A lab group graphs the total kinetic energy of an isolated two-cart system as a…
PHYSICS · Single correct · A Level · Physics · Mechanics and materials · Mechanics and materials
Problem
A lab group graphs the total kinetic energy of an isolated two-cart system as a function of time. Before a collision at t=1.0s, the graph is a horizontal line at 12J. Immediately after t=1.0s, the graph drops to a new horizontal line at 8.0J and remains there. Which statement about the collision at t=1.0s is most accurate?
(a) The collision was elastic because the total kinetic energy after the collision remains constant.
(b) The collision was inelastic because some kinetic energy was transformed into other forms.
(c) The collision was super-elastic because the sudden change in kinetic energy indicates that energy was added to the system.
(d) The collision was perfectly inelastic because the carts must have stuck together, reducing kinetic energy.