision: A special case of an inelastic collision where the objects stick together and move with a common final velocity.