Based on your observations of the six collisions, describe the physical difference between elastic and inelastic collisions.

Collisions are basically two types: Elastic, and inelastic collision. Elastic collision is defined as the colliding objects return quickly without undergoing any heat generation. Inelastic collision is defined as the where heat is generated, and colliding objects are distorted.

In elastic collision, the total kinetic energy, momentum are conserved, and there is no wasting of energy occurs. Swinging balls is the good example of elastic collision. In inelastic collision, the energy is not conserved it changes from one form to another for example thermal energy or sound energy. Automobile collision is good example, of inelastic collision.