* Perfectly Inelastic Collision: This means the objects stick together after the collision, forming a single combined mass. The kinetic energy is not conserved in this type of collision.
What happens in the collision:
1. Momentum Conservation: The total momentum of the system before the collision is equal to the total momentum after the collision. Since they have the same mass and speed, but opposite directions, the initial momentum is zero. Therefore, the final momentum is also zero, and the objects come to a complete stop.
2. Energy Loss: Some kinetic energy is lost during the collision. This lost energy is converted into other forms of energy, such as heat, sound, and deformation of the objects.
Example:
Imagine two identical cars colliding head-on at the same speed. The cars will crumple, making a loud noise, and come to a complete stop. The kinetic energy of the cars before the collision is transformed into heat, sound, and the deformation of the car bodies.
Key takeaway:
In a perfectly inelastic collision with equal mass and speed, the objects stick together, the momentum is conserved, but kinetic energy is lost.
