A moving particle is stopped by a single head-on collision with a second,stationary particle if the moving particle undergoes
A)an elastic collision with a second particle of much smaller mass.
B)an elastic collision with a second particle of much greater mass.
C)an elastic collision with a second particle of equal mass.
D)an inelastic collision with a second particle of any mass.
E)any type of collision in which the coefficient of restitution is zero.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

In an elastic collision, both the total kinetic energy and momentum of the system are conserved. In the scenario described, the moving particle comes to a stop, which means its final velocity is zero. If the collision is head-on and the second particle is stationary, then the momentum of the system is conserved, and the final total momentum must be zero. This can only happen if the two particles have equal but opposite momenta (i.e. if they have equal mass), and thus the collision must be elastic.

A Moving Particle Is Stopped by a Single Head-On Collision