Elastic and Inelastic Collisions - Physics 101 / AP Physics 1 Review with Dianna Cowern

The video explores the physics of collisions, focusing on the conservation of momentum and energy. It distinguishes between inelastic and elastic collisions, using examples like toy trains and pool balls. The concept of center of mass is introduced, explaining its constant velocity during collisions. The video also covers collisions with different masses, such as a basketball and tennis ball, highlighting energy transfer. Key takeaways include the importance of momentum conservation and the conditions under which energy conservation applies.

What is the main tool used to solve problems about collisions?

• Conservation of momentum

• Kinetic energy formula

• Conservation of energy

• Newton's second law

In an inelastic collision, what happens to the kinetic energy?

• It is completely conserved

• It is partially lost

• It doubles

• It remains unchanged

Which type of collision is characterized by objects bouncing off each other?

• Elastic

• Inelastic

• Gravitational

• Magnetic

What is the trick used to simplify solving elastic collision problems?

• Using the conservation of volume

• Using the conservation of mass

• Using the positive relative velocity

• Using the negative relative velocity

What remains constant for the center of mass during a collision?

• Its acceleration

• Its energy

• Its velocity

• Its position

What happens to the center of mass of a system during a collision?

• It stops

• It moves with constant velocity

• It decelerates

• It accelerates

In the basketball and tennis ball example, what happens to the tennis ball after the collision?

• It moves with a higher velocity

• It moves with a lower velocity

• It stops

• It moves at the same speed as the basketball

What is the key takeaway regarding conservation of energy in elastic collisions?

• Energy is sometimes conserved

• Energy is never conserved

• Energy is always conserved

• Energy is always lost

What is the effect of mass difference in collisions, as seen in the basketball and tennis ball example?

• The smaller mass gains more velocity

• The smaller mass always stops

• The larger mass always stops

• The larger mass gains more velocity

What is the primary concept used to analyze collisions in multiple dimensions?

• Conservation of momentum in each direction

• Conservation of mass

• Conservation of energy

• Newton's third law