Elastic vs. Inelastic Collisions

Momentum is conserved in ALL collisions; kinetic energy is conserved only in elastic collisions.

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Overview

In a perfectly inelastic collision, the objects stick together afterward, and kinetic energy is NOT conserved (some converts to heat/sound/deformation) — but momentum still is. In an elastic collision, both momentum and kinetic energy are conserved.

Practice Quiz

Practice questions for this topic are coming soon.

Check back soon, or explore other units in the meantime.

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