Kinetic Energy and Collision Question

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on the maximum kinetic energy loss during collisions between two objects. The maximum energy that can be lost is equal to the initial kinetic energy of the system. Momentum conservation plays a crucial role, with maximum kinetic energy loss occurring when two objects coalesce. In glancing collisions, energy loss depends on the alignment of their velocity components along the line of contact. The complexity increases with irregular shapes and potential conversion of energy into rotational motion, highlighting that energy loss can vary based on the collision dynamics.
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Is there a threshold of maximum kinetic energy lost when kinetic energy is transferred between two objects through collision?

I just cannot find any information on this, any help would be VERY much appreciated.
 
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Welcome to PF;
How much kinetic energy did the system start with?
That is the maximum that can be lost.
 
bebop1 said:
Is there a threshold of maximum kinetic energy lost when kinetic energy is transferred between two objects through collision?

I just cannot find any information on this, any help would be VERY much appreciated.
Momentum must be conserved. Their common mass centre therefore continues at the same velocity. Maximum KE loss occurs when they coalesce.
If it is a glancing blow, and the masses are not sticky, then their velocities parallel to the plane of contact will not change. Maximum KE loss when will be when their velocity components along the line of contact become the same.
If they are irregular shapes and the blow is glancing, it gets complicated since some of the energy may turn into rotational energy, so it depends whether you count that as conserved or lost.
 
There is also the case when a blob of wet clay collides with a fixed wall and sticks...
 
Simon Bridge said:
There is also the case when a blob of wet clay collides with a fixed wall and sticks...
Are you saying I did not cover that?
 
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