NEW LOWER PRICES - ACT FAST!

Master Collisions with Picmonic for College

With Picmonic, facts become pictures. We've taken what the science shows - image mnemonics work - but we've boosted the effectiveness by building and associating memorable characters, interesting audio stories, and built-in quizzing.

DOWNLOAD PDF
Collisions

Recommended Picmonics

picmonic thumbnail
Newton's First Law
picmonic thumbnail
First Law of Thermodynamics
picmonic thumbnail
Photosynthetic Light Reactions
picmonic thumbnail
Electricity
picmonic thumbnail
Capacitance

Collisions

Collision Center
Picmonic
Collisions are a common way to test understanding of momentum in physics. The momentum of an object is its mass multipled by its velocity. There are three types of collisions: perfectly elastic, perfectly inelastic, and partially inelastic. In all collisions, momentum is conserved without external forces. However, total kinetic energy is only conserved in perfectly elastic collisions. In fully and partially inelastic collisions, the initial total kinetic energy is greater than the final total kinetic energy. This is because some of the energy in the collision is released, typically as sound or heat. For example, the fact that we can hear car crashes occuring indicates that some of the kinetic energy initially present in the reaction was converted. In fully inelastic collisions, the two objects stick together and their final momentum (which is still conserved) is the velocity of the combined objects multipled by their masses added together.
7 KEY FACTS
Momentum is conserved without external forces
Mummy in Converse Unaffected by Force-Hand

Momentum is Conserved Without External Forces

Elastic Collisions
Elastic-Eel Collisions

Elastic collisions are typically visualized by two perfectly elastic rubber balls bouncing off each other. Energy and momentum are conserved in elastic collisions.

Total Kinetic Energy Conserved
Ken-Battery in Converse

In an elastic collision, total kinetic energy is conserved. Two perfectly elastic rubber balls bouncing off each other lose no energy in the process. This means that they continue with the same kinetic energy but are likely moving in a different direction than they originally were.

Partial Inelastic Collisions
Elastic-Eel causing Collision with Partial In-Elastics Ken--Battery

Partially inelastic collisions describe the vast majority of collisions that occur. In these collisions, two objects do not bounce off each other perfectly. They do lose some energy in the process, but momentum is still conserved.

Initial Kinetic Energy > Final Kinetic Energy
Final Ken-Battery missing peices

Partially inelastic collisions are defined by the fact that the total initial kinetic energy of the objects involved is greater than the total final kinetic energy. This is because some of the energy was released.

Fully Inelastic Collisions
In-Elastics-Men Colliding

A fully inelastic collision occurs when two objects stick together after a collision. In this case, while momentum is still conserved the equation for final momentum changes. The final momentum is the velocity of the combined objects multiplied by the added mass of the two objects.

Energy Released as Sound or Heat
Flames and Soundwaves at Collision

Energy given off is typically in the form of sound or heat. The fact that car crashes are audible indicates that some energy is lost. If two people "high-five", the kinetic energy of the moving hands is converted to sound and heat.

DOWNLOAD PDF

Take the Collisions Quiz

Picmonic's rapid review multiple-choice quiz allows you to assess your knowledge.

It's worth every penny

Our Story Mnemonics Increase Mastery and Retention

Memorize facts with phonetic mnemonics

Unforgettable characters with concise but impactful videos (2-4 min each)

Memorize facts with phonetic mnemonics

Ace Your College Classes & Exams with Picmonic:

Over 1,710,000 students use Picmonic’s picture mnemonics to improve knowledge, retention, and exam performance.

Choose the #1 College student study app.

Picmonic for College covers information that is relevant to your entire College education. Whether you’re studying for your classes or getting ready to conquer , we’re here to help.

Works better than traditional College flashcards.

Research shows that students who use Picmonic see a 331% improvement in memory retention and a 50% improvement in test scores.