Final answer:
A Velcro ball behaves in an inelastic manner when it sticks to surfaces, as kinetic energy is transformed and not entirely conserved. However, if the ball bounces off, there might be an element of elasticity. The key is that energy is not fully conserved in inelastic collisions, whereas it is in elastic ones.
Step-by-step explanation:
Elastic and Inelastic Collisions
When discussing whether a Velcro ball is elastic or inelastic, we refer to how collisions behave in terms of energy transfer and deformation. An elastic collision is one in which the total kinetic energy of the system is conserved. That means both objects bounce off each other without losing energy in the form of heat or sound, and they don't get permanently deformed. Examples include billiard balls colliding or a tennis ball bouncing off a hard surface.
In contrast, an inelastic collision is a collision in which part of the kinetic energy is converted to other forms of energy, such as heat, sound, or potential energy due to deformation. When participants in Velcro-jumping hit the wall and stick, or when a softball bat hits a hardball, these are examples of inelastic collisions because there is energy transfer and potentially some lasting deformation or adherence.
Thus, regarding a Velcro ball, the context suggests it behaves in an inelastic manner when it sticks to surfaces, as kinetic energy is transformed and not entirely conserved. However, if it bounces off, there may be an element of elasticity involved. With that said, Velcro's design is inherently more inelastic due to its mechanism of sticking, which absorbs and dissipates energy.