Question

what is an elastic collision in kinetic molecular theory? the total kinetic energy of two gas atoms is the same before and after a collision. when atoms collide, they absorb energy from the air around them. the energy of each gas atom before a collision is the same as the energy after the collision.

Explanation:

Kinetic molecular theory states elastic collisions between gas particles conserve total kinetic energy (not individual particle energy). Absorbing energy from air contradicts conservation. The first option matches the definition.

Answer:

The total kinetic energy of two gas atoms is the same before and after a collision.