Question

in a two - body collision, if the momentum of the system is conserved, then which of the following best describes the kinetic energy after the collision?
select one:
a. is doubled in value
b. must also be conserved
c. must be less
d. may also be conserved

Explanation:

In a two - body collision, momentum conservation is a fundamental principle (from the law of conservation of momentum). However, kinetic energy conservation is not always guaranteed. In an elastic collision, both momentum and kinetic energy are conserved. In an inelastic collision, momentum is conserved but kinetic energy is not (some kinetic energy is converted into other forms like heat, sound etc.). So, when momentum is conserved, kinetic energy may or may not be conserved.

Answer:

d. may also be conserved