Which type of collision conserves kinetic energy?

Which type of collision conserves kinetic energy?

• A. Inelastic collision
• B. Elastic collision
• C. Perfectly inelastic collision
• D. Partially elastic collision

Answer: (B)

In an elastic collision, both momentum and kinetic energy are conserved. This means that after the collision, the total kinetic energy of the colliding bodies is the same as it was before the collision. Elastic collisions typically occur in ideal conditions where there are no external forces acting, and both bodies bounce off each other without lasting deformation or generation of heat. The specific characteristics of elastic collisions include no energy loss to other forms, such as thermal energy or sound. This is why in scenarios such as gas molecule interactions or idealized billiard balls, the principles of an elastic collision can be applied effectively. In contrast, inelastic collisions do not conserve kinetic energy; some of it is transformed into other forms of energy, such as heat or sound, which happens in more realistic conditions. Perfectly inelastic collisions, which are a specific type of inelastic collision, result in the greatest loss of kinetic energy, as the colliding objects stick together post-collision. Partially elastic collisions have elements of both elastic and inelastic collisions, meaning they do not fully conserve kinetic energy either. Therefore, the conservation of kinetic energy is a defining characteristic of elastic collisions.

In an elastic collision, both momentum and kinetic energy are conserved. This means that after the collision, the total kinetic energy of the colliding bodies is the same as it was before the collision. Elastic collisions typically occur in ideal conditions where there are no external forces acting, and both bodies bounce off each other without lasting deformation or generation of heat.

The specific characteristics of elastic collisions include no energy loss to other forms, such as thermal energy or sound. This is why in scenarios such as gas molecule interactions or idealized billiard balls, the principles of an elastic collision can be applied effectively.

In contrast, inelastic collisions do not conserve kinetic energy; some of it is transformed into other forms of energy, such as heat or sound, which happens in more realistic conditions. Perfectly inelastic collisions, which are a specific type of inelastic collision, result in the greatest loss of kinetic energy, as the colliding objects stick together post-collision. Partially elastic collisions have elements of both elastic and inelastic collisions, meaning they do not fully conserve kinetic energy either. Therefore, the conservation of kinetic energy is a defining characteristic of elastic collisions.