What are elastic and inelastic collisions? After a head on elastic collision of two balls of mass m1 and m2, deduce an equation relating the final and initial velocities of both balls.

Elastic collisions conserve both linear momentum and kinetic energy, whereas inelastic collisions conserve only linear momentum.

The derivation will be shown on the virtual black board.

JP
Answered by Jason P. Physics tutor

3412 Views

See similar Physics IB tutors

Related Physics IB answers

All answers ▸

How do you tackle a general mechanics question?


The diagram below represents a balloon just before take-off. The balloon’s basket is attached to the ground by two fixing ropes.Calculate the tension in either of the fixing ropes.


A ball in a room is thrown with a speed v = 15 m/s at an angle 45 degrees above the horizontal. If the ceiling is 4 m high, will the ball hit the ceiling? If so, what is the minimum angle at which the ball will not hit the ceiling? Neglect air resistance.


How can I derive the energy of an electron using the electron in a box model?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning