In a classroom experiment

PHYSICS · Subjective · AP · Physics 1: Algebra-based · Linear Momentum · Linear Momentum

Problem

In a classroom experiment, students measure the total kinetic energy of a two-cart system just before collision as 75 J±3 J75\,\text{J}\pm3\,\text{J} and just after collision as 74 J±3 J74\,\text{J}\pm3\,\text{J}. Based on these data, identify the most appropriate collision classification (elastic, inelastic, or perfectly inelastic) and briefly justify your choice.

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