Difference between Elastic and Inelastic Collision

Elastic collisions and inelastic collisions are two types of collisions that behave differently in physics. In elastic collisions, the total kinetic energy of the objects remains the same before and after the collision. On the other hand, in inelastic collisions, some of the kinetic energy is transformed into other forms, such as heat, sound, or deformation of the objects. This fundamental dissimilarity influences various aspects of motion and energy transfer, and makes it essential to distinguish between the two collision types for accurate analysis and prediction of outcomes.

In this article, we will learn in detail about difference between elastic and inelastic collision

What is Elastic Collision?

In an elastic collision, the total kinetic energy of the objects involved remains the same before and after the collision. This type of collision is often considered ideal because there is no loss of kinetic energy, and the conservation of energy and momentum holds true. There is no change in the size or shape of the objects involved during an elastic collision. While elastic collisions are common among gas or air molecules, they occur at the microscopic level and are not commonly observed in everyday life.

For example, when two billiard balls collide on a frictionless table, they may bounce off each other without any loss of kinetic energy. This preserves both momentum and kinetic energy throughout the collision.

What is Inelastic Collision?

In an inelastic collision, the total kinetic energy of the objects involved is not conserved, meaning some of the kinetic energy is transformed into other forms, such as heat, sound, or deformation of the objects. Unlike elastic collisions, where the objects rebound off each other, inelastic collisions result in the objects sticking together or deforming upon impact. Momentum is still conserved in inelastic collisions, but the kinetic energy of the system decreases.

In everyday life, examples of inelastic collisions include when a car crashes into a wall, causing damage and deformation, or when two clay balls collide and stick together.

Difference Between Elastic Collisions and Inelastic Collisions

Understanding the difference between elastic and inelastic collisions is necessary to understand the behavior of objects in physics experiments and real-world scenarios. While both types of collisions involve the interaction of objects, they have different characteristics and outcomes. In elastic collisions, kinetic energy is conserved, whereas in inelastic collisions, kinetic energy is not conserved. The difference between elastic and inelastic collision is tabulated below:

Basis	Elastic Collisions	Inelastic Collisions
Kinetic Energy	Total kinetic energy remains constant before and after collision.	Some kinetic energy is transformed into other forms during collision, so total kinetic energy decreases.
Object Behavior	Objects bounce off each other without sticking together.	Objects may stick together or deform upon impact.
Deformation	No deformation of objects occurs.	Objects may deform during collision.
Example	Billiard balls colliding on a frictionless table.	A car crashing into a wall.
Common Occurrence	Less common in everyday life.	More common in everyday life.
Momentum	Momentum is conserved	Momentum is conserved

Applications of Elastic and Inelastic Collision

There are numerous applications of elastic and inelastic collision in our daily life. Some of them are discussed below:

Applications of Elastic Collisions

Billiards and Pool: In games like billiards and pool, elastic collisions between balls are important. When two balls collide on a billiard table, they typically rebound off each other without any loss of kinetic energy, assuming there is no friction.

Particle Physics Experiments: In particle physics experiments, such as those conducted in particle accelerators like the Large Hadron Collider (LHC), understanding elastic collisions is essential.

Momentum Transfer Devices: Devices such as Newton’s cradle, consisting of a series of swinging pendulums, demonstrate elastic collisions. When one ball at the end is lifted and released, it transfers its kinetic energy through a series of elastic collisions to the other balls.

Applications of Inelastic Collisions

Car Crashes: In car crashes, collisions between vehicles and other objects are typically inelastic. The kinetic energy of the vehicles is not conserved, and some of it is transformed into other forms of energy, such as deformation energy, heat, and sound.

Industrial Processes: In industries like manufacturing and materials processing, inelastic collisions are encountered frequently. For example, during metalworking processes like forging or rolling, the collisions between metal particles or between metal and machinery is inelastic.

Sports Equipment Design: The design of sports equipment, such as helmets, pads, and safety gear, often involves considerations of inelastic collisions.

Conclusion

The whole crux of the article is mentioned in the below points

• In elastic collision no kinetic energy is lost during the collision. Objects bounce off each other without sticking together, and there is no deformation.
• In inelastic collision total kinetic energy decreases during the collision. Inelastic collisions often result in objects sticking together or deforming upon impact.

So, the main difference between elastic and inelastic collisions is how they handle kinetic energy. Elastic collisions keep the kinetic energy constant, while inelastic collisions lose some kinetic energy.

FAQs on Difference between Elastic and Inelastic Collision

What are the 2 types of collision?

There are two types of collision:

• elastic
• inelastic

What is the main difference between elastic and inelastic collisions?

The main difference between elastic and inelastic collisions is how they handle kinetic energy. In elastic collisions, kinetic energy is conserved, while in inelastic collisions, some kinetic energy is transformed into other forms.

What is an example of an elastic and inelastic collision?

An example of an elastic collision is when two billiard balls collide on a frictionless table and bounce off each other without any loss of kinetic energy.

An example of an inelastic collision is when a car crashes into a wall, causing damage and deformation.

What is the difference between perfectly elastic and perfectly inelastic?

The difference between perfectly elastic and perfectly inelastic collisions lies in the extent to which kinetic energy is conserved. In a perfectly elastic collision, kinetic energy is conserved entirely, while in a perfectly inelastic collision, kinetic energy is not conserved at all, and the maximum possible deformation occurs.