Inelastic Collisions

Definition

Inelastic collisions are collisions between objects where momentum is conserved but kinetic energy is not conserved. Some of the initial kinetic energy is converted into other forms of energy, such as heat or sound.

Related terms

Elastic Collisions:

Elastic collisions are collisions between objects where both momentum and kinetic energy are conserved.

Kinetic Energy:

Kinetic energy is the energy possessed by an object due to its motion. It depends on both mass and velocity, and can be calculated using the equation KE = 1/2 mv^2.

Momentum:

Momentum is a property of moving objects that depends on both mass and velocity. It represents how difficult it is to stop or change the motion of an object and can be calculated using the equation p = mv.