How It Works
Conservation of momentum: total momentum before = total momentum after. In elastic collisions, objects bounce. In inelastic collisions, they stick together and lose kinetic energy as heat/deformation.
Two carts collide — elastic and inelastic collisions
Conservation of momentum: total momentum before = total momentum after. In elastic collisions, objects bounce. In inelastic collisions, they stick together and lose kinetic energy as heat/deformation.