answersLogoWhite

0

In this context "conserved" means the total kinetic energy of all the objects is the same after the collision as before the collision. Note, the TOTAL is the same but the individual kinetic energies of each object may be different before and after. When two or more objects are about to collide they have a certain total kinetic energy. It is common that during the collision some of the kinetic energy is transformed into heat. So after the collision the total kinetic energy is less then before the collision. This is a non-elastic collision. There are some collisions, however, in which none of the kinetic energy is changed to heat. These are called ELASTIC collisions. So the total kinetic energy doesn't change, or is "conserved". There is another possible non-elastic collision. If during the collision there is an explosion, then its possible for the objects to have a larger total kinetic energy after the collision as they aquire some of the explosive energy. Finally note, that in all collisions the TOTAL vector momentum is the same just before and just after the collision. So in a collision momentum is always conserved.

User Avatar

Wiki User

16y ago

What else can I help you with?

Related Questions

Is kinetic energy conserved in an elastic collision?

Yes, kinetic energy is conserved in an elastic collision, meaning the total kinetic energy before the collision is equal to the total kinetic energy after the collision.


What is the difference between an inelastic collision and an elastic collision?

In an inelastic collision, kinetic energy is not conserved and some energy is lost as heat or sound. In an elastic collision, kinetic energy is conserved and no energy is lost.


How can one determine if a collision is elastic?

An elastic collision can be determined by observing if the total kinetic energy of the system is conserved before and after the collision. If the kinetic energy remains the same, the collision is elastic.


What is elastic and inelastic collision?

In an elastic collision, no kinetic energy is lost, and the relative speed of separation of the objects after the collision is the same as the relative speed before the collision. In an inelastic collision, part of the elastic energy is lost, and the relative speed after the collision is less.


A collision in which the total momentum and kinetic energy remain constant?

An elastic collision is one in which both momentum and kinetic energy are conserved. In an elastic collision, the total kinetic energy before the collision is equal to the total kinetic energy after the collision. This type of collision is characterized by no energy being lost or dissipated as heat or sound.


How can you determine whether a collision is elastic or inelastic?

In an elastic collision, kinetic energy is conserved, meaning the total energy before and after the collision remains the same. In an inelastic collision, kinetic energy is not conserved, and some of the energy is transformed into other forms, such as heat or sound. To determine whether a collision is elastic or inelastic, you can calculate the total kinetic energy before and after the collision. If the total kinetic energy remains the same, it is an elastic collision. If the total kinetic energy decreases, it is an inelastic collision.


How is energy conserved in an elastic collision?

In an elastic collision, energy is conserved because the total kinetic energy before the collision is equal to the total kinetic energy after the collision. This means that the energy is not lost or gained during the collision, but rather transferred between the objects involved.


What type of collision is kinetic energy is conserved?

An elastic collision conserves kinetic energy. In this type of collision, the total kinetic energy before the collision is equal to the total kinetic energy after the collision.


What collision has no energy loss?

An elastic collision is a type of collision in which there is no net loss in kinetic energy. In an elastic collision, both momentum and kinetic energy are conserved. This means that the total kinetic energy of the system before the collision is equal to the total kinetic energy after the collision.


What does elastic collision mean?

In an elastic collision, both kinetic energy and momentum are conserved. This means that the total kinetic energy before the collision is equal to the total kinetic energy after the collision, and the total momentum before the collision is equal to the total momentum after the collision.


Comparison between elastic and inelastic collision?

In an elastic collision, all initial kinetic energy is fully restored as final kinetic energy. where nothing is converted into noise, heat or any other form of energy. In an inelastic collision, kinetic energy is "lost" to thermal or sound energy.


What does it mean when a collision is elastic and how does it differ from an inelastic collision?

In an elastic collision, kinetic energy is conserved and the objects bounce off each other without losing energy. In an inelastic collision, kinetic energy is not conserved and some energy is lost as the objects stick together or deform.