Elastic collision and Inelastic collision
Last updated on May 30th, 2022 at 11:42 am
Collisions are often classified according to whether the total kinetic energy changes during the collision and as per this classification collisions are of 2 types, Elastic collision, and Inelastic collision. Let’s find out their definitions, types, and examples. We will also solve a Sample Numerical problem based on collision.
Define elastic and inelastic collisions
An elastic collision is one in which the total kinetic energy of the system after the collision is equal to the total kinetic energy before the collision.
And Inelastic collision is one in which the total kinetic energy of the system is not the same before and after the collision; if the objects stick together after colliding, the collision is said to be completely inelastic.
What is the difference between an elastic collision and an inelastic collision?
The basic difference between elastic and inelastic collisions is as follows:
- An Elastic Collision is one in which both the kinetic energy and momentum of the system are conserved.
- And an Inelastic Collision is a collision in which momentum is conserved but the total kinetic energy of the system is not the same before and after the collision. This lack of conservation of kinetic energy in inelastic collisions means that the forces between colliding objects may convert kinetic energy to other forms of energy, such as potential energy or thermal energy.
What are elastic and inelastic collisions examples?
Elastic collisions examples
Perfectly elastic collisions do not exist in everyday situations, but they do exist in the interactions between atoms and subatomic particles. Almost-elastic collisions are seen in reality. A collision between two billiard balls is almost elastic.
Inelastic collisions examples
Some car crashes, a collision between a meteorite and the Moon, and a collision involving two balls of plasticine would be perfectly inelastic.
Inelastic collisions types with examples
Inelastic collisions can vary from almost elastic to perfectly inelastic.
Almost-elastic collision
Almost elastic collisions are those collisions where very little kinetic energy is transformed into other forms of energy. These collisions include those where little friction acts, for example between billiard balls. A collision between two billiard balls is almost elastic because very little of their kinetic energy is transformed into heat and sound energy.
Moderately-elastic collision
Collisions such as a bouncing basketball, a gymnast on a trampoline, and a tennis ball being hit are moderately elastic with about half the kinetic energy of the system being retained.
Perfectly Inelastic collision
Perfectly inelastic collisions are those in which the colliding bodies stick together after impact. Some car crashes, a collision between a meteorite and the Moon, and a collision involving two balls of plasticine would be perfectly inelastic. In these collisions, much, and sometimes all, of the initial kinetic energy of the system is lost.
Sample Numerical problem solving (based on collision)
Numerical Question] A car of mass 1000 kg traveling west at 20 m/s crashes into the rear of a stationary bus of mass 5000 kg. The vehicles lock together on impact.
a) What is their joint velocity immediately after the collision?
b) What is the total kinetic energy of the system before the collision?
c) What is the total kinetic energy of the system after the collision?
d) Is this an elastic or inelastic collision? Explain.
Solution:
a) Total initial momentum = 1000 x 20 Kgm/s = 20000 Kgm/s
Let the joint velocity after the collision is V. After the collision total mass = 1000 + 5000 = 6000 Kg
So, final momentum = 6000. V
Considering conservation of momentum, 20000 = 6000. V
=> V = 20/6 m/s = 3.33 m/s
b) total kinetic energy of the system before the collision = (1/2) 1000. 20^2 = 200000 Joule
c) total kinetic energy of the system after the collision = (1/2) 6000. (20/6)^2 = 33333.33 Joule
d) Here, conservation of Kinetic energy is not maintained. Hence, this collision is an inelastic collision.
Summary
In this post, we have discussed different types of collisions with their definitions, types, and examples. Also, we have added one sample numerical for the students and readers to solve.
Not only that, but you can also refer to our dedicated post on Numerical Problems based on collisions.
Also here is an interesting post that discusses the Relationship between Collisions and Newton’s Laws of motion.
Related study (collisions)
Collisions – definitions, types, sample numerical
Numerical problems – collisions
Numerical problems – 2D collisions
