JEE Physics
JEEPhysicsWork, Energy & PowerClass 11

What is the difference between elastic collision and inelastic collision?

Both conserve momentum; an elastic collision also conserves kinetic energy, while an inelastic one converts some KE into heat/deformation.

Both conserve momentum; an elastic collision also conserves kinetic energy, while an inelastic one converts some KE into heat/deformation. A reliable way to keep them apart is to focus on what each one is defined by, not just the similar-sounding words.

Key point

elastic collision vs inelastic collision

Tap to watch or see it right here — the app stays open (it only opens a quick search if nothing embeddable is found).

More on Work, Energy & Power