Elastic and Inelastic Collisions
This section differentiates between elastic and inelastic collisions, explaining their characteristics and energy considerations.
Definition: An elastischer Stoß (elastic collision) is defined as a collision where the total kinetic energy of the system is conserved.
The mathematical representation of energy conservation in an elastic collision is given by:
½m₁v²₁ + ½m₂v²₂ = ½m₁u²₁ + ½m₂u²₂
Vocabulary: "Unelastischer Stoß" (inelastic collision) is introduced as a collision where objects stick together after impact.
In an inelastic collision, some kinetic energy is converted into other forms, typically heat and deformation energy. The key equation for an inelastic collision is:
m₁v₁ + m₂v₂ = m1+m2u
Where u is the common final velocity of the combined masses.
Highlight: The conservation of momentum applies to both elastic and inelastic collisions, but energy conservation differs between the two types.