Question

Describe what happens in terms of momentum changes for the two wagons during an inelastic collision.
When it comes to inelastic collision, I get lost. Any help is appreciated!!

Answer 1

In an inelastic collision, both object sticks to each other and travel at the same velocity.
so this is the formula.
\[m _{1}v _{1}+m _{2}v _{2}=(m _{1}+m _{2})v _{3}\]
Conservation of momentum would be that
\[m _{1}v _{1}+m _{2}v _{2}=m _{1}v _{3}+m _{2}v _{3}\]
Therefore there is no change in momentum in an inelastic collision
Momentum actually is conserved in both elastic and inelastic collision

Answer 2

"Momentum actually is conserved in both elastic and inelastic collision"

momentum is **always** conserved

that is absolutely fundamental.....

Answer 3

Kinetic energy cannot always be conserved.
And momentum is not a lot different than KE