2007-03-20 15:42:40 · 5 answers · asked by Anonymous in Science & Mathematics ➔ Physics
It depends on whether the collision is inelastic or elastic.
An inelastic collision is where the two objects stick together. Energy is NOT conserved in such a collision because energy is lot due to the object's "forming" as one.
An elastic collision is where the the objects bounce off. Think of a game of pool. The objects can bounce off at angles. If the two objects are of the same mass and they collide dead on, one will stop and the other will take its place. This is, of course, ignoring spin. Energy is conserved in this sort of collision.
The one thing these collisions have in common is that momentum is ALWAYS conserved. The formula for momentum is
P = m v
P = momentum
m = mass
v = velocity
Using the fact that momentum is conserved, we can make many predictions based on information given.
2007-03-20 16:44:56 · answer #1 · answered by Boozer 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The object either bounces (elasticty), stops while the object hit moves (inelasitcty), or in between. No matter what conservation of energy remains constant. Which means if the object is traveling at 6 m/s and hits an object of the same mass then their speeds should equal 6 m/s.
2007-03-20 15:55:03 · answer #2 · answered by Jim M 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
the object at rest absorbs the energy of the moving object
2007-03-20 15:49:57 · answer #3 · answered by surferbabi 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Try these links:
Most collisions are a combination of both types.
2007-03-20 15:53:51 · answer #4 · answered by sparkyboy444 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
when a bowling ball collides with a bowling pin what will the momentum do
2015-03-20 05:58:40 · answer #5 · answered by jo 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋