Understanding Elastic and Inelastic Collisions in Ballistic Pendulums

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on the nature of collisions in a ballistic pendulum setup. One participant argues that the collision is elastic because the ball bounces off the rod after impact. However, another participant counters this by explaining that significant deformation during a collision typically results in energy loss, indicating an inelastic collision. The conversation highlights the misconception that bouncing alone defines elasticity. Understanding the energy dynamics in collisions is crucial for accurately classifying them.
jubbly
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Hey guys, I have some questions about this ballistic pendulum http://image.made-in-china.com/2f1j00nMvTZeBzkLoC/Ballistic-Pendulum.jpg

My partner and me were discussing what kind of collision it made.
I think it's an elastic since we placed a ball in the rod then pulled the metal rod back. Then the ball went into the block and the block hit the rod again and bounced a little. Wouldn't that make it elastic since it bounced off the rod?
 
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hey jubbly! :smile:
jubbly said:
… Wouldn't that make it elastic since it bounced off the rod?

nooo :redface: … if a ball bounces off the ground, that usually isn't elastic … same here :wink:

(the more a bouncy things deforms, the more energy tends to be lost)
 
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