Elastic and inelastic collision

Thread starter wasi-uz-zaman
Start date Oct 29, 2011
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Collision Elastic Inelastic Inelastic collision

AI Thread Summary

In a collision between two cars, it is not possible for the event to be elastic due to the presence of crumple zones, which absorb energy and extend the duration of the impact, making it inelastic. Real-life collisions can exhibit both elastic and inelastic characteristics, depending on the materials and conditions involved. Atomic collisions, such as those between two atoms, are typically considered elastic as they conserve kinetic energy. The discussion highlights the differences in energy transfer and deformation between macroscopic and microscopic collisions. Understanding these principles is essential for analyzing real-world collision scenarios.

Oct 29, 2011

wasi-uz-zaman

Hi Experts
two cars collide on road - it cannot be elastic collision but will it be a inelastic? and does in real life we can have elastic and inelastic collision.

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Oct 30, 2011

JHamm

Cars are built with crumple zones so when they collide the collision will take a longer time, this also acts to make the collision inelastic.
2 atoms bouncing off each other is a fairly elastic collision.

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