What is the Explanation for Inelastic Collisions in Physics?

AI Thread Summary
Inelastic collisions occur when two bodies collide and stick together, resulting in a loss of kinetic energy. The key characteristic of inelastic collisions is that momentum is conserved, but kinetic energy is not. Analyzing the collision from the center of mass frame helps clarify the changes in kinetic energy before and after the collision. The initial kinetic energy can be calculated and compared to the final kinetic energy to demonstrate this loss. Understanding these principles is essential for solving related physics problems effectively.
omkhan95
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Hi everyone,

I am a student of A'Levels and I am having a problem with a Question regarding inelastic collision the question is as follows:

Whenever two bodies collide and they stick together the collision is essentially inelastic. Explain?

Can anybody help me out with this this is a challenge from my physics teacher...I tried it but no good so please help me out...:) following is my answer which my teacher said is not correct...
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Analyze the collision in the frame of reference of the centre of mass of the two colliding objects. What is the kinetic energy before the collision? What is it after?

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