A student makes the following statements about an elastic collision - Scottish Highers Physics - Question 6 - 2019
Question 6
A student makes the following statements about an elastic collision.
I Total momentum is conserved.
II Total kinetic energy is conserved.
III Total energy is con... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:A student makes the following statements about an elastic collision - Scottish Highers Physics - Question 6 - 2019
Step 1
I Total momentum is conserved.
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Answer
In an elastic collision, the total momentum of the system is indeed conserved. This is a fundamental principle of physics, applicable to all types of collisions.
Step 2
II Total kinetic energy is conserved.
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Answer
In an elastic collision, not only is the total momentum conserved, but the total kinetic energy is also conserved. This distinguishes elastic collisions from inelastic collisions, where kinetic energy is not conserved.
Step 3
III Total energy is conserved.
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Total energy (including potential energy) is always conserved in any isolated system. Therefore, this statement is also correct. However, in the context of elastic collisions, the emphasis is typically on momentum and kinetic energy.
Step 4
Conclusion
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Answer
Since statements I, II, and III are all correct regarding an elastic collision, the answer to the question is E: I, II and III.
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