Elastic and inelastic collisions

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SUMMARY

In a closed system, during an inelastic collision, momentum is conserved while total kinetic energy is not. This phenomenon occurs because, although the total kinetic energy decreases, the momentum remains constant due to the conservation laws governing these physical interactions. For example, when two equal masses collide and stick together, they come to rest, demonstrating the difference between kinetic energy and momentum. Understanding these principles is crucial for grasping the mechanics of collisions.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of basic physics concepts, specifically momentum and kinetic energy.
  • Familiarity with the laws of conservation in closed systems.
  • Knowledge of vector and scalar quantities in physics.
  • Ability to analyze collision scenarios mathematically.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the principles of conservation of momentum in various types of collisions.
  • Explore the differences between elastic and inelastic collisions in detail.
  • Learn about real-world applications of inelastic collisions, such as car crashes.
  • Investigate the mathematical equations governing kinetic energy and momentum.
USEFUL FOR

Students studying physics, educators teaching mechanics, and anyone interested in understanding the dynamics of collisions in closed systems.

MBBphys
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Homework Statement


In a closed system, in an inelastic collision, momentum and total energy is conserved, but total kinetic energy is not.
But how is this possible? If we have a change in total kinetic energy, we have a change in velocity, and so we must have a change in momentum as:
momentum=mass*velocity
So I am really confused!
Thanks :)

Homework Equations


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The Attempt at a Solution


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Keep in mind that kinetic energy is a scalar quantity and momentum is a vector quantity.

Think about the example of two equal masses moving toward each other with equal speeds and the two masses stick together and come to rest after they collide.
 

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