Types of Collisions in Physics
What is an inelastic collision?
Choose the correct example of an inelastic collision from the following options:
A. A large football player tackling a smaller football player, and both crashing to the ground
B. Two billiard balls colliding
C. A ball bouncing off the floor
D. A ping-pong ball colliding with a bowling ball
An inelastic collision
An inelastic collision occurs when kinetic energy is not conserved and objects stick together or deform upon impact.
An inelastic collision is a type of collision where kinetic energy is not conserved. In an inelastic collision, the objects involved stick together or deform upon impact.
Out of the given options, the correct example of an inelastic collision is: A large football player tackling a smaller football player, and both crashing to the ground. This is an inelastic collision because the players stick together and come to rest.
On the other hand, options B, C, and D are examples of elastic collisions where kinetic energy is conserved. In elastic collisions, the objects bounce off each other and there is no deformation or sticking together. For example, when two billiard balls collide, they bounce off each other.