A particle with kinetic energy 3 J makes an elastic head-on collision with a stationary particle of twice its mass. During impact, which statements are correct?
Select all that apply

Question

A particle with kinetic energy 3 J makes an elastic head-on collision with a stationary particle of twice its mass. During impact, which statements are correct?

G1 Physics · Accepted Answer

Use conservation of linear momentum together with e = (relative speed of separation)/(relative speed of approach). Solving the two collision equations gives A: Minimum kinetic energy of system is 1 J.; B: Maximum elastic potential energy is 2 J.; C: Momentum and total energy are conserved at every instant.; D: Ratio of kinetic to potential energy first decreases then increases..