Question

In an elastic collision:
1. the kinetic energy of each colliding body as well as the total kinetic energy does not change
2. the kinetic energy of each colliding body may change but the total kinetic energy of the system does not change
3. the kinetic energy of each colliding body as well as the total kinetic energy of the system may change
4. the kinetic energy of each colliding body does not change but the total kinetic energy of the system does change

Answer 1

Correct Answer - Option 2 : the kinetic energy of each colliding body may change but the total kinetic energy of the system does not change

The correct answer is option 2) i.e. the kinetic energy of each colliding body may change but the total kinetic energy of the system does not change.

CONCEPT:

• Elastic collision: Elastic collision is a phenomenon where the collision of objects takes place such that the total linear momentum and kinetic energy of the system are conserved.

​EXPLANATION:

• In an elastic collision, the total kinetic energy is conserved. This means that the objects within the system can have varying kinetic energy before and after the collision.
• Thus, the kinetic energy of each colliding body may change but the total kinetic energy of the system does not change.

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Characteristic of elastic and inelastic collision:

Elastic collision	Inelastic collision
The kinetic energy is conserved.	The kinetic energy is not conserved.
The momentum is conserved.	The momentum is conserved.
The total energy is conserved.	The total energy is conserved.
Forces involved during a collision are conservative.	Some or all of the forces involved during a collision are non-conservative.