Is velocity conserved in elastic and inelastic collisions?

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

Velocity is not conserved in inelastic collisions, as evidenced by experimental data indicating a loss of kinetic energy. In contrast, elastic collisions can exhibit conservation of velocity, but this is not universally applicable across all data sets. The discussion highlights the importance of analyzing specific conditions under which velocity conservation occurs, particularly emphasizing the roles of momentum and kinetic energy in elastic collisions. The conclusion drawn is that while elastic collisions may conserve velocity, inconsistencies in data must be carefully evaluated.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of kinetic energy and momentum conservation laws
  • Familiarity with elastic and inelastic collision definitions
  • Basic experimental data analysis skills
  • Knowledge of physics principles related to collisions
NEXT STEPS
  • Investigate the principles of momentum conservation in elastic collisions
  • Examine the role of kinetic energy in inelastic collisions
  • Conduct experiments to measure velocity changes in various collision types
  • Learn about the mathematical modeling of collisions using physics equations
USEFUL FOR

Students studying physics, educators teaching collision dynamics, and researchers analyzing experimental data related to momentum and energy conservation in collisions.

seallen
Messages
7
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement



Determine whether velocity is conserved in elastic and inelastic collisions? Use your experimental data to support your results.

Homework Equations



I have my data charts which show that velocity is not conserved in inelastic collisions, but in elastic collisions some parts of my data showed velocity was conserved and other parts showed that it was not.

The Attempt at a Solution


My thoughts are that velocity is not conserved in inelastic collisions due to some velocity being lost in the kinetic energy. However, I am thinking that in elastic collisions velocity is conserved due to the fact that both momentum and kinetic energy are also conserved. Would this be correct?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
I am thinking that in elastic collisions velocity is conserved due to the fact that both momentum and kinetic energy are also conserved. Would this be correct?
You seem to have answered this questions already:
in elastic collisions some parts of my data showed velocity was conserved and other parts showed that it was not.
That conclusion would not be consistent with your data. What does your data tell you?

What is different about the situations that could lead to the differing results?
 

Similar threads

Fast and Furious Scene Analysis
  • · Replies 47 ·
2
Replies
47
Views
4K
State whether the distance x for the block would be greater/less/same
  • · Replies 25 ·
Replies
25
Views
2K
Simulation of Elastic Collisions
  • · Replies 41 ·
2
Replies
41
Views
2K
Why is momentum conservation always true in a collision?
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
Question regarding inelastic/elastic collision.
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K
Elastic Collision and Momentum of Ice Skaters
  • · Replies 16 ·
Replies
16
Views
4K
Transition from Elastic to Inelastic collision
  • · Replies 18 ·
Replies
18
Views
2K
Question about two elastic collision formulas
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
Hinged rod rotating, falling and hitting a mass
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
3K
Potential Energy - 2D inelastic collision - ballistic pendulum
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
3K