All Flashcards

Label the diagram of an inelastic collision.

Objects stick together after the collision, kinetic energy is not conserved.

Label the diagram of an elastic collision.

Objects bounce off each other, both kinetic energy and momentum are conserved.

What are the steps to solving collision problems?

Identify the type of collision (elastic or inelastic). 2. Conserve momentum: $p_{initial} = p_{final}$ . 3. If elastic, conserve kinetic energy: $KE_{initial} = KE_{final}$ . 4. Solve for unknowns.

How do you calculate the center of mass for a system of particles?

Use the formula: $x_{cm} = \frac{m_1x_1 + m_2x_2 + ...}{m_1 + m_2 + ...}$ for the x-coordinate, and a similar formula for the y-coordinate.

What are the differences between elastic and inelastic collisions?

Elastic: Both momentum and kinetic energy are conserved. Inelastic: Momentum is conserved, but kinetic energy is not.