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Chapter 3: Problem 22

Describe the distinction between elastic and inelastic collisions. Give an example of each.

Short Answer

Expert verified
Answer: The key difference between elastic and inelastic collisions is the conservation of kinetic energy. In elastic collisions, both momentum and kinetic energy are conserved (e.g., billiard balls colliding), while in inelastic collisions, only momentum is conserved but kinetic energy is not (e.g., a car crash).

Step by step solution

01

Define Elastic Collision

An elastic collision is a type of collision in which both momentum and kinetic energy are conserved. This means that the total momentum and total kinetic energy of the system (i.e., the two colliding objects) both before and after the collision remain the same.
02

Provide an Example of Elastic Collision

An example of an elastic collision is a game of pool or billiards. When one billiard ball (the cue ball that is in motion) hits another ball, it transfers its momentum to the second ball. The total kinetic energy of the system remains constant before and after the collision, thereby making it an elastic collision.
03

Define Inelastic Collision

An inelastic collision, on the other hand, is a type of collision where momentum is conserved but kinetic energy is not. Essentially, this means the total momentum before and after the collision is the same, but some kinetic energy is transferred into other forms of energy such as heat, sound, or deformation.
04

Provide an Example of Inelastic Collision

An example of an inelastic collision is a car crash. During a car crash, the total momentum of the cars before the crash (provided they don't spin out of control) is equal to the momentum after the crash. However, kinetic energy is not conserved, as some of it is transformed into heat, sound, and deformation energy, as evidenced by the crumpled state of the vehicles post-collision. This makes it an inelastic collision. By understanding these definitions and examples, you can distinguish between elastic and inelastic collisions in various scenarios.

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