Inelastic Collisions
Part of the Mechanics section of Coddy's Physics journey. Lesson 66 of 94.
In an inelastic collision some kinetic energy is lost, but momentum is conserved. Bodies that stick together share one velocity:
m1 v1 + m2 v2 = (m1 + m2) v'
In the picture: 2 · 6 = 3v', so v' = 4 m/s. The kinetic energy drops from 36 J to 24 J.
Perfectly inelastic: the carts stick and share one velocity.
Challenge
A 3 kg cart rolls right at 4 m/s, and a 1 kg cart rolls left at 2 m/s toward it. They meet and stick together. Taking right as positive, find their velocity v_f after the collision.
Try it yourself
Test yourselfThis lesson includes a short quiz. Start the lesson to answer it and track your progress.
All lessons in Mechanics
1Vectors and Newton's Laws
Right TrianglesWhat is a Vector?Adding VectorsAxes and DirectionsVector ComponentsForces Around UsFriction and TensionNewton's First LawNewton's Second LawNewton's Third LawRecap - Net Force2Friction
What is Friction?Static FrictionKinetic FrictionFriction and Newton's LawsRecap - Sliding Crate3Inclined Planes
Forces on an InclineGravity ComponentsFrictionless InclineIncline with FrictionWill It Slide?Recap - Ramp Challenge6Projectile Motion
Independent AxesHorizontal LaunchLaunch at an AngleRange and Max HeightRecap - Hit the Target9Work and Energy
WorkKinetic EnergyWork-Energy TheoremGravitational PEConservation of EnergyPowerRecap - Roller Coaster12Impulse and Momentum
MomentumImpulseConservation of MomentumElastic CollisionsInelastic CollisionsRecap - Air Track15Simple Harmonic Motion
What is SHM?Mass on a SpringThe PendulumSHM GraphsEnergy in SHMRecap - Oscillator