Inelastic CollisionsPerfectly elastic collisions are those in which no kinetic energy is lost in the collision. Macroscopic collisions are generally inelastic and do not conserve kinetic energy, though of course the total energy is conserved as required by the general principle of conservation of energy. The extreme inelastic collision is one in which the colliding objects stick together after the collision, and this case may be analyzed in general terms:CalculationDerivation of kinetic energy loss expressionsExamples of inelastic collisions |
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K.E. Lost in Inelastic CollisionIn the special case where two objects stick together when they collide, the fraction of the kinetic energy which is lost in the collision is determined by the combination of conservation of energy and conservation of momentum. One of the practical results of this expression is that a large object striking a very small object at rest will lose very little of its kinetic energy. If your car strikes an insect, it is unfortunate for the insect but will not appreciably slow your car. On the other hand, if a small object collides inelastically with a large one, it will lose most of its kinetic energy. CalculationVelocity after the collisionExamples of inelastic collisions |
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Inelastic Collision ExamplesMost ordinary collisions are classified as inelastic collisions because some of their kinetic energy is converted to other forms such as internal energy. Links to some examples are provided.
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