Elastic Collision 2

Elastic collisions conserve both kinetic energy and momentum. Inelastic collisions conserve only momentum. In the first stage of the collision, the kinetic energy of the golf ball is transferred to deforming the shape of the basketball. In the second stage, the basketball returns to its original shape, transferring kinetic energy back to the golf ball.

This collision is an example of an elastic collision as the golf ball returns along a similar trajectory with most of its original kinetic energy. An inelastic collision is also demonstrated by the kinetic energy being transferred to deforming the shape of the basketball; however, the energy is converted back into the kinetic energy of the golf ball.

Licensed under the MIT open source license.