A statement is made: “If two bodies collide with a coefficient of restitution equal…
PHYSICS · Multi-part · AP · Physics 1: Algebra-based · Linear Momentum · Linear Momentum
Problem
A statement is made: “If two bodies collide with a coefficient of restitution equal to zero, the law of conservation of momentum no longer applies.”
(i) State the principle of conservation of linear momentum for an isolated system.
(ii) Give two reasons, based on physical principles, why the statement quoted above is incorrect.
(iii) Describe qualitatively what happens to the mechanical energy of the system during a collision for which the coefficient of restitution is (a) 1, (b) between 0 and 1, and (c) 0. Relate each case to the nature of the collision.