What happens to energy in a complete inelastic collision?

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In a complete inelastic collision, kinetic energy is not conserved, while linear momentum is conserved. This discrepancy arises because some energy is transformed into other forms, such as heat, sound, or internal energy. The exact distribution of energy loss depends on the specifics of the collision. In scenarios like space, sound energy is irrelevant, but heat and internal energy still play a role. Understanding these principles clarifies the energy transformations occurring during such collisions.
Adit
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Could be a stupid question. But in case of complete inelastic collision, when one particle is at rest and other one collides with it and both move together, I made calculations(pretty simple ones), the conservation of linear momentum and conservation of kinetic energy give different results.
Can anyone explain it?
 
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Adit said:
conservation of kinetic energy give different results

They should, kinetic energy is only conserved in elastic collisions.
 
So, what happens to rest of the energy? Heat? Any law of thermodynamic?
 
Depends on the collision. Heat, internal energy, sound, etc.
 
I mean there's a precise amount of energy getting drained. It has to impact somewhere, like if in space, sound won't be a concern. If you can tell it more specifically. But thanks anyway, I got it. A burden out of my head.
 
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