In an inelastic collision between two objects with unequal masses:
A)the velocity of one will increase by the amount that the velocity of the other decreases.
B)the momentum of one will increase by the amount that the momentum of the other decreases.
C)the energy of one increases by the amount that the energy of the other decreases.
D)the total momentum of the system will decrease.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

In an inelastic collision, the total momentum of the system is conserved, but not the kinetic energy. The kinetic energy is converted into other forms of energy, such as heat or sound. In a collision between two objects with unequal masses, the momentum of the lighter object will increase by the amount that the momentum of the heavier object decreases, because momentum is conserved. Therefore, choice B is correct. Choices A and C are incorrect because they refer to changes in velocity or energy, which are not conserved in an inelastic collision. Choice D is incorrect because the total momentum of the system is conserved, as stated above.

In an Inelastic Collision Between Two Objects with Unequal Masses