Collisions Flashcards
1
Q
State the principle of conservation of momentum
A
In a closed system, when bodies interact, the total momentum in a specific direction remains constant, therefore momentum is always conserved
2
Q
Define a perfectly elastic collision
A
When two objects collide, both kinetic energy and momentum are conserved. (Particles collide elastically)
3
Q
Define an inelastic collision
A
When two objects collide, only momentum is conserved, kinetic energy is converted to heat energy. (A car crash is an inelastic collision)
