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nothing123
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Is there a proof showing how perfectly inelastic collisions result in the maximum kinetic energy loss?
Thanks.
Thanks.
How Do Perfectly Inelastic Collisions Lead to Maximum Kinetic Energy Loss?
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In summary, a perfectly inelastic collision results in the maximum kinetic energy loss because the two final velocities are the same, and choosing the final velocity as the frame of reference makes the calculation easier. However, this concept applies to any frame of reference and the transfer of momentum between two bodies in a stationary system cannot decrease the energy.
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tiny-tim
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nothing123 said:
Hi nothing123!
Well, "perfectly inelastic collision" means that the two final velocities are the same.
So we may as well chose that velocity as our frame of reference.
So the question for you to answer is: If two bodies are stationary, can any transfer of momentum between them (conserving momentum) decrease the energy?
- #3
nothing123
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Hi tiny-tim,
I'm not sure if I'm following exactly but are you suggesting that if there can be no more transfer of momentum between the objects in the system, it's at its lowest possible kinetic energy? What does the frame of reference have to do with it?
Thanks.
I'm not sure if I'm following exactly but are you suggesting that if there can be no more transfer of momentum between the objects in the system, it's at its lowest possible kinetic energy? What does the frame of reference have to do with it?
Thanks.
- #4
tiny-tim
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Hi nothing123!
We can use any frame of reference.
But it makes sense to choose whatever frame makes the calculation easier.
In this case, it seems to make sense to choose the frame of the final velocity.
But it will work in any frame!
Have a go!
We can use any frame of reference.
But it makes sense to choose whatever frame makes the calculation easier.
In this case, it seems to make sense to choose the frame of the final velocity.
But it will work in any frame!
Have a go!
- #5
nothing123
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Sorry, I'm not quite following...is there supposed to be a calculation that's made?
FAQ: How Do Perfectly Inelastic Collisions Lead to Maximum Kinetic Energy Loss?
What is a perfectly inelastic collision?
A perfectly inelastic collision is a type of collision where two objects stick together after colliding and move as one mass. In this type of collision, kinetic energy is not conserved as some of it is converted into other forms of energy, such as heat or sound.
How is a perfectly inelastic collision different from other types of collisions?
In a perfectly inelastic collision, the objects stick together and move as one mass, whereas in other types of collisions, the objects bounce off each other and continue moving separately. Additionally, in perfectly inelastic collisions, kinetic energy is not conserved, whereas in elastic collisions, kinetic energy is conserved.
What factors affect the outcome of a perfectly inelastic collision?
The mass and velocity of the objects involved in the collision are the main factors that affect the outcome of a perfectly inelastic collision. The greater the mass and velocity of the objects, the greater the momentum and energy transferred during the collision.
How is the coefficient of restitution related to perfectly inelastic collisions?
The coefficient of restitution is a measure of how much kinetic energy is conserved during a collision. In perfectly inelastic collisions, the coefficient of restitution is zero, meaning that no kinetic energy is conserved and all of it is converted into other forms of energy.
What are some real-world examples of perfectly inelastic collisions?
Some examples of perfectly inelastic collisions in everyday life include a car hitting a tree, two cars colliding head-on, and a hammer hitting a nail. In each of these examples, the objects stick together after colliding and move as one mass.