Lab Activity: Determining Coefficient of Restitution in Perfectly Inelastic Collisions

📚 Topic Summary

In perfectly inelastic collisions, objects stick together after impact, resulting in a loss of kinetic energy. The coefficient of restitution ($e$) is a measure of how 'elastic' a collision is. For perfectly inelastic collisions, $e = 0$, indicating maximum kinetic energy loss. This lab activity focuses on determining and understanding why the coefficient of restitution is zero in these types of collisions, often involving scenarios where the objects deform or heat is generated during impact. The total momentum of the system is conserved, allowing calculations even when kinetic energy isn't.

🧠 Part A: Vocabulary

Match the term with its correct definition:

1. Terms:
   • ⚛️ Kinetic Energy
   • 🤝 Momentum
   • 💥 Inelastic Collision
   • 💯 Coefficient of Restitution
   • 🧱 Perfectly Inelastic Collision
2. Definitions:
   • A. A collision where kinetic energy is not conserved.
   • B. Energy due to motion.
   • C. A collision where objects stick together after impact.
   • D. A measure of elasticity in a collision; 0 for perfectly inelastic.
   • E. Mass in motion; product of mass and velocity.

Match the term to the definition. For example, 1-A.

📝 Part B: Fill in the Blanks

In a perfectly inelastic collision, objects _______ together after impact. This means that the _______ energy is not conserved, and some of it is converted into other forms of energy, such as _______ or sound. However, the total _______ of the system remains constant, which allows us to analyze the collision using the law of conservation of _______. The coefficient of _______ for a perfectly inelastic collision is always equal to ______.

🤔 Part C: Critical Thinking

Imagine you drop a ball of clay onto the floor. It doesn't bounce. Explain, using the concept of the coefficient of restitution, why this happens and what becomes of the kinetic energy the clay had just before it hit the floor. 🌎