Collision: Momentum, Kinetic Energy & Potential Energy

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    Collision Energy
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In collisions, momentum and kinetic energy are the primary focus, while potential energy is often overlooked. When a ball rolls down an incline, its potential energy is converted into kinetic energy before it collides with another ball. At the moment of collision, the kinetic energy is at its peak, and potential energy is effectively zero. Potential energy becomes relevant again only when the ball begins to decelerate or come to rest. Understanding these energy transformations is crucial for grasping the dynamics of collisions.
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in collision we all talk about only momentum and energy. but which form of energy only kinetic no sign of potential energy.why??
suppose a ball is rolled from top of a inclined surface at height L from ground and hit another ball placed at bottom of inclined surface, there occurs a collision b/w these balls. so how the potential energy is implemented in this event?
 
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In your example the potential energy has been transformed to kinetic energy before the collision takes place.
 
remember whenever a body starts motion, its potential energy is converted into kinetic energy.
At the point before the collision, the kinetic energy of the body is maximum while the potential energy is said to be zero. So, no potential energy can be implemented.
You can start considering potential energy when the ball starts to come into rest, and its motion is somehow decreased.
 
Ali Inam's response is exactly correct, however, it would probably be helpful for you (astro2cosmos) to work through the derivation including the terms you think are missing and see what happens. This is the only way you'll ever be convinced that they don't matter.
 
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