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

25281 Views

See similar Physics A Level tutors

Related Physics A Level answers

All answers ▸

The braking distance of a road train travelling at 15m/s is 70m. Assuming that the same braking force is applied at all speeds, show that the braking distance of a road train when travelling at 25m/s is about 190m.


A ball is rolled, travelling 10 m north in 5s, then 10 m east in 10s. What is the total distance and average speed of the ball? What is the total displacement and average velocity of the ball?


An unknown capacitor is charged to 6v, its maximum value, then discharged through a 1k ohm resistor. If the capacitor voltage is 3v, 0.3 seconds after starting to discharge, what is the capacitance of the unknown capacitor?


What is the De Broglie wavelength of an electron given it has a kinetic energy of 1 eV? You are given the mass of an electron is 9.11x10^-31 kg and Planck's constant is 6.63x10^-34


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