Elastic Collisions Flashcard

Front

What is an elastic collision?

Back

An elastic collision is a type of collision where both momentum and kinetic energy are conserved.

Front

What is the first step in solving problems involving elastic collisions?

Back

The first step is to identify the known and unknown variables.

Front

What is conserved in all types of collisions, including elastic collisions?

Back

Momentum is conserved in all types of collisions.

Front

In an elastic collision, do objects stick together after impact?

Back

No, in an elastic collision, objects do not stick together after impact.

Front

What happens to kinetic energy in an elastic collision?

Back

Kinetic energy is conserved in an elastic collision.

Front

What is the conservation of momentum principle?

Back

The conservation of momentum principle states that the total momentum of a closed system remains constant if no external forces act on it.

Front

Can elastic collisions occur in real life?

Back

Yes, elastic collisions can occur in real life, such as in the collision of billiard balls.

Front

What is the difference between elastic and inelastic collisions?

Back

In elastic collisions, both momentum and kinetic energy are conserved, while in inelastic collisions, only momentum is conserved and kinetic energy is not.

Front

What is the formula for conservation of momentum in a two-object system?

Back

m1*v1_initial + m2*v2_initial = m1*v1_final + m2*v2_final.

Front

What is kinetic energy?

Back

Kinetic energy is the energy an object possesses due to its motion, calculated as KE = 1/2 mv^2.