What distinguishes elastic collisions from inelastic collisions?

What distinguishes elastic collisions from inelastic collisions?

• A. Both momentum and kinetic energy are conserved
• B. Only momentum is conserved
• C. Kinetic energy is conserved, momentum is not
• D. Energy is converted to heat in elastic collisions

Answer: (A)

Elastic collisions are defined by the conservation of both momentum and kinetic energy during the interaction between colliding bodies. In an elastic collision, the total kinetic energy before the collision is equal to the total kinetic energy after the collision, along with the conservation of momentum which also holds true. This essential characteristic creates a clear distinction from inelastic collisions, where momentum is still conserved, but kinetic energy is not; some of it is transformed into other forms of energy, such as heat or sound. Therefore, the defining feature of elastic collisions is the retention of kinetic energy alongside momentum conservation, validating the correctness of the assertion in the chosen response. Inelastic collisions, on the other hand, would align more accurately with options that imply that only momentum is retained (not kinetic energy), thus confirming the uniqueness of elastic collisions where both forms of energy remain conserved.

Elastic collisions are defined by the conservation of both momentum and kinetic energy during the interaction between colliding bodies. In an elastic collision, the total kinetic energy before the collision is equal to the total kinetic energy after the collision, along with the conservation of momentum which also holds true.

This essential characteristic creates a clear distinction from inelastic collisions, where momentum is still conserved, but kinetic energy is not; some of it is transformed into other forms of energy, such as heat or sound. Therefore, the defining feature of elastic collisions is the retention of kinetic energy alongside momentum conservation, validating the correctness of the assertion in the chosen response.

Inelastic collisions, on the other hand, would align more accurately with options that imply that only momentum is retained (not kinetic energy), thus confirming the uniqueness of elastic collisions where both forms of energy remain conserved.