Question

what makes some collisions elastic and others inelastic?
if the collision involves sticking together, it is elastic.
if there is energy lost in the collision to sound, heat, etc., the collision is elastic.
if there is no loss of kinetic energy in the collision, it is elastic.
if the collision involves bouncing, it is elastic.

Explanation:

• In an elastic collision, the total kinetic energy of the system is conserved. This means there is no loss of kinetic energy during the collision.
• When objects stick together in a collision (inelastic collision), kinetic energy is lost (converted to other forms like heat, sound, etc.).
• Just because a collision involves bouncing does not necessarily mean it is elastic (there could still be some kinetic - energy loss).
• If energy is lost to sound, heat etc. in a collision, it is inelastic.

Answer:

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