Question

A large mass collides with a stationary, smaller mass. How will the masses behave if the collision is inelastic?

Answer 1

Most likely they would stick together and keep moving together

Answer 2

Answer:

They will stick to each other and move together.

Explanation:

The difference between elastic and inelastic collision is:

- In an elastic collision, both the total momentum AND the total kinetic energy of the system are conserved - this occurs because the two objects, after the collision, continue separately, each one with its own motion.

- in an inelastic collision, only the total momentum is conserved, while the total kinetic energy after the collision is NOT conserved. This means that part of the kinetic energy is lost after the collision, and this occurs when the two objects stick to each other and continue their motion together.