Question

What makes some collisions elastic and others inelastic?

Question 3 options:

If the collision involves bouncing, it is elastic.


If the collision involves sticking together, it is elastic.


If there is no loss of kinetic energy in the collision, it is elastic.


If there is energy lost in the collision to sound, heat, etc., the collision is elastic.

Answer 1

The correct option is:

**If there is no loss of kinetic energy in the collision, it is elastic.**

In an elastic collision, both momentum and kinetic energy are conserved. In contrast, inelastic collisions involve a loss of kinetic energy, often converted into other forms of energy such as sound or heat.