What are the similarities and differences between an elastic and an inelastic collision?

In both an elastic and inelastic collision momentum is conserved, however in an elastic collision the total kinetic energy is the same before and after the collision. In an inelastic collision kinetic energy is dispersed in the form of heat, sound or deformation. The elasticity of a collision is dependant on the speed of the collision, the angle of incidence and the material the objects are made of. In reality elastic collisions do not exist except between subatomic particles.

HG
Answered by Henry G. Physics tutor

25307 Views

See similar Physics A Level tutors

Related Physics A Level answers

All answers ▸

An ice cube with a small iron ball in its centre is placed in a cup of water. 3.9 x 10-3kg of water in the cup is displaced and the volume of the ice cube is 4.0 x 10-6m3. Ice density: 1000 kg m-3 Iron density: 7800 kg m-3, what is the volume of the iron?


What is the definition of the photoelectric effect?


When a particle travels in a circle of radius r, at constant speed v, what is its acceleration


Two balls with the same kinetic energy have mass of ball a = m and ball b = 2m. What is the ratio of their momentums: a/b?


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:

© 2025 by IXL Learning