<p align="right">Last Update: <font color="#4f81bd">November 25, 2024</font></p> ## BIG IDEAS - In any collision, the total [[momentum]] of the system is conserved, provided no external [[Force|forces]] act on it. - The combined momentum of all objects before the collision is equal to the combined momentum of all objects after the collision. ### Formula $\Sigma P_{initial} \ = \ \Sigma P_{final} \tag{1}$ ### Types of Collisions - **Elastic Collisions:** Both momentum and kinetic energy are conserved. Objects bounce off each other without any loss of kinetic energy. - **Inelastic Collisions:** Momentum is conserved, but kinetic energy is not. Some kinetic energy is converted into other forms of energy, such as heat or sound. In a perfectly inelastic collision, the objects stick together after the collision. ### Related Topics --- [[Home|Home]] | [[Momentum]] | [[Notes Vault/Physics Notes Vault/Quantity of Motion/Momentum/Impulse|Impulse]] | [[Notes Vault/Physics Notes Vault/Quantity of Motion/Momentum/Collisions|Collisions]] | [[Conservation Laws]]