Understanding Collisions: Elastic, Inelastic, and Perfectly
Elastic Collisions
Collisions are events where two or more bodies exert forces on each other for a short period of time. In
physics, we classify collisions into three main types: elastic, inelastic, and perfectly elastic. Elastic
collisions are those where both momentum and kinetic energy are conserved. In inelastic collisions,
momentum is conserved but kinetic energy is not; some of the kinetic energy is transformed into other
forms of energy, like heat or sound. A perfectly elastic collision is an ideal situation where no energy is
lost to the surroundings.
Fill in the Blank: Fill in the blank with the correct words.
1. In an _____________ collision, kinetic energy is conserved.
2. _____________ collisions result in the objects sticking together after the collision.
3. During a _____________ collision, momentum is always conserved.
4. A _____________ collision is an ideal type where no energy is lost to the
surroundings.
5. In _____________ collisions, only momentum is conserved, not kinetic energy.
Word bank: perfectly elastic, elastic, inelastic, inelastic, elastic
Multiple Choice Questions: Choose the correct answer from the
choices for each question.
1. Which of the following is true for elastic collisions?
○ A) Only momentum is conserved.
○ B) Kinetic energy is lost as heat.
○ C) Both momentum and kinetic energy are conserved.
○ D) The objects stick together post-collision.
2. In an inelastic collision:
○ A) Objects bounce perfectly off each other.
○ B) Only kinetic energy is conserved.
○ C) Neither momentum nor kinetic energy is conserved.
○ D) Momentum is conserved but kinetic energy is not.
3. Which scenario best illustrates a perfectly elastic collision?
○ A) Two billiard balls colliding and bouncing apart without any loss in speed.
○ B) A car crash where the cars crumple and come to a stop.
○ C) A ball of clay hitting the ground and sticking.
○ D) A rubber ball losing speed with each bounce.
4. When two objects stick together after colliding, it is called a:
○ A) Perfectly elastic collision
○ B) Elastic collision
○ C) Inelastic collision
○ D) Simple collision
5. If two ice skaters push off from each other, the collision is likely to be:
○ A) Elastic
○ B) Inelastic
○ C) Perfectly elastic
○ D) Non-conservative
Open-Ended Questions: Answer the following questions in
complete sentences.
1. Describe a real-life example of an inelastic collision and explain why it is classified as
such.
2. Why is it difficult to achieve a perfectly elastic collision in the real world? Explain
your reasoning.
3. How would you calculate the final velocities of two objects after an elastic collision?
ANSWER KEY
Reminder for Teachers: Always review AI-generated math answers for accuracy.
Fill in the Blank
1. elastic
2. Inelastic
3. any
4. perfectly elastic
5. inelastic
Multiple Choice Questions
1. C) Both momentum and kinetic energy are conserved.
2. D) Momentum is conserved but kinetic energy is not.
3. A) Two billiard balls colliding and bouncing apart without any loss in speed.
4. C) Inelastic collision
5. A) Elastic
Open-Ended Questions
1. Example Response: A real-life example of an inelastic collision is a car crash. During
the crash, the cars may crumple and stick together, and kinetic energy is
transformed into sound, heat, and deformation energy, making it inelastic.
2. Example Response: Perfectly elastic collisions are difficult to achieve in the real world
because some energy is always transformed to other forms like heat or sound due to
friction and air resistance.
3. Example Response: To calculate the final velocities of two objects after an elastic
collision, you would use the conservation of momentum and conservation of kinetic
energy equations to solve for the velocities.
