Question

question 6 of 25
in which type of collision is the kinetic energy of the system unchanged?

a. elastic

b. perfectly inelastic

c. no type of collision

d. inelastic

Explanation:

To determine the type of collision where the system's kinetic energy remains unchanged, we analyze the definitions:

• Elastic Collision: Both momentum and kinetic energy are conserved (no kinetic energy is lost to other forms like heat or deformation).
• Perfectly Inelastic Collision: Objects stick together; kinetic energy is not conserved (some is lost to deformation, heat, etc.).
• Inelastic Collision: Kinetic energy is not conserved (though momentum is).
• Option C is incorrect because elastic collisions do conserve kinetic energy.

Thus, only elastic collisions preserve the system’s kinetic energy.

Answer:

A. Elastic