Question

Which of the following quantity is not conserved in inelastic collision?

• A. Linear momentum
• B. Kinetic energy
• C. Total energy
• D. Linear momentum and total energy both

Hint:

In inelastic collision, momentum is conserved but kinetic energy is not conserved.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Concept:
In an inelastic collision, linear momentum is conserved but kinetic energy is not conserved.

Step 1: Conservation of linear momentum.
For an isolated system: \[ \text{Initial momentum}=\text{Final momentum} \] So linear momentum is conserved.

Step 2: Kinetic energy in inelastic collision.
In an inelastic collision, some kinetic energy is converted into heat, sound, deformation energy, etc. Therefore: \[ K_i\neq K_f \]

Step 3: Total energy.
Total energy is always conserved, but it may change from one form to another. Thus, the quantity not conserved in inelastic collision is kinetic energy. \[ \therefore \text{Correct Answer is (B)} \]