Difference Between Elastic Collision And Inelastic Collision. In this article, you will get to know about what is elastic collision, what is inelastic collision, what is the main difference between elastic collision and inelastic collisions, and a comparison between elastic collisions vs inelastic collisions.
Collisions are of two types either elastic and inelastic. There is a significant difference between these two. We will first discuss the main difference between elastic collision and inelastic collision. Then, differentiate them in detail.
What Is The Main Difference Between Elastic Collision And Inelastic Collision?
The main difference between elastic collision and inelastic collision is that the:
-Elastic Collision is a collision in which there is no net loss in kinetic energy in the system as a result of the collision. Both momentum and kinetic energy are conserved quantities in elastic collisions.
-Inelastic Collision is a collision in which there is a loss of kinetic energy. While the momentum of the system is conserved in an inelastic collision, kinetic energy is not.
What Is Elastic Collision?
Elastic Collision is a collision in which there is no net loss in kinetic energy in the system as a result of the collision. Both momentum and kinetic energy are conserved quantities in elastic collisions. This type of collision cannot be observed in the macroscopic world, because only a small amount of kinetic energy is lost while colliding.
For example, two trolleys move towards each other and bounce back after the collision with equal speed. When they bounce back there is no loss in speed. This type of collision is elastic where there is no loss of energy.
What Is Inelastic Collision?
Inelastic Collision is a collision in which there is a loss of kinetic energy. While the momentum of the system is conserved in an inelastic collision, kinetic energy is not. This Is due to the fact that kinetic energy got transferred to something else, mainly due to thermal energy, sound energy, or material deformation.
For example, two trolleys move towards each other, upon colliding they got connected with each other because of magnetic couplers. In this way, they become one connected mass. This type of collision is inelastic because the maximum kinetic energy has been lost, but the momentum is still conserved.
Comparison Between Elastic Collision Vs Inelastic Collision:
-Elastic collision involves bouncing.
-Inelastic collision involves sticking.
-Momentum is conserved in an elastic collision.
-Momentum is conserved in an inelastic collision.
-In an elastic collision, objects have different velocities after the collision.
-In an inelastic collision, objects have the same velocity after collision.
featured image source: interestingengineering.com
Also check: Difference Between PR And Branding