Final answer:
To calculate inelastic collisions of 2 objects, we use the equation for conservation of momentum and consider that the objects stick together after the collision, moving as a single mass. Kinetic energy is not conserved in an inelastic collision.
Step-by-step explanation:
When calculating inelastic collisions between two objects, we need to consider the conservation of momentum and the conservation of internal kinetic energy. The equation for conservation of momentum in a one-dimensional inelastic collision is P1 + P2 = P'1 + P'2. This equation states that the sum of the initial momenta of the two objects equals the sum of the final momenta. In an inelastic collision, the objects stick together after the collision and move as a single mass. This means that the final velocity of the objects is the same. Using the equation for conservation of momentum, we can determine the final velocity of the combined objects. It is important to note that in an inelastic collision, the kinetic energy is not conserved, unlike in an elastic collision where both momentum and kinetic energy are conserved.