Q168 / 200 · Manipal (MET) 2012 · Physics

During inelastic collision of two particles

  • A
    $(\mathrm{KE})_{\text {final }}=(\mathrm{KE})_{\text {initial }}$
  • Correct answer
    B
    $(\mathrm{KE})_{\text {final }}$ must be greater than $(\mathrm{KE})_{\text {initial }}$
  • C
    $(\mathrm{KE})_{\text {final }}$ must be less than $(\mathrm{KE})_{\text {initial }}$
  • D
    $(\mathrm{KE})_{\text {final }}$ must be greater or less than $(\mathrm{KE})_{\text {initial }}$

Solution

During inelastic collision of two particles kinetic energy after collision is not equal to kinetic energy before collision. Here, KE appears in other forms. In some cases, (KE) final $\left.^{ \lt (K E}\right)_{\text {initial }}$ such as when initial KE is converted into internal energy of the product (as heat, elastic or excitation energy) while in other cases $(\mathrm{KE})_{\text {final }}\gt(\mathrm{KE})_{\text {initial }}$ such as when internal energy stored in the colliding particles is released.

Hence, the correct answer is option: 'B'.

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