Is Momentum Conservation Sufficient for Elastic Collisions?

[mike2007]

If momentum is conserved in a collision. Does this indicate conclusively that the collision is elastic?

This is what i concluded but i think i am wrong

No, it does not indicate that the collision is conclusively elastic. For an elastic collision to occur both the law of conservation of momentum and the conservation of kinetic energy has to be observed.

Is that true or am i wrong..

 

[prasannapakkiam]

Correct. For a perfectly Elastic Collision, the total Initial Kinetic Energy in the system must equal the total Kinetic Energy after the Collision.

 

[m2003]

Your conclusion is correct. In an elastic collision, both the law of conservation of momentum and the conservation of kinetic energy must be observed. If only the law of conservation of momentum is observed, it could indicate that the collision is inelastic or partially elastic. To determine if a collision is truly elastic, both momentum and kinetic energy must be conserved.