key term - Elastic Collision

Definition

An elastic collision is a type of collision where kinetic energy is conserved. In this type of collision, the objects bounce off each other without any deformation.

Related terms

Inelastic Collision:

A type of collision where kinetic energy is not conserved. The objects stick together or deform upon impact.

Coefficient of Restitution: A value between 0 and 1 that represents how bouncy an object or surface is during a collision.

Impulse-Momentum Theorem: Relates the change in momentum to the force applied to an object over a given time interval.