Two bodies of equal mass m collide and stick together. The quantities that always have equal magnitude for both masses during the collision are
A) their changes in momentum.
B) the force each exerts on the other.
C) their changes in kinetic energy.
D) all of the above.
E) only (a) and (b) above.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

According to Newton's third law, for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction, which means the force each body exerts on the other during the collision is equal in magnitude and opposite in direction (B). Also, since momentum is conserved in collisions, the change in momentum of one body is equal in magnitude and opposite in direction to the change in momentum of the other body (A). However, the changes in kinetic energy are not necessarily equal, as kinetic energy is not conserved in inelastic collisions where bodies stick together. Therefore, options (A) and (B) are correct.

Two Bodies of Equal Mass M Collide and Stick Together