Question

if a collision is said to be elastic, it means _________.
select the correct answer below:
the pressure stays constant
some kinetic energy is lost as a result of the collision
no kinetic energy is lost as a result of the collision
gas molecules exert no attractive or repulsive forces on each other or the container walls

Explanation:

An elastic collision is defined as a collision where no kinetic energy is lost. The total kinetic energy before the collision is equal to the total kinetic energy after the collision. In contrast, in an inelastic collision, some kinetic energy is lost (often converted to other forms like heat or sound). The option about pressure staying constant is not a defining characteristic of an elastic collision. The option about gas molecules exerting no forces is more related to the ideal gas model assumptions rather than the nature of elastic collisions.

Answer:

C. no kinetic energy is lost as a result of the collision