ninus maximus Posted July 7, 2010 Share Posted July 7, 2010 a 80 kg mass traveling at a velocity of 18 m/s collides with a 80kg mass traveling at a velocity of 18 m/s KE=.5 (m1v)^2=12960 j KE=.5(m2v)^2= 12960 j non elastic collision and boom energy destroyed. the two masses merge but they dont have velocity so no kinetic energy. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
insane_alien Posted July 7, 2010 Share Posted July 7, 2010 the energy isn't destroyed, it is converted into non-kinetic forms of energy. most likely heat, but could take other forms such as sound, light, or even chemical energy. your conclusion that energy is destroyed comes from a dodgy analysis of the situation rather than any flaw of physics. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
swansont Posted July 7, 2010 Share Posted July 7, 2010 Two objects colliding inelastically will deform, and that takes energy as well. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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