Collisions

Question 1

State the principle of conservation of momentum

Answer 1

In a closed system, when bodies interact, the total momentum in a specific direction remains constant, therefore momentum is always conserved

Question 2

Define a perfectly elastic collision

Answer 2

When two objects collide, both kinetic energy and momentum are conserved. (Particles collide elastically)

Question 3

Define an inelastic collision

Answer 3

When two objects collide, only momentum is conserved, kinetic energy is converted to heat energy. (A car crash is an inelastic collision)