Question

practice: kmt collisions
started: dec 10 at 8:14pm
quiz instructions
question 1
1 pts
select all that are correct.
when particles collide...

• they exchange momentum
• they exchange kinetic energy
• they change direction
• there is no net loss of kinetic energy as a result of the collisions
• they change speed

Explanation:

To solve this, we recall the Kinetic Molecular Theory (KMT) and collision principles:

• Momentum Exchange: In collisions (elastic or inelastic), particles interact, so momentum is exchanged (conserved in system, transferred between particles).
• Kinetic Energy Exchange: In elastic collisions, KE is conserved (exchanged between particles); in inelastic, some KE may convert, but particles still exchange KE (e.g., transfer during interaction).
• Direction Change: Collisions (especially in gases) cause particles to change direction as they interact.
• Net KE Loss (KMT): KMT assumes elastic collisions for ideal gases, so no net loss of KE (KE is conserved overall, though individual particles may change KE).
• Speed Change: Since momentum ($p = mv$) and KE ($KE=\frac{1}{2}mv^2$) change, speed ($v$) of particles changes as they collide.

Thus, all options relate to particle collisions under KMT/mechanics: they exchange momentum, exchange kinetic energy, change direction, have no net KE loss, and change speed.

Answer:

A. they exchange momentum, B. they exchange kinetic energy, C. they change direction, D. there is no net loss of kinetic energy as a result of the collisions, E. they change speed (all options are correct)