Collisions
Involve 2 masses
and
and their respective velocities v
The i is for initial, or before collision. The f is for final, or after collision
Elastic Collisions conserve momentum and energy
conserving momentum
and conserving energy
There are several near elastic collisions but if the collision produces sound or changes shape or creates
heat the energy is not truly conserved. A truly elastic collision is unusual.
Inelastic Collisions conserve only momentum and are quiet common
Things to remember:
Elastic Collisions conserve momentum and energy (rare)
Inelastic Collisions conserve only momentum (common)