Is mechanical energy conserved in an inelastic collision?
Understand the Problem
The question is asking whether mechanical energy is conserved during an inelastic collision, which typically involves two colliding objects that stick together. Inelastic collisions do not conserve mechanical energy, as some kinetic energy is transformed into other forms of energy, like heat or sound.
Answer
Mechanical energy is not conserved in an inelastic collision.
The final answer is that mechanical energy is not conserved in an inelastic collision.
Answer for screen readers
The final answer is that mechanical energy is not conserved in an inelastic collision.
More Information
In an inelastic collision, some of the system's kinetic energy is converted into other forms of energy (like heat or sound), resulting in a loss of mechanical energy.
Tips
A common mistake is to confuse momentum conservation with energy conservation. While momentum is always conserved in collisions, mechanical energy is not conserved in inelastic collisions.
Sources
- What are elastic and inelastic collisions? (article) - Khan Academy - khanacademy.org
- When is mechanical energy ever conserved for inelastic collisions? - physics.stackexchange.com
- Does mechanical energy remain conserved in a collision? - Quora - quora.com
