A collision is an event where two objects come into contact with each other. It can occur when the objects are moving or stationary, and can result in different outcomes depending on the mass, velocity, and direction of the objects.
In a collision, the parallel component refers to the motion of the objects in the same direction. The reason there is no parallel component is because the objects are colliding head-on, meaning they are moving towards each other in opposite directions. The motion is perpendicular to the direction of the collision, resulting in no parallel component.
An elastic collision is a collision where the total kinetic energy of the objects is conserved, meaning no energy is lost during the collision. In an inelastic collision, some of the kinetic energy is lost as heat, sound, or deformation of the objects.
Newton's third law states that for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. In collisions, this means that the force exerted by one object on another is equal in magnitude and opposite in direction. This is important in understanding how objects behave during a collision.
The outcome of a collision is influenced by factors such as the mass, velocity, and direction of the objects involved. In addition, the type of collision (elastic or inelastic) and the presence of external forces can also affect the outcome. The shape and composition of the objects can also play a role in the outcome of a collision.