In a two-body collision,if the kinetic energy of the system is conserved,then which of the following best describes the momentum after the collision?
A)must be less
B)must also be conserved
C)may also be conserved
D)is doubled in value

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

If the kinetic energy of a system is conserved, it means that no energy is lost during the collision. According to the law of conservation of momentum, the total momentum of a closed system before and after the collision is conserved. Therefore, if the kinetic energy is conserved, the momentum must also be conserved. Option A can be eliminated because the momentum could be greater or equal to the momentum before the collision. Option C could be possible, but since kinetic energy is conserved, momentum must also be conserved. Option D is incorrect since the momentum cannot be doubled in value without an external force acting on the system.

In a Two-Body Collision,if the Kinetic Energy of the System