Elastic collision

{
  "id": "MLC-T-CHM-003617",
  "term": "Elastic collision",
  "field": "Chemistry",
  "definition": "An encounter between particles, such as atoms or molecules, where the total kinetic energy of the system remains unchanged after the interaction. Both the total linear momentum and the total kinetic energy are conserved quantities in this type of event. This contrasts with an inelastic collision, where a portion of the kinetic energy is converted into other forms, such as vibrational or rotational energy of the molecules.",
  "subject": "Physical and Biophysical Chemistry",
  "see_also": [
    "internal energy",
    "kinetic energy"
  ],
  "references": [
    "PAC, 1996, 68, 149. 'A glossary of terms used in chemical kinetics, including reaction dynamics (IUPAC Recommendations 1996)' on page 159 (https://doi.org/10.1351/pac199668010149)"
  ],
  "url": "https://mlchart.com/terminology/chemistry/elastic-collision/"
}