Is Momentum Conservation Sufficient for Elastic Collisions?

AI Thread Summary
Momentum conservation alone does not confirm that a collision is elastic. An elastic collision requires both momentum and kinetic energy conservation. While momentum is conserved in all types of collisions, kinetic energy conservation is specific to elastic collisions. Therefore, the presence of momentum conservation does not conclusively indicate an elastic collision. Understanding both conservation laws is essential for accurately classifying collisions.
mike2007
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If momentum is conserved in a collision. Does this indicate conclusively that the collision is elastic?

This is what i concluded but i think i am wrong

No, it does not indicate that the collision is conclusively elastic. For an elastic collision to occur both the law of conservation of momentum and the conservation of kinetic energy has to be observed.

Is that true or am i wrong..
 
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Correct. For a perfectly Elastic Collision, the total Initial Kinetic Energy in the system must equal the total Kinetic Energy after the Collision.
 
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