In this lesson, we will learn:
- Meaning of elastic and inelastic collisions
- What happens to kinetic energy in a collision?
- Understanding perfectly inelastic collisions
- Problem solving with elastic and inelastic collisions
Notes:
- Total momentum and total energy are conserved in collisions. However, kinetic energy is not always conserved, since it can be converted into other forms of energy.
- Elastic collision: collision where no kinetic energy is lost
- Inelastic collision: collision where part of the kinetic energy is converted to other forms of energy
- Perfectly inelastic collision: collision where the maximum possible amount of kinetic energy is converted to other forms of energy; objects stick together.
Conservation of Momentum
initial momentum, in kilogram meters per second (kg·m/s)
final momentum, in kilogram meters per second (kg·m/s)
Conservation of Energy
initial energy, in joules (J)
final energy, in joules (J)
Kinetic Energy
kinetic energy, in joules (J)
mass, in kilograms (kg)
speed, in meters per second (m/s)
Potential Energy
potential energy, in joules (J)
acceleration due to gravity, in meters per second squared (m/s2)
height, in meters (m)