inélastique

inélastique is a term used in physics, particularly in the study of collisions and deformations. It describes a process where kinetic energy is not conserved. In an inélastique collision, some of the initial kinetic energy is converted into other forms of energy, such as heat, sound, or deformation of the colliding objects. The opposite of an inélastique process is an élastique process, where kinetic energy is conserved.

A perfectly inélastique collision is a special case where the colliding objects stick together after the impact, moving as a single unit. In such a scenario, the maximum amount of kinetic energy is lost. However, not all inélastique collisions involve objects sticking together; some merely involve a loss of kinetic energy without complete adhesion.

The concept of inélastique deformation is also relevant. When a material undergoes inélastique deformation, it does not return to its original shape after the applied force is removed. This is in contrast to élastique deformation, where the material recovers its original form. Examples of inélastique processes can be observed in everyday life, such as a car crash where the metal crumples (deformation) and heat and sound are generated, or when a ball of clay is dropped and it flattens upon impact. Understanding inélastique behavior is crucial in fields like mechanical engineering, materials science, and astrophysics.