Explain the difference between elastic and inelastic collisions.

In all collisions, provided there are no external forces, momentum is conserved. This is the law of conservation of momentum. However, kinetic energy is not conserved in all collisions. An inelastic collision is one in which not all of the kinetic energy is conserved. An example could be a collision between two cars, whereby both had kinetic energy before colliding, and none afterwards as they came to rest. A perfectly elastic collision is one in which all kinetic energy is conserved. An example of this is interactions between molecules, or in a Newton's cradle.

Related Physics Scottish Highers answers

All answers ▸

Calculate the gravitational force acting on the Moon, caused by the Earth, given that the masses of the Earth and the Moon are 6 x10^24 and 7.3 x10^22, respectively. The distance between the Earth and the Moon is 384 400 km.


A photon of wavelength 656.3nm is emitted in the Balmer series of a Hydrogen emission lamp. (a). Show that the frequency of the photon is 4.57*10^14 Hz. (b).Use the Planck-Einstein relationship to calculate the energy of the photon.


In a lab a hydrogen spectral line is observed to have a wavelength of 656nm. This line is observed in a distance galaxy to have a wavelength of 661nm, what is the recessional velocity of the galaxy?


An exoplanet of mass 1.36x10^26 kg is orbiting a star of mass 3.2x10^31 kg at a distance of 1 AU. What is the magnitude of the gravitational force between the two?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2025

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences