How to Calculate Inelastic Collision
What is Inelastic Collision?
Inelastic collisions conserve momentum but not kinetic energy. Objects stick together or deform, with lost energy converting to heat and deformation.
Formula
The calculator conserves momentum: m₁v₁ + m₂v₂ = (m₁ + m₂)v_final
Step-by-Step Guide
- 1Enter masses and velocities of colliding objects
- 2The calculator conserves momentum: m₁v₁ + m₂v₂ = (m₁ + m₂)v_final
- 3Results show final velocity and energy loss
Worked Examples
Input
m₁ = 1 kg, v₁ = 10 m/s, m₂ = 1 kg, v₂ = 0 m/s (perfectly inelastic)
Result
v_final = 5 m/s, ΔKE = 25 J lost
Momentum conserved, energy not
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- ✕Attempting to conserve kinetic energy (it's not conserved)
- ✕Calculating final velocity incorrectly using separate masses
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is kinetic energy not conserved?
Energy transforms into deformation, heat, sound, and other forms; the total energy is still conserved.
What's a perfectly inelastic collision?
Objects stick together after collision, representing maximum possible energy loss while still conserving momentum.
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