What is the Difference Between Elastic and Inelastic Collision?

The main difference between elastic and inelastic collisions lies in the conservation of kinetic energy and momentum during the collision process. Here are the key differences between the two types of collisions:

1. Kinetic Energy Conservation:

• Elastic collisions occur when both the momentum and kinetic energy are conserved, meaning that there is no net loss in kinetic energy in the system as a result of the collision.
• Inelastic collisions, on the other hand, involve a loss of kinetic energy, which is transformed into other forms of energy such as thermal energy, sound energy, or material deformation.

1. Momentum Conservation:

• In both elastic and inelastic collisions, the total momentum of the system is conserved, meaning that the total momentum of the bodies at the beginning and the end of the collision remains the same.

1. Energy Conversion:

• In elastic collisions, there is no conversion of kinetic energy into other forms of energy, such as sound or heat energy.
• In inelastic collisions, kinetic energy is changed into other energy forms, such as sound or heat energy.

1. Real-world Occurrence:

• Elastic collisions are highly unlikely in the real world, as there is almost always a change in energy during a collision.
• Inelastic collisions are the more common form of collision in the real world, as there is almost always some energy loss during a collision.

Examples of elastic collisions include swinging balls or a spacecraft flying near a planet but not getting caught in its gravitational pull. Examples of inelastic collisions include the collision of two cars or a hockey puck colliding with another puck that was originally at rest.

Comparative Table: Elastic vs Inelastic Collision

Here is a table comparing elastic and inelastic collisions:

In elastic collisions, both the total kinetic energy and momentum are conserved, meaning that the objects involved bounce off each other with no net loss of energy. On the other hand, in inelastic collisions, the total kinetic energy of the bodies at the beginning and the end of the collision is different, and some kinetic energy is converted into other forms of energy, such as sound or heat energy. Inelastic collisions are more common in the real world, as there is almost always a change in energy during a collision.