Chapter 8, Problem 17A

Distinguish between an elastic and an inelastic collision.

To determine

To explain: The difference between elastic and inelastic collision

Explanation of Solution

Introduction:

Two bodies can be said to be in collision when they exert a force on each other for a shorter duration of time. During a collision, there occurs a redistribution of momentum of the system of bodies so that law of conservation of momentum is obeyed.

When two or more bodies undergo a collision with one another, if the shape of either of them remains the same after collision and no excess energy is liberated in one or more forms like heat, then such collision is known elastic collision. For example, the collision between balls in billiard board, in which momentum of one ball is transferred to the other without any deformation can be considered as a form of elastic collision.

Now, if the shape of one or both of the objects changes or heat energy is produced, such collisions are known as inelastic collision. For example, the collision between two vehicles always gives a possibility of deformation or heat or both.