Question:

In elastic collision

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To remember: - Elastic: Momentum (YES), KE (YES). - Inelastic: Momentum (YES), KE (NO). Only the kinetic energy "breaks" in inelastic collisions!
Updated On: May 6, 2026
  • both momentum and kinetic energy are conserved
  • neither momentum nor kinetic energy is conserved
  • only momentum is conserved
  • only kinetic energy is conserved
  • forces involved in the interaction are non-conservative
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The Correct Option is A

Solution and Explanation

Concept: Collisions are categorized based on whether kinetic energy is maintained throughout the event.
Momentum: Momentum is conserved in ALL types of collisions (elastic, inelastic, perfectly inelastic) as long as no external forces act on the system.
Kinetic Energy (KE): In an elastic collision, there is no permanent deformation or heat generation, so the total KE before the collision equals the total KE after.

Step 1:
Evaluate the characteristics of elastic collisions.
By definition, a collision is "elastic" if the total mechanical energy of the system remains unchanged. This implies that the internal forces during the collision are conservative.

Step 2:
Identify the conserved quantities.
Since there are no dissipative forces like heat, sound, or permanent shape change involved in a perfectly elastic collision, the kinetic energy of the system is preserved along with the linear momentum. This makes Statement (A) correct.
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