Chapter 13, Problem 68A

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation: It is to be determined whether objects that are large enough to see, can collide elastically or not.

Concept introduction:

A collision is any situation in which two or more objects quickly exert forces on one another. It is of three types:

Perfectly elastic collision

Inelastic collision

Perfectly inelastic collision

Answer to Problem 68A

No, collision will not be perfectly elastic.

Explanation of Solution

A fully elastic collision occurs when two objects collide without any overall kinetic energy being lost.

Only collisions between subatomic particles are truly elastic. There are no real-world instances of collisions that are elastic because friction always results in some kinetic energy being lost as heat transfer.

Thus, if an object is visible to the human eye, then the collision between the objects cannot be elastic.