Step 1: Understanding elastic collision.
In an elastic collision, both momentum and kinetic energy (K.E) are conserved. This is a fundamental property of elastic collisions.
- Momentum Conservation: In any collision, momentum is always conserved if no external force acts on the system. This applies to both elastic and inelastic collisions.
- Kinetic Energy Conservation: In elastic collisions, the total kinetic energy of the system before and after the collision remains the same. In inelastic collisions, some kinetic energy is converted into other forms of energy, like heat or sound.
Step 2: Analysis of the options.
- (A) both momentum and K.E is conserved: Correct. In an elastic collision, both momentum and kinetic energy are conserved.
- (B) only K.E is conserved: Incorrect. Momentum is also conserved in an elastic collision.
- (C) only momentum is conserved: Incorrect. Kinetic energy is also conserved in an elastic collision.
- (D) neither momentum nor K.E conserved: Incorrect. In an elastic collision, both momentum and kinetic energy are conserved.
Step 3: Conclusion.
The correct answer is (A) because in an elastic collision, both momentum and kinetic energy are conserved.
\[
\boxed{\text{both momentum and K.E is conserved}}
\]
Final Answer: both momentum and K.E is conserved