Consider a system containing three objects that move with different velocities. The objects can interact with each other through forces. In this system
A) the total kinetic energy of the objects will not change unless an outside force is applied.
B) the objects can only collide if an outside force is applied.
C) any collisions between the objects must be elastic.
D) the total momentum of the objects cannot change unless an outside force acts on the system.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

According to the law of conservation of momentum, the total momentum of a system cannot change unless an outside force acts on the system. Therefore, choice D is correct. Choices A and B are incorrect because the objects can exchange energy and collide without an outside force, as long as they interact through forces. Choice C is incorrect because collisions can be either elastic or inelastic, depending on the objects and the forces involved.

Consider a System Containing Three Objects That Move with Different