Final answer:
An elastic collision occurs when objects bounce off each other after a collision without losing any kinetic energy. This type of collision conserves both the kinetic energy and momentum of the objects involved.
Step-by-step explanation:
When objects separate and one moves away from the other, or if each moves away from the other after a collision, this is called an elastic collision. In an elastic collision, the total kinetic energy and momentum of the objects are conserved, and the objects do not lose any internal kinetic energy after impact. This differs from an inelastic collision, where the objects may stick together after colliding and move with a common velocity, indicating a loss of kinetic energy. Elastic collisions are characterized by the objects bouncing off one another.
TIPS FOR SUCCESS: An easy way to remember the difference is to think of the term 'elastic' as indicative of bounciness—objects in an elastic collision bounce off one another. Conversely, a perfectly inelastic collision is one where the objects stick together and move as one after the impact.