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Introduction
In a nutshell, collisions are the points of contact between two objects from which one or both have some velocities. The collisions take place in mainly two instances, namely one-dimensional and two-dimensional. Moreover, all collisions are categorised into two classes: elastic and non-elastic. All collisions are classified by the three factors: collision’s effect upon the momentum, energy and the final position. Furthermore, the concept doesn’t end here, though a complete and detailed collision study material is given below for easy learning.
What is a collision?
When more than one object of various masses and speeds collide, the point of contact is referred to as a collision. In simpler words, take two bodies. For instance, they both physically contact each other at a point that causes them to change their momentum and energy. Moreover, we can observe the collisions in day to day life. Accidents of two cars, two balls hitting each other, playing ping pong are some of the examples of collisions. There are two types of collisions, namely Head-on collision and Oblique collision. Let’s discuss.
Types of Collision
- One-dimensional collisions – The collisions where the two objects collide at the same angle and these collisions are often termed Head-on Collisions. Moreover, car accidents between two vehicles hitting each other at 90 degrees are common head-on collisions.
- Two-dimensional collisions – On the other hand, these two-dimensional collisions are termed oblique collisions and these are the opposite of head-on collisions. The collisions where the two objects collide at different angles or say oblique to each other in the instance can be referred to as Oblique collisions.
- Allusions – These are other types of collisions. All above collisions are the collisions that tend to take place between two moving objects. Allusions are the collisions that take place between stationary objects—for example, a ball is thrown towards a wall or ground.
Classes of Collisions
There are two primary classes of collisions, namely Elastic and Inelastic. Collisions are categorised into classes after certain points, such as the effect of a collision on the energy of an object, its momentum and final position.
Elastic collision
Elastic collisions occur when two bodies of any mass collide at any velocity and a significant or entire amount of kinetic energy is retained after the collisions. Also, the average momentum of objects remains the same in these collisions. In these collisions, the objects bounce back after hitting each other. For example, trolleys hitting each other or balls hitting each other in a pool game.
Inelastic collision
These collisions preserve a certain momentum, but a substantial portion of kinetic energy is dissipated or transformed during the collision. They are termed Inelastic collisions. Moreover, these collisions occur inside a closed system. Inelastic collisions, which convert kinetic energy into potential or heat energy, also lose rigidity and their energy is largely released as heat or sound. Car crashes and the collision of two mud balls are some common examples of inelastic collisions.
Difference between Elastic and Inelastic collision
Elastic Collision | Inelastic Collisions | |
Effect on energy | No energy conversion takes place here and a significant amount of kinetic energy is saved in the instance. | Conversion of energy can occur and a huge amount of kinetic energy can be lost or transformed. It generally exits by heat or sound. |
Effect on momentum | The average momentum of both bodies remains the same before and after the collision. | The momentum can be diverted sometimes and the average momentum doesn’t remain equivalent before and after the collision. |
Position post-collision | The objects don’t stick together, and they immediately bounce back after the collision. | Objects often remain glued to each other and get stuck. |
Subtypes | A perfectly elastic collision is where the entire area of energy and momentum is preserved. | Perfectly Inelastic collision is another instance where the bodies lose the entire amount of kinetic energy. |
Examples | Collision of two trolleys | Collision of two cars |
Conclusion
From all the above, we can conclude that a collision is an instance where two objects collide with each other by which their energy and momentum tends to get affected. Moreover, we learned all its aspects and we came through collisions in one and two dimensions and all its types. In a nutshell, there are two main classes, namely elastic and Inelastic collisions. They are categorised based on the conversion of energy or change in momentum.
