Inelastic Collisions
Definition
Inelastic collisions are collisions between objects where kinetic energy is not conserved. In these types of collisions, some or all of the initial kinetic energy is transformed into other forms of energy such as heat, sound, or deformation.
Related terms
Coefficient of Restitution: A value that measures how "bouncy" a collision is by comparing the relative velocities before and after the collision.
Perfectly Inelastic Collision: A type of inelastic collision where two objects stick together after colliding and move as one mass.
Conservation of Momentum: The principle that states that the total momentum of a system remains constant if no external forces act on it.
"Inelastic Collisions" appears in:
Subjects (1)
AP Physics 1
Study guides (1)
AP Physics 2 - 2.9 Thermodynamics and Inelastic Collisions: Conservation of Momentum
Additional resources (1)
AP Physics 2 - Unit 2 Overview: Thermodynamics
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Cram Mode
AP Score Calculators
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© 2024 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.
AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.