Explain characteristics of elastic & inelastic collision

Dear Student,

Elastic Collision :
A collision in which there is absolutely no loss of kinetic energy is called an elastic collision.
Example- Collision between atomic and sub atomic particles.
Characteristics of elastic collision :
• Both momentum and total energy are conserved.
• Kinetic energy is also conserved.
• Forces involved during the collision are conservative.
• The mechanical energy is not converted into heat, light, sound etc.
Inelastic Collision :
A collision in which there occurs some loss of kinetic energy is called an inelastic collision.
Example - If two bodies stick to each other, after colliding, the collision is said to be perfectly inelastic.
Characteristics of inelastic collision:
• Both momentum and total energy are conserved.
• The kinetic energy is not conserved.
• All the forces involved are non conservative.
• A part of mechanical energy is converted into heat, light, sound etc.

Regards