Collision KE converted to heat

In summary, when two balls with same mass and speed collide in a completely inelastic collision, their kinetic energy is converted to heat by friction, giving them a boost in velocity and momentum. However, this lost energy can also be interpreted as causing the momentum of the individual balls to become more disorganized, as the mean momentum component in each direction becomes zero after the collision.
  • #1
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Suppose we have to balls with same mass and same speed shot against each other. Let's assume that the collision is completely inelastic. Then both balls will drop to the floor as all their kinetic energy is converted to heat by friction. However - heat is just another word for the speed of the particles the make up the balls. Thus they will receive a boost in velocity and thereby momentum.

Can the lost energy therefore, be interpreted as something that makes the momentum of the individual balls more disorganized?
 
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  • #2
Momentum is a vector. After the collision the mean speed of random vibrational motion of the particles will be higher than before, but the mean momentum component in each of three orthogonal directions will be zero (neglecting the balls dropping).

Before the collision both balls did have momentum. But the two balls' momenta were equal and opposite, so total momentum is zero both before and after the collision.
 

1. What is "Collision KE converted to heat"?

Collision KE converted to heat refers to the transfer of energy from the kinetic energy of colliding objects into heat energy. This occurs when two objects collide and their kinetic energy is transformed into thermal energy, resulting in an increase in temperature.

2. How does collision KE convert to heat?

When two objects collide, their kinetic energy is distributed throughout their molecules, causing them to vibrate faster and increasing their thermal energy. This increase in thermal energy is what we perceive as heat.

3. What factors affect the conversion of collision KE to heat?

The main factors that affect the conversion of collision KE to heat are the mass and velocity of the colliding objects. Objects with higher mass and velocity will have more kinetic energy to convert into heat energy upon impact.

4. Is all collision KE converted to heat?

No, not all collision KE is converted to heat. Some of the kinetic energy may be converted into other forms of energy, such as sound or deformation energy, depending on the nature of the collision.

5. How is the conversion of collision KE to heat useful in scientific research?

The conversion of collision KE to heat is useful in understanding the properties of materials and their behavior under different conditions. It also plays a crucial role in various fields such as thermodynamics, material science, and engineering, allowing scientists to analyze and design systems more accurately.

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