Two objects collide and bounce off each other. Linear momentum

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SUMMARY

Linear momentum is conserved in collisions, specifically inelastic collisions, where kinetic energy is transformed into other forms of energy. A perfectly elastic collision, defined by no loss of kinetic energy, is an ideal scenario rarely achieved in macroscopic interactions. In real-world applications, such as collisions involving ideal gases or sub-atomic particles, momentum conservation holds true, while kinetic energy may not. The discussion emphasizes that momentum conservation is independent of the friction in the environment.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of linear momentum and its conservation laws
  • Knowledge of elastic and inelastic collisions
  • Familiarity with kinetic energy concepts
  • Basic principles of physics related to macroscopic and microscopic interactions
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the principles of elastic and inelastic collisions in detail
  • Study the conservation of momentum in various physical scenarios
  • Explore the behavior of ideal gases and their collision dynamics
  • Investigate the effects of gravitational interactions on momentum conservation
USEFUL FOR

Physics students, educators, and professionals interested in understanding collision dynamics and momentum conservation in both theoretical and practical contexts.

robvba
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Two objects collide and bounce off each other. Linear momentum

A. is conserved only if the environment is frictionless
B. definitely not conserved
C. definitely is conserved
D. is conserved only if the collusion is elastic


A perfectly elastic collision is defined as one in which there is no loss of kinetic energy in the collision. An inelastic collision is one in which part of the kinetic energy is changed to some other form of energy in the collision. Any macroscopic collision between objects will convert some of the kinetic energy into internal energy and other forms of energy, so no large scale impacts are perfectly elastic. Momentum is conserved in inelastic collisions, but one cannot track the kinetic energy through the collision since some of it is converted to other forms of energy. Collisions in ideal gases approach perfectly elastic collisions, as do scattering interactions of sub-atomic particles which are deflected by the electromagnetic force. Some large-scale interactions like the slingshot type gravitational interactions between satellites and planets are perfectly elastic.

D?
 
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robvba said:
Two objects collide and bounce off each other. Linear momentum

A. is conserved only if the environment is frictionless
B. definitely not conserved
C. definitely is conserved
D. is conserved only if the collusion is elastic


A perfectly elastic collision is defined as one in which there is no loss of kinetic energy in the collision. An inelastic collision is one in which part of the kinetic energy is changed to some other form of energy in the collision. Any macroscopic collision between objects will convert some of the kinetic energy into internal energy and other forms of energy, so no large scale impacts are perfectly elastic. Momentum is conserved in inelastic collisions, but one cannot track the kinetic energy through the collision since some of it is converted to other forms of energy. Collisions in ideal gases approach perfectly elastic collisions, as do scattering interactions of sub-atomic particles which are deflected by the electromagnetic force. Some large-scale interactions like the slingshot type gravitational interactions between satellites and planets are perfectly elastic.

D?

Maybe read your material a little more closely?
 

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