Energy in collisions - which statement is true

In summary, energy in collisions is the total amount of energy involved in the interaction between objects during a collision, including both kinetic and potential energy. This energy is conserved according to the law of conservation of energy, but can be transferred between different forms in elastic and inelastic collisions. The amount of energy in a collision can change depending on factors such as mass and velocity, and both can contribute to the total energy in a collision. This concept is important in various real-world applications, such as car accidents and engineering, as it helps us predict outcomes and design safety measures. It also aids in understanding energy transfer and distribution, which is relevant in fields such as material science and biomechanics.
  • #1
flynostrich08
20
0

Homework Statement



Which of the following statements is true for collisions?
a) Momentum and Kinetic energy are always conserved in collisions.
b) Momentum can only conserved in elastic collisions.
c) Kinetic energy is conserved only in inelastic collisions.
d) Only kinetic energy can be conserved in elastic collisions.
e) None of these are true for collisions.


The Attempt at a Solution


i believe the answer is e. but thought it could be c but then momentum can also be conserved so i concluded e
 
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  • #2


Yes e is correct.

Kinetic energy is not conserved in an inelastic collision.
 

FAQ: Energy in collisions - which statement is true

What is the definition of energy in collisions?

Energy in collisions refers to the total amount of energy involved in the interaction between two or more objects during a collision. It includes both kinetic energy (energy of motion) and potential energy (stored energy) of the objects involved.

How is energy conserved in collisions?

According to the law of conservation of energy, energy cannot be created or destroyed, only transferred from one form to another. In collisions, the total amount of energy before and after the collision remains the same, although it may be transferred between different forms, such as kinetic and potential energy.

Can the amount of energy in a collision change?

Yes, the amount of energy in a collision can change depending on factors such as the mass and velocity of the objects involved. In an elastic collision, where no energy is lost, the total amount of energy remains the same. In an inelastic collision, some of the energy is converted into other forms, such as heat or sound, and the total amount of energy decreases.

Which statement is true: objects with greater mass have more energy in a collision, or objects with greater velocity have more energy in a collision?

Both statements can be true depending on the situation. In an elastic collision, the total amount of energy is determined by both the mass and velocity of the objects involved. In an inelastic collision, the objects with greater mass will have more energy, as the energy is converted into other forms and the total amount decreases.

How is the concept of energy in collisions important in real-world applications?

Understanding energy in collisions is crucial in many real-world applications, such as car accidents, sports, and engineering. It allows us to predict the outcomes of collisions and design safety measures to reduce the impact of collisions. It also helps us understand how energy is transferred and distributed among objects during collisions, which is important in fields such as material science and biomechanics.

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