Elastic Collision - Definition, Examples, Difference Between Elastic and Inelastic Collision, FAQs

Edited By Vishal kumar | Updated on Sep 24, 2024 05:42 PM IST

In the article, we are going to learn what is a collision, types of collision, elastic collision, Inelastic collision, the difference between elastic and inelastic collision, elastic collision examples and many more.

What is collision:-

Two things collide when they come into direct contact with each other, that is collision in physics.

It occurs when two or more bodies exert forces on one other in a relatively brief period of time.

There are two types of collision that is:-

Elastic Collision
An elastic collision is one in which the system's kinetic energy is not lost as a result of the collision. It is also known as a perfectly elastic collision
Inelastic Collision
A collision that is inelastic is one in which the kinetic energy is lost.

Thermal energy, acoustic energy, and material deformation are all converted from the lost kinetic energy.

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What is collision:-
What is Elastic Collision
Difference between Elastic and Inelastic Collision
Elastic collision in one dimension derivation

Elastic Collision - Definition, Examples, Difference Between Elastic and Inelastic Collision, FAQs

Characteristics of elastic collision:

The linear momentum of an object is conserved in an elastic collision.
The object's overall energy is conserved.
The kinetic energy of the system is also conserved.
During an elastic collision, conservative forces are at work.
In an elastic collision, the mechanical energy is not transferred to heat.

Characteristics of inelastic collision:

Momentum is conserved in an inelastic collision.
The complete amount of energy is preserved.
The kinetic energy of the system is not preserved.
An inelastic collision involves non-conservative forces.

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What is Elastic Collision

A fully elastic collision occurs when two bodies contact without losing any kinetic energy.

An elastic collision is one in which the system suffers no net kinetic energy loss as a result of the collision.

In an elastic collision, both momentum and kinetic energy are conserved.

Elastic collision examples
A billiard table ball colliding with another ball is an example of a perfectly elastic collision.
There is no net change in kinetic energy when you throw a ball on the ground and it bounces back to your hand, hence it is an elastic collision.

Difference between Elastic and Inelastic Collision

Elastic collision	Inelastic collision
The complete kinetic energy of the system is preserved.	The total kinetic energy of the bodies differs at the start and end of the impact.
There is no loss of momentum.	There is no loss of momentum.
There is no energy conversion.	Kinetic energy is converted to other forms of energy, such as sound or heat.
In the real world, this is highly implausible because energy is constantly changing.	In the real world, this is the most common type of collision.
Swinging balls or a spaceship passing close to a planet but not being impacted by its gravity are examples of this.	A collision between two autos is an example of an inelastic collision.

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Elastic collision in one dimension derivation

Elastic collision in one dimension derivation
Internal kinetic energy and momentum are both conserved in elastic collisions, as previously stated.

Elastic collisions can only be achieved with minuscule particles such as electrons, protons, and neutrons.

m_1u_1 + m_2u_2 = m_1v_1 + m_2v_2

Because the kinetic energy in an elastic collision is preserved, we can write:

$\frac{1}{2} m_1u^2_1 + \frac{1}{2} m_2u^2_2 = \frac{1}{2} m_1v^2_1 + \frac{1}{2} m_2v^2_2$

By rearranging the numbers, we get:,

m_1(u^2_1 -v^2_1) = m_2(v^2_1 - u^2_2)

by the conservation of momentum equation.

m_1u_1 + m_2u_2 = m_1v_1 + m_2v_2

There fore

$\\m_1(u_1 -v_1) (u_1+v_1)= m_2(v_2- u_2)(v_2+u_2)\\u_1+v_1=u_2+v_2\\v_1=u_2+v_2-u_1$

When we plug this value of v₁ into the conservation momentum equation, we get:

v_2 = [2 m1 u1 + u2 (m2-m1)] / (m1 + m2 )

Finally, we have:

v_1 = [2m_2 u_2 + u_1 ( m_1 - m_2)]/ (m_1 +m_2 )

When the masses of both bodies are equivalent, their velocities are usually exchanged when they collide.
v₁ = u₂ and v₂ = u₁

This indicates that in the event of a collision between objects of the same mass, if the second mass is at rest when the first mass collides with it, the first mass will return to rest after the impact and the second mass will move at the same speed as the first mass.

As a result, in this example, v₁ = 0 and v₂ = u₁.

If m₁ < m₂ then, v₁ = -u₁ and v₂ = 0

This means that the lighter body will retaliate with its own velocity, while the greater mass would remain motionless.

If m₁ > m₂ then v_¹ = u₁and v₂ = 2u₁

Super elastic collision

A superelastic collision occurs when potential energy is converted into kinetic energy, resulting in the colliding objects' total kinetic energy being higher after the impact than before.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Define collision or what is the meaning of collision?

Two things collide when they come into direct touch with each other that is collision in physics.

Above is the collision definition.

2. Define elastic and inelastic collision

Elastic Collision
An elastic collision is one in which the system's kinetic energy is not lost as a result of the collision.It is a also known as Perfectly elastic collision

Above is the elastic collision definition

Inelastic Collision
A collision that is inelastic is one in which the kinetic energy is lost.

Thermal energy, acoustic energy, and material deformation are all converted from the lost kinetic energy.

3. Elastic and inelastic collisions examples

Swinging balls or a spaceship passing close to a planet but not being impacted by its gravity are examples of elastic collision.

A collision between two autos is an example of an inelastic collision.

4. In an elastic collision what is conserved

K.E and momentum

5. In an elastic collision of two billiard balls, is the total K.E is conserved during the time of collision of the balls

No, K.E. is not conserved during an elastic collision; it is the same before and after the collision. In fact, the K.E. of the balls is converted into potential energy during contact.

6. What are the Characteristics of elastic collision:

The following are the characteristics of elastic collision:-