Is Kinetic Energy Conserved in Inelastic Collisions?

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SUMMARY

Kinetic energy is not conserved in inelastic collisions. During such collisions, while the total energy remains conserved, a portion of the initial kinetic energy is transformed into other energy forms, including heat, sound, and elastic energy. This distinction is crucial for understanding the principles of energy conservation in physics.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of basic physics concepts, particularly energy conservation
  • Familiarity with the definitions of kinetic and potential energy
  • Knowledge of inelastic versus elastic collisions
  • Basic grasp of thermodynamics related to energy transformation
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the principles of energy conservation in different types of collisions
  • Learn about the transformation of energy in inelastic collisions
  • Explore the concepts of heat and sound energy generation during collisions
  • Investigate real-world applications of inelastic collisions in engineering
USEFUL FOR

Students of physics, educators teaching mechanics, and anyone interested in the principles of energy conservation and collision dynamics.

napier212121
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Why is kinetic energy conserved in an inelastic collision?




(Dianalynn)
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Originally posted by napier212121
Why is kinetic energy conserved in an inelastic collision?

(Dianalynn)

It isn't. ENERGY is conserved, but some of the original kinetic is converted to other forms such as heat, sound, and elastic energy.
 

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