Three blocks $A, B$ and $C$ are lying on a smooth horizontal surface, as shown in the figure. $A$ and $B$ have equal masses, $m$ while $C$ has mass $M$. Block $A$ is given an brutal speed $v$ towards $B$ due to which it collides with $B$ perfectly inelastically. The combined mass collides with $C$, also perfectly inelastically $\frac{5}{6}$ th of the initial kinetic energy is lost in whole process. What is value of $M/m$ ?
According to elastic collision, the kinetic energy of the system will remain constant which means there will be no change in the kinetic energy of the system before and after the collision. It also goes along with the conservation of momentum.
Examples of Elastic Collision
While playing billiards, balls hit each other.
A ball is thrown and is bounced to the same height it was thrown from, is an example of elastic collision as there is no net change in the kinetic energy.
The collision of atoms is also an elastic collision.
Inelastic Collision:
According to inelastic collision, the kinetic energy of the system is not conserved, unlike inelastic collision. The kinetic energy is lost as it gets debauched in other forms of energy like heat, sound, etc, or is absorbed by the body. But they go after the conservation of momentum, like an elastic collision.
Examples of Inelastic Collision
When the ball is dropped on the ground, it fails to reach the height it was dropped from.
The accident of two vehicles is an inelastic collision.
