Total kinetic energy in an elastic collision

Thread starter copitlory8
Start date Feb 25, 2010
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Collision Elastic Elastic collision Energy Kinetic Kinetic energy

In summary, total kinetic energy in an elastic collision is the combined kinetic energy of all objects involved in the collision, before and after the collision. It is conserved, meaning that the total amount of kinetic energy before the collision is equal to the total amount of kinetic energy after the collision. The equation for calculating total kinetic energy in an elastic collision is KE = 1/2 * m * v^2, where KE is the kinetic energy, m is the mass of the object, and v is the velocity of the object. The total kinetic energy cannot increase or decrease in an elastic collision, it can only be transferred between objects. The coefficient of restitution (e) affects the total kinetic energy by determining how much kinetic energy is conserved

Feb 25, 2010

copitlory8

Why is the total kinetic engergy in an elastic collision constant?

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Feb 25, 2010

ideasrule

Homework Helper

That's how an elastic collision is defined.

FAQ: Total kinetic energy in an elastic collision

What is total kinetic energy in an elastic collision?

Total kinetic energy in an elastic collision refers to the combined kinetic energy of all objects involved in the collision, before and after the collision.

How is total kinetic energy conserved in an elastic collision?

In an elastic collision, total kinetic energy is conserved, meaning that the total amount of kinetic energy before the collision is equal to the total amount of kinetic energy after the collision.

What is the equation for calculating total kinetic energy in an elastic collision?

The equation for calculating total kinetic energy in an elastic collision is: KE = 1/2 * m * v^2, where KE is the kinetic energy, m is the mass of the object, and v is the velocity of the object.

Can total kinetic energy increase or decrease in an elastic collision?

In an elastic collision, the total kinetic energy can neither increase nor decrease. It can only be transferred between objects involved in the collision.

How does the coefficient of restitution affect total kinetic energy in an elastic collision?

The coefficient of restitution (e) is a measure of the elasticity of a collision. A higher coefficient of restitution means that more kinetic energy is conserved in the collision, while a lower coefficient of restitution means that more kinetic energy is lost. Therefore, the coefficient of restitution can affect the total kinetic energy in an elastic collision.