Inelastic collisions lose kinetic energy due to internal friction. Half of collisions are inelastic, half are super-elastic. Molecular collisions are elastic averaged across a sample. Inelastic collisions obey conservation of momentum
Elastic collision preserves total kinetic energy between two bodies. Perfectly elastic collisions convert kinetic energy into no other forms. Small objects convert kinetic energy to potential energy before returning to kinetic
Air table consists of flat plane, spark timer, pucks, compressor, and carbon paper. Spark timer produces sparks at 10-50Hz frequencies. Compressor provides air flow through pucks for frictionless sliding
Elastic collision occurs when two objects collide without net kinetic energy loss. Both momentum and kinetic energy are conserved in elastic collisions. Perfectly elastic collisions are impossible in real life due to energy conversion. Momentum conservation occurs through equal and opposite component momenta
Conservation of mass principle states that total mass remains constant during a process. Mass and energy can be converted according to Einstein's formula E = mc². Conservation of momentum requires net force acting on a system to be zero
Collision occurs when two moving bodies experience sudden impact force. Both bodies exert collision force during interaction. Collision can happen through physical contact or without it