Question

Distinguish between elastic and inelastic collision.

Answer 1

- Hint: Kinetic Energy is conserved in elastic collision as there is no loss of energy in the form of heat or sound. While in inelastic collision there is some loss of Kinetic energy, but the linear momentum remains conserved as the momentum before and after the collision is the same.

Complete step-by-step solution -

Collision can be broadly divided into two type:
(1). Elastic collision
(2). Inelastic collision
Elastic Collision – It is the type of collision in which there is no loss of Kinetic Energy when two bodies collide. The Kinetic Energy is not converted into any other form of energy like heat energy, sound energy etc. during elastic collision. The linear momentum of the system remains conserved. The total energy of the system also remains conserved. The colliding objects usually bounce apart after collision.
A practical example for elastic collision is collision of ivory balls.

Inelastic Collision – In this type of collision Kinetic energy is usually lost and converted into some other form of energy like heat energy, sound energy etc. The linear momentum and the total energy of the system remain conserved.
Example of inelastic collision is bouncing a ball on the floor.

Additional Information:
Inelastic collision can further be subdivided into two types such as Completely inelastic collision and Partially inelastic collision. In completely inelastic collisions the objects tend to stick together, for example clay balls falling on the floor. While in a partially inelastic collision the object bounces off but its shape deforms, for example when a bat hits an approaching ball. Most collisions in nature are Partially inelastic.

Note: Elastic collision should not be confused with the word elastic as elasticity is the property of a body to get deformed ,and reform to its original configuration on its own but during elastic collision the objects do not get deformed and maintain their original shape after the collision.