Inelastic collision Definition and 334 Threads

An inelastic collision, in contrast to an elastic collision, is a collision in which kinetic energy is not conserved due to the action of internal friction.
In collisions of macroscopic bodies, some kinetic energy is turned into vibrational energy of the atoms, causing a heating effect, and the bodies are deformed.
The molecules of a gas or liquid rarely experience perfectly elastic collisions because kinetic energy is exchanged between the molecules' translational motion and their internal degrees of freedom with each collision. At any one instant, half the collisions are – to a varying extent – inelastic (the pair possesses less kinetic energy after the collision than before), and half could be described as “super-elastic” (possessing more kinetic energy after the collision than before). Averaged across an entire sample, molecular collisions are elastic.Although inelastic collisions do not conserve kinetic energy, they do obey conservation of momentum. Simple ballistic pendulum problems obey the conservation of kinetic energy only when the block swings to its largest angle.
In nuclear physics, an inelastic collision is one in which the incoming particle causes the nucleus it strikes to become excited or to break up. Deep inelastic scattering is a method of probing the structure of subatomic particles in much the same way as Rutherford probed the inside of the atom (see Rutherford scattering). Such experiments were performed on protons in the late 1960s using high-energy electrons at the Stanford Linear Accelerator (SLAC). As in Rutherford scattering, deep inelastic scattering of electrons by proton targets revealed that most of the incident electrons interact very little and pass straight through, with only a small number bouncing back. This indicates that the charge in the proton is concentrated in small lumps, reminiscent of Rutherford's discovery that the positive charge in an atom is concentrated at the nucleus. However, in the case of the proton, the evidence suggested three distinct concentrations of charge (quarks) and not one.

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  1. M

    Good luck, and let me know if you run into any more problems!

    Homework Statement https://scontent-a-sjc.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/t1.0-9/603671_1409914319284787_3441607163537875560_n.jpg Homework Equations conservation of total momentum M1V1+M2V2 = MtotVf The Attempt at a Solution I tried using the COTM as such: x...
  2. J

    Completely inelastic collision with object attached to spring

    Homework Statement In Fig. 9-64, block 2 (mass 1.0 kg) is at rest on a frictionless surface and touch- ing the end of an unstretched spring of spring constant 200 N/m. The other end of the spring is fixed to a wall. Block 1 (mass 2.0 kg), traveling at speed v1 = 4.0 m/s, collides with...
  3. B

    What is the weight of the sled?

    Homework Statement Simple question, if a dog jumps on a stationary sled at velocity v.. the dog weighs 20kg. The velocity after is v/2. What is the weight of the sled Homework Equations m1v = (m1 + m2)v/2 The Attempt at a Solution I rearrange this equation and i get m2 = m1.. this...
  4. E

    Analyzing Inelastic Collision Data from a graph

    Homework Statement A head on collision between mass and mass B occurs as described in the F vs s graph below. Complete the table in the data section Find \vec{x}A Find \vec{x}B see attached page for clarification Homework Equations P=m*v \DeltaP=F*t Ek=\stackrel{1}{2}mv2 \vec{d} = \vec{v}t...
  5. ShayanJ

    Problem with inelastic collision

    Two masses m_1 and m_2 are closing each other with speeds v_1 and v_2 . The coefficient of restitution is e. Calculate the amount of kinetic energy loss after caused by the collision. I solved it in the center of mass coordinates( v_{cm}=u_{cm}=0 ). The relative speed before and after the...
  6. T

    Inelastic Collision - 2D, find mass, theta, x-component

    Football Player 1 (mass m1 = 72 kg) has just caught a pass at the 50 yard line when he is tackled by Football Player 2 (of mass m2). Each player was initially moving at an angle of theta with respect to the 50 yard line at 8.0m/s. the tackle is a perfectly inelastic collision and the players...
  7. M

    Inelastic collision between ball and rotating system.

    Homework Statement A homogenous, thin stick with the mass m and the length l is hanging from the ceiling and can rotate freely around the point P. A small ball with the mass of M is attached to the end of the stick. The small ball on the end of the stick gets hit by another small ball with...
  8. A

    Inelastic Collision Calculate the Percent Change in KE

    Homework Statement An archer fires a 20g bolt with a speed of105 m/s through a 400 g apple initially at rest. The bolt exits the apple with a speed of 45 m/s. What is the percent change in kinetic energy of the apple/bullet system? m1= 20g Vi1= 105 m/s Vf2= 45 m/s m2= 400g Vi2= 0 m/s Vf2=...
  9. E

    Angular momentum of a glancing inelastic collision

    Homework Statement http://puu.sh/5rfl9.png Homework Equations CM = Σmr / Σm L = Σ (r x p) The Attempt at a Solution CM = 0.118 * (0.0036 + 0.00657) / (0.0723 + 0.118) = 0.00630614818 m (from the centre of top disk) L = Σ (r x p) = [0.118 * (0.0036 + 0.00657) /...
  10. M

    Conservation of angular momentum in an inelastic collision?

    Homework Statement On a frictionless table, a glob of clay of mass 0.380 kg strikes a bar of mass 0.9 kg perpendicularly at a point 0.550 m from the center of the bar and sticks to it. a) a) If the bar is 1.300 m long and the clay is moving at 8.100 m/s before striking the bar, what is the...
  11. A

    Elastic collision and inelastic collision

    Hi everyone, I am stuck with this problems. Homework Statement A block (m1 = 2.5 kg) sits at rest on a horizontal frictionless surface, connected to an unstretched spring (k = 190 N/m) whose other end is fixed to a wall. Another block (m2 = 1.0 kg) whose speed is 4.0 m/s collides head-on...
  12. M

    Completely Inelastic Collision

    I'm currently trying to make a proof to convince myself that when two object collide and stick afterwards, there is maximum energy loss. I've been thinking about it and trying to come up with a mathematical proof to solidify the idea in my head. Please tell me if there's any errors in my...
  13. V

    Inelastic collision in opposite directions: KE lost & angular momentum

    1. The problem statement. Two boys are sliding toward each other on a frictionless, ice-covered parking lot. Jacob, mass 45 kg, is gliding to the right at 7.98 m/s, and Ethan, mass 31.0 kg, is gliding to the left at 10.7 m/s along the same line. When they meet, they grab each other and hang on...
  14. M

    Why do completely inelastic collision have MAXIMUM energy loss?

    When following solutions like this link: http://physics.about.com/od/physicsmtop/g/PerfectlyInelasticCollision.htm I understand that energy is lost, but it doesn't necessarily show that this is MAXIMUM energy loss, just that there is energy lost. How would you go about proving that more energy...
  15. R

    Inelastic Collision Bullet/Block of Wood

    Let me preface this by saying that this is a take home quiz and I'd really appreciate it if you didn't actually answer the question, I have outlined what I've done and what I plan to do to get an answer and I'm looking for input on my problem solving process. I have a problem that I've been...
  16. T

    Conceptual Question on Impuldse of inelastic collision

    Homework Statement If two objects are moving towards each other with two different velocities and two different mass then crash and stick together, find the force acted upon each object during the collision if the collision occurred over some time "t" Homework Equations m1v1+m2v2 =...
  17. V

    Is momentum really conserved in a perfectly inelastic collision?

    Is momentum really conserved in a perfectly inelastic collision? By definition there is no conservation of kinetic energy, but isn't conservation of momentum dependent on conservation of energy? Shouldn't a system whose model takes into account conversion of kinetic energy into heat and...
  18. B

    Show mechanical energy is not conserved in an inelastic collision.

    Homework Statement Using the equation for the final velocity of an inelastic collision, show that mechanical energy is not conserved in the collision. (Do this only with variables.)Homework Equations Vf = (m1v1i + m2v2i)/(m1 + m2) KE = (1/2)mv2 TME = KE + PEThe Attempt at a Solution I honestly...
  19. T

    Impulse in an inelastic collision

    Homework Statement 2 particles travel towards each other at 10ms-1. Particle 1 has a mass of 10kg and particle 2 has a mass of 30kg. It is an inelastic collision. Find the magnitude of the Impulse of particle 1 and 2. Homework Equations I=Ft=mv-mu m1u1+m2u2=(m1+m2)V The Attempt at...
  20. K

    What Are the Steps to Conduct Elastic and Inelastic Collisions Using Photogates?

    These are the instructions: What to do: 1. Connect the two photogates to DIG 1 and DIG 2 ports of the LabQuest device. Connect this device to a computer and turn on the device. 2. Open Logger Pro 3.8.4 software. Click Folder icon/symbol. Open Probes & Sensors > Photogates > Two Gate Timing. 3...
  21. A

    Inelastic Collision Problem: Speed of Earth and People

    Homework Statement An unlikely weapon was once proposed which had all of the people in China to jump up and down simultaneously. Let us say there are 2 billion people (2.0 x 10^9) with an average mass of 50 kg. They all climb ladders which are 1 meter tall. At a particular instant they all...
  22. I

    Inelastic collision involving pulley

    Here is the problem I am trying Two blocks A and B of same mass M are connected with each other with an ideal string of length 2l passing over an ideal pulley. The block A is connected to a light pan C with an ideal string as shown in figure. A particle of mass \frac{M}{2} is dropped on...
  23. S

    Inelastic Collision and average force between 2 trains

    I solved the question , but i need to check it with you guys ... I believe there is something wrong with part b . Homework Statement The 15000kg train A is running at 1.5 m/s on the horizontal tack (to the right) when it encounters a 12000kg train B running at 0.75m/s toward it (to the...
  24. S

    The Conservation of Momentum in a Completely Inelastic Collision.

    Homework Statement A bullet with mass mA and velocity vA makes a completely inelastic collision with a still pendulum of mass B. After the collision, the pendulum swings to a height of y from its equilibrium with the bullet in it. In terms of y, mB and mA, what is the initial velocity? My...
  25. A

    Amount of Kinetic Energy Lost in Inelastic Collision

    1. Two carts, each of mass M, travel towards each other on a frictionless air track, one with velocity V, and the other with -3V. They collide and stick together. How much kinetic energy is lost in the collision? 2. P = mv, KE=1/2mv2 3. Initial KE of the system is the sum of the kinetic...
  26. S

    Inelastic Collision At An Angle

    Two objects of mass M (= 1 kg) each travel with identical speed (|v1| = |v2| = 3 m/s) making an angle of θ relative to the x-axis. After they collide with each other, they travel as one object of mass 2M and with a velocity v3 (|v3| = 2 m/s) in the horizontal direction. What is the value...
  27. K

    Rotational motion inelastic collision

    Homework Statement A ball of clay of mass m travels with velocity v in a path tangent to a disk of radius R and mass M. The clay collides with the disk tangentially to its outer rim ( a totally inelastic collision) and the clay and disk begins to spin about the axis. a) What is the final...
  28. C

    Inelastic collision (finding e, don't understand concept)

    I have problems with a(ii). (please view the first image.) Now I have found that w = (13-8e)u/7 and v = (20e+13)u/7 What I did is like this: (Using NEL) v = 4ue Where the LHS is actually v-0 because I assume Q = 0. (20e+13)u/7 = 4ue e = 33/28 >1 ∴ e cannot exist. 1. Is...
  29. P

    Kinetic Energy in Inelastic Collision

    Hi, first post on the forum! We know that kinetic energy is not conserved in an inelastic collision, and how much of the kinetic energy is lost we can find it out through applying conservation of momentum. But one thing that I don't understand is how does the system know exactly how much...
  30. S

    How can inelastic collision actually have conserved momentum.

    When heat and acoustic energy are radiated from the system, doesn't this mean that the mass must have decreased as we know E = mc^2? I must be wrong, but I can't see where.
  31. V

    Inelastic Collision on an inclined plane

    Okay so my physics teacher assigned us with some problems to complete and one of them in particular is really confusing me. Attached is a picture of the problem. It just really throws me off when we have to keep it in variable form. So if someone can just walk me through it a little it would be...
  32. L

    Inelastic Collision: Cart of Mass m Hits Stationary Cart of Mass 2m

    "A cart of mass m moving at velocity v to the right collides with a stationary cart" 1. "A cart of mass m moving at velocity v to the right collides with a stationary cart of mass 2m on an air track, and the two stick together after collision. What is their velocity after colliding?" 2...
  33. J

    Angle, Direction, and Speed after an Elastic or Inelastic Collision

    [b]A hockey player with a mass of 30.0 kg is initially moving at 2.00 m/s to the east. He intercepts and catches a puck initially moving at 35.0 m/s at an angle of θ = 60 degrees. Assume that the puck's mass is 0.18 kg and the player and the puck form a single object for a few seconds at the...
  34. H

    2D completely inelastic collision question

    Homework Statement Andy (mass 92 kg) and Sam (mass 75 kg) are both on toboggans (each toboggan has a mass of 4.6 kg) traveling on a crash course towards each other. Just as they hit, they lock hands so they move together as one. What is their new speed? In what direction do they travel? mA =...
  35. A

    Derive % change Kinetic energy eqn for inelastic collision

    Homework Statement We did a lab in my PHYS with Caclulus I class involving a collision of cart A (given an initial push) and cart B (initially at rest) on a relatively smooth surface. *At the moment of the collision, the two carts become attached, providing a completely inelastic collision*...
  36. K

    About elastic and inelastic collision

    I am studying the collision from the text, in which they said inelastic collision is the case when two collide objects stick together after collision. But in the class, the instructor said two objects stuck together is not the sufficient condition for inelastic collision, we should figure out if...
  37. P

    Inelastic Collision and Angular Momentum.

    Homework Statement The professor very generally created a very simple conceptual problem as a basis for harder ones, but I don't understand how to answer it. A piece of clay, with mass (m) and speed (v) collides with a motionless stick of length L (with uniform mass density and total...
  38. A

    Inelastic Collision: Threshold Energy

    Homework Statement A thin target of lithium is bombarded by helium nuclei of energy E0. The lithium nuclei are initially at rest in the target but are essentially unbound. When a Helium nucleus enters a lithium nucleus, a nuclear reaction can occur in which the compound necleus splits apart...
  39. S

    In an inelastic collision momentum is conserved, but kinetic energy isn't?

    In an inelastic collision momentum is conserved, but kinetic energy isn't? Here is a simple example about my issue with this. 1g ball (ball A) moving west at 10m/s hits another 1g ball (ball B) moving east at 10m/s. After the collision, ball A moves east at 3m/s, and ball B moves west at...
  40. A

    Length contraction in an inelastic collision

    Preparing for a classical prelim by going over previous exams. Homework Statement A relativistic meter stick moves with speed v in the lab. It collides head on with an impenetrable wall completely inelastically, thereby coming to rest in the lab frame. What is the maximum length of the stick...
  41. R

    Inelastic collision problem - question doesn't make sense

    Homework Statement Q5. A 1500kg car is traveling east @ 15.0m/s, when it crashes into a 2500kg truck traveling in the same direction @ 12m/s. The car has a velocity of 13m/s affter the collision. Assuming this is an inelastic collision, determine: a) speed of the truck just after the collision...
  42. M

    Inelastic collision of ball with rotating beam (juggling robot)

    Homework Statement I'm trying to build a "juggling" robot but I'm getting stuck on the dynamics of catching. The robot follows the dynamics and terminology of a similar one presented in the attached paper (equation 1). Basically, there is a circular ball flying through the air which lands (and...
  43. D

    Change in Kinetic Energy in a Inelastic collision

    Just had a general question involving the change in Kinetic Energy in a Inelastic collision between 2 cars going towards each other at equal velocity. ΔK = K - Ko However for the final K, is the mass the combined mass of both cars since they are now moving together, or is it still the same...
  44. R

    Inelastic Collision with Pendulum and Ball; finding force and work

    Homework Statement I did a lab today in Physics in which we launched ball from a spring loaded cannon directly into a pendulum that captured the ball, held it, and swung upwards with it (representing a totally inelastic collision). One question that confuses me: > How much work did you do in...
  45. K

    Perfectly inelastic collision - energies

    Homework Statement An atom of mass M is initially at rest in its ground state. A moving (nonrelativistic) electron of mass m_e collides with the atom. The atom+electron system can exist in an 'excited state' in which the electron is absorbed into the atom. The excited state has an extra...
  46. N

    Effect on rolling motion after an inelastic collision.

    Hi, I have a problem which I can't figure out.:confused: Let us take a sphere which is rolling purely at a constant velocity vo. Now, if the sphere were to collide inelastically with a wall, with coeff. of restitution = e. Then what is the time after which the sphere starts pure rolling...
  47. T

    Elastic Collision or Inelastic Collision? Two balls colliding.

    Homework Statement A ball of mass 4.5 kg is moving 16 m/s east when it collides with a stationary 6.2kg ball, which moves at a velocity 10 m/s after the collision. Was this an elastic or inelastic collision? Explain your choice. Va = 16 m/s Ma = 4.5 kg Mb = 6.2 kg Vb' = 10 m/s...
  48. R

    Impulse and momentum in an inelastic collision

    Please check my work for the first question. The second and third questions, I'm not 100% sure how to solve them. A ssume that a cement truck with a mass of 10,000 kg hits you while you were stopped at a traffic light, and that you are driving a Smart car with a mass of 750 kg. 1. If the...
  49. T

    Inelastic Collision of 2 Carts - Displacement

    Homework Statement A 15.0 kg toy cart is traveling at 5.5 m/s to the right when it collides head on with a 10.0 kg cart traveling at 4.0 m/s to the left. The objects collide and stick togethere. The coefficient of friction between the wheels of the cart and the floor is 0.40. How far will the...
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