If two dense hard objects collide, all energy stays in motion, no heat is made, and objects bounce off each other {elastic collision}|. In elastic collisions, forces are equal and opposite, and momentum (m*v) before and after collision is constant: m1 * v1 = m2 * v2. In elastic collisions, with no heat, total energy E is kinetic energy KE plus potential energy PE and stays constant: E = KE1 + PE1 = 0.5 * m1 * v^2 + m1 * g * h1 = 0.5 * m2 * v^2 + m2 * g * h2 = KE2 + PE2.
examples
Superballs are denser and harder than regular balls. Karate experts try to make elastic collisions, rather than inelastic collisions, to break objects. Atomic-particle collisions are elastic, because they do not deform.
Physical Sciences>Physics>Dynamics>Collision
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Date Modified: 2022.0224