key term - Inelastic Collision

Definition

An inelastic collision is a type of collision where kinetic energy is not conserved. Some or all of the initial kinetic energy is transformed into other forms, such as heat or deformation.

Related terms

Perfectly Inelastic Collision: This is a special case of an inelastic collision where the objects stick together after colliding and move as one.

Conservation of Momentum (Inelastic): While kinetic energy may not be conserved in an inelastic collision, linear momentum is still conserved.

Center of Mass: The center of mass refers to the point within an object or system where its mass can be considered to be concentrated.