The collision between a tennis ball and a tennis racket tends to be more elastic in nature than a collision between a halfback and linebacker in football. Is that true or false?
1 Answer
The tennis racket's collision with the ball is closer to elastic than is the tackle.
Explanation:
Truly elastic collisions are quite rare. Any collision that is not truly elastic is called inelastic. Inelastic collisions can be over a wide range in how close to elastic or how far from elastic. The most extreme inelastic collision (often called fully inelastic) is one where the 2 objects are locked together after the collision.
The linebacker would attempt to hold on to the runner. If successful, that makes the collision fully inelastic. The linebacker's attempt would make the collision at least significantly inelastic. The makers of the tennis racket attempt to make it as elastic as possible.
The result is that the tennis racket's collision with the ball is closer to elastic than is the tackle.
I hope this helps,
Steve
