elastic collision

In physics, an elastic collision is one where the total kinetic energy of the colliding bodies is conserved. This means no kinetic energy is lost or converted into other forms of energy, such as heat or sound. In such collisions, both momentum and kinetic energy are conserved, allowing for the calculation of final velocities based on initial conditions. A common example is the collision between billiard balls.12

In contrast, an inelastic collision is one where some kinetic energy is transformed into other forms of energy. While momentum is always conserved in any collision, elastic collisions are unique in preserving kinetic energy.312