Perfectly Elastic Collision - Real World Examples

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  • Thread starter Thread starter cterence_chow
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SUMMARY

A perfectly elastic collision is defined as a collision where no kinetic energy is lost, resulting in no sound or friction during the interaction. While this concept is primarily theoretical, it does occur at the atomic level, such as in the collisions of gas particles. The discussion clarifies that while perfectly elastic collisions are idealized, they can be observed in specific real-world scenarios, particularly in physics experiments involving ideal gases.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of basic physics concepts, particularly kinetic energy and momentum.
  • Familiarity with atomic theory and gas behavior.
  • Knowledge of collision types: elastic vs. inelastic collisions.
  • Basic grasp of experimental physics and ideal conditions.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the principles of kinetic energy conservation in collisions.
  • Explore real-world applications of elastic collisions in gas dynamics.
  • Study the differences between elastic and inelastic collisions in detail.
  • Investigate experimental setups that demonstrate perfectly elastic collisions.
USEFUL FOR

Students of physics, educators teaching mechanics, and researchers interested in atomic interactions and collision theory.

cterence_chow
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What is a perfectly elastic collision?

Does it exist in the real world?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Perfect elastic collision is a collision where no kinetic energy is lost during the collision (so there is no sound and no friction during the collision). This occurs on the atomic level (for example gas particles collide basically elastically)
 
i thought that's only an elastic collision?
 

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