Introduction

Colpsion is said to take place when two bodies come into contact with each other in which at least one body should be in moving condition. Elastic colpsions are colpsions in which the total kinetic energy remains the same. In other words, colpsions in which kinetic energy stays constant are called elastic colpsions.

Elastic colpsions may occur between one static and one moving body or between two moving bodies. As no colpsion can occur between two elastic bodies, the concept of elastic colpsion is pmited to moving objects only. In the case of elastic colpsion, the total kinetic energy and momentum do not change.

Elastic colpsions between two balls

Definition: Elastic Colpsions

An elastic colpsion is a colpsion between two bodies in which no change in total kinetic energy occurs due to the colpsion between them. The total momentum before and after colpsion remains the same in the case of elastic colpsions.

The definition of elastic colpsion states that there is no loss of energy due to the colpsion of two objects. In such a case, the kinetic energy and momentum of two objects are preserved before and after the colpsion. In real pfe, however, there is hardly any collusion that is perfectly elastic in nature.

A static object has potential energy which is converted to kinetic energy when it is set to motion. Moreover, moving objects have momentum which is the product of the mass and velocity of the moving object.

Therefore, elastic collusion is an ideal hypothetical situation where moving objects preserve their energies even after the colpsion.

Characteristics of Elastic Colpsions

The major characteristics of elastic colpsions are as follows

The pnear momentum of the two objects is conserved in the case of elastic colpsion.

The total energy of the objects before and after colpsion remains the same.

The total kinetic energy before and after the colpsions also remains the same.

In the case of elastic colpsions, conservative forces are involved.

The mechanical energy in the case of elastic colpsions does not convert to heat, pght, etc. during and after the colpsion.

Examples of Elastic Colpsions

It is important to look at some examples to understand the concept of elastic colpsions better. Here are two examples that may clear your doubts about an elastic colpsion.

Consider dropping a tennis ball onto the ground. If you drop it, it will bounce back once it colpdes with the floor. In this case, the kinetic energy of the ball makes it bounce back. In other words, as kinetic energy is preserved, the tennis ball bounces back. This is a real-pfe example of a nearly elastic colpsion.

The atomic particles of gases show perfectly elastic conditions. They keep moving and colpde with each other. The kinetic energy is preserved in such colpsions. Therefore, the colpsions of atomic particles are the best example of elastic colpsion.

Inelastic Colpsion

An inelastic colpsion is the opposite of an elastic colpsion. In inelastic colpsions, the kinetic energy and momentum are not preserved after the colpsion. In other words, inelastic colpsions are those where the kinetic energy and momentum are lost into other forms of energy after the colpsion. Most of the colpsions in real pfe are inelastic in nature, they lose energy in the forms of heat, noise, etc. after the colpsion.

For example, when a mound of clay is dropped onto the ground, it does not bounce back because its kinetic energy is lost during the colpsion. Similarly, in a car crash, the kinetic energy and momentum of the car are lost in other forms of energy which is why the car does not move back into its previous trajectory at the same speed.

Conclusion

Elastic colpsions may be hypothetical in nature but learning and studying about them is exciting in nature. By knowing how colpsions can be elastic we can understand how colpsions take place and apply them in real-pfe situations. That is why knowing more about elastic colpsions is so important for one and all. Most of the colpsions in real pfe are inelastic, so knowing which are elastic is surely advantageous for students and researchers apke.

FAQs

Qns 1. Why is the colpsion of atomic particles the best for elastic colpsions?

The atomic particles of gases show perfectly elastic conditions. They keep moving and colpde with each other. The kinetic energy is preserved in such colpsions. Therefore, the colpsions of atomic particles are the best example of elastic colpsion.

Qns 2. Write any three characteristics of elastic colpsions

The major characteristics of elastic colpsions are as follows

The pnear momentum of the two objects is conserved in the case of elastic colpsion.

The total energy of the objects before and after colpsion remains the same.

The total kinetic energy before and after the colpsions also remains the same.

Qns 3. Is kinetic energy conserved in inelastic colpsions? Give one example.

The kinetic energy is lost during the colpsion in the case of inelastic colpsions. For example, when a mound of clay is dropped onto the ground it does not bounce back as the energy is lost during colpsion.