Question

Distinguish between elastic and inelastic collision.

Answer 1

No.	Elastic Collision	Inelastic Collision
i.	In an elastic collision, both momentum and kinetic energy are conserved.	In an inelastic collision, momentum is conserved but kinetic energy is not conserved.
ii.	The total kinetic energy after collision is equal to the total kinetic energy before collision.	The total kinetic energy after the collision is not equal to the total kinetic energy before collision.
iii.	Coefficient of restitution (e) is equal to one.	Coefficient of restitution (e) is less than one. For a perfectly inelastic collision coefficient of restitution is equal to zero.
iv.	Bodies do not stick together in elastic collision.	Bodies stick together in a perfectly inelastic collision.
v.	Sound, heat and light are not produced.	Sound or light or heat or all of these may be produced.