Question

In a two-body collision, if the momentum of the system is conserved, then which of the
following best describes the kinetic energy after the collision?
a. must be less
b. must also be conserved
c. may also be conserved
d. is doubled in value

Answer 1

Answer:

c) may also be conserved

Explanation:

Momentum is conserved  in both elastic and inelastic type of collisions.

But the differences is that:

In an ELASTIC type of collisions, KINETIC ENERGY IS ALSO CONSERVED.

whereas, In an INELASTIC type of collision, KINETIC ENERGY IS NOT CONSERVED.

So unless until type of collision is specified, we can not say anything about the conservation of kinetic energy after collision.

Hence, may also be conserved is the appropriate option here.