What is the difference between elastic and inelastic collisions?

Can you explain the difference between elastic and inelastic collisions?

Sure! In an elastic collision, both momentum and kinetic energy are conserved. In inelastic collisions, momentum is conserved, but kinetic energy is not.

Can you give me an example of each type of collision?

Of course! A good example of an elastic collision is two billiard balls colliding. An example of an inelastic collision is a car crash, where the cars crumple together.

What happens to energy in an inelastic collision?

In an inelastic collision, some kinetic energy is transformed into other forms of energy, like heat or sound, which is why it's not conserved.

How can I tell if a collision is elastic or inelastic?

You can determine this by measuring the kinetic energy before and after the collision. If it remains the same, it's elastic; if it decreases, it's inelastic.