Car crash-completely inelastic collision?

In summary, a completely inelastic collision in a car crash occurs when two objects collide and stick together, resulting in no separation between them. Momentum is conserved in this type of collision due to the law of conservation of momentum. The outcome of the collision can be affected by factors such as mass, velocity, angle of collision, and external forces. Kinetic energy is not conserved in a completely inelastic collision, as some of it is converted into other forms of energy. This type of collision can be dangerous, causing significant force and damage to the cars and passengers involved.
  • #1
pebbles
95
0
If a car crashed into a tree, or a head-on collision with another vehicle, the collision would be completely inelastic correct?
What would the kinetic energy be converted to? Internal energy?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
A head on with another same size vehicle could be fairly elastic - it depends on the speed and the angle.
Hitting a tree is pretty inelastic - although you might bounce back slightly.
The energy goes into deforming the crumple zone, creating free surfaces on broken parts and heating the compressed components.
 
  • #3


Yes, in a completely inelastic collision, the two objects involved stick together and move as one, losing all of their initial kinetic energy. In the case of a car crashing into a tree or another vehicle, the kinetic energy would be converted into internal energy, which includes heat, sound, and deformation of the objects involved. This conversion of energy is due to the forces of impact and friction between the two objects. The internal energy will eventually dissipate into the surrounding environment.
 

FAQ: Car crash-completely inelastic collision?

What is a completely inelastic collision in a car crash?

A completely inelastic collision in a car crash is when two objects (or cars) collide and stick together after the impact. This means that the objects move together with the same velocity after the collision, and there is no separation between them.

How is momentum conserved in a completely inelastic collision in a car crash?

Momentum is conserved in a completely inelastic collision in a car crash because the total momentum of the system (both objects) before and after the collision remains the same. This is based on the law of conservation of momentum, which states that momentum cannot be created or destroyed, only transferred between objects.

What factors affect the outcome of a completely inelastic collision in a car crash?

The outcome of a completely inelastic collision in a car crash can be affected by factors such as the mass and velocity of the objects involved, the angle of collision, and the presence of external forces such as friction or air resistance.

How is kinetic energy affected in a completely inelastic collision in a car crash?

In a completely inelastic collision, kinetic energy is not conserved. Some of the kinetic energy of the objects before the collision is converted into other forms of energy, such as heat or sound, during the collision. This results in a decrease in the total kinetic energy of the system after the collision.

Can a completely inelastic collision in a car crash be dangerous?

Yes, a completely inelastic collision in a car crash can be dangerous, as it often results in a significant amount of force and damage to the cars and the passengers involved. This type of collision can also cause injuries to the passengers due to the sudden change in velocity and the forces involved.

Similar threads

Replies
47
Views
2K
Replies
18
Views
1K
Replies
11
Views
2K
Replies
3
Views
3K
Replies
2
Views
2K
Replies
16
Views
3K
Back
Top