In an inelastic collision, which of the following is not conserved?

In an inelastic collision, which of the following is not conserved?

• A. Speed
• B. Momentum
• C. Kinetic Energy
• D. Angular Momentum

Answer: (C)

In an inelastic collision, kinetic energy is not conserved. During such a collision, some of the kinetic energy is transformed into other forms of energy, such as thermal energy, sound, or internal energy due to deformation of the colliding bodies. This energy transformation occurs because, in inelastic collisions, the objects stick together or change shape as they collide, which means they do not conserve the kinetic energy that they had prior to the collision. However, it is important to note that momentum is always conserved in both elastic and inelastic collisions, provided that no external forces act on the system. Similarly, angular momentum is conserved in a closed system, which includes interactions involving rotational motion. Speed, while it can change for individual objects involved in the collision, does not apply generally to the system as a whole in the context of conservation laws relevant for inelastic collisions. Thus, while the momentum and angular momentum remain conserved, the kinetic energy does not, making it the correct answer to the question.

In an inelastic collision, kinetic energy is not conserved. During such a collision, some of the kinetic energy is transformed into other forms of energy, such as thermal energy, sound, or internal energy due to deformation of the colliding bodies. This energy transformation occurs because, in inelastic collisions, the objects stick together or change shape as they collide, which means they do not conserve the kinetic energy that they had prior to the collision.

However, it is important to note that momentum is always conserved in both elastic and inelastic collisions, provided that no external forces act on the system. Similarly, angular momentum is conserved in a closed system, which includes interactions involving rotational motion. Speed, while it can change for individual objects involved in the collision, does not apply generally to the system as a whole in the context of conservation laws relevant for inelastic collisions. Thus, while the momentum and angular momentum remain conserved, the kinetic energy does not, making it the correct answer to the question.