Lesson_2_-_Collisions

Momentum

The product of mass and velocity of an object, representing its motion.

Elastic Collision

A collision in which total kinetic energy is conserved before and after the event.

Inelastic Collision

A collision in which some kinetic energy is converted into other forms of energy, such as heat.

Purely Inelastic Collision

A type of inelastic collision where two objects stick together after colliding.

Conservation of Momentum

In an isolated system, total momentum remains constant; initial momentum equals final momentum.

Recoil

The backward movement of two objects at rest that explode in opposite directions.

Perfect Inelastic Collision

A collision where two objects stick together and momentum is conserved but kinetic energy is not.

Head-On Collision

A collision where two objects have equal and opposite momentum, often resulting in both coming to rest.

Elastic Collision Example

An example where two objects bounce off each other and kinetic energy is conserved.

Final Velocity

The speed of an object after a collision has taken place.

Velocity after Collision

The speed of each object after they have interacted in a collision.