NEET Physics: Elastic and inelastic collisions in one and two dimensions Practice Questions
12 free multiple-choice questions on Elastic and inelastic collisions in one and two dimensions (Work, Energy, and Power) for NEET Physics, each with the correct answer and a step-by-step explanation. Attempt a question, then reveal the solution to check your reasoning.
Practice thousands more NEET questions in the app →Q1. For an inelastic collision, the total kinetic energy of the system is typically:
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Correct answer: C — Decreased
In an inelastic collision, some kinetic energy is lost, usually converted into heat or deformation, meaning the total kinetic energy of the system decreases.
Q2. When two objects undergo a perfectly elastic collision, what is true regarding the total kinetic energy of the system?
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Correct answer: C — The total kinetic energy is conserved
In a perfectly elastic collision, both momentum and kinetic energy are conserved. The total kinetic energy of the system remains constant.
Q3. A collision between two objects is classified as perfectly elastic if:
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Correct answer: D — the kinetic energy of the system is conserved
A perfectly elastic collision is defined by the conservation of both linear momentum and kinetic energy. The definition of elasticity relates directly to the conservation of kinetic energy.
Q4. If a collision is inelastic, it implies that:
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Correct answer: A — Kinetic energy is lost
In an inelastic collision, kinetic energy is not conserved; some energy is dissipated.
Q5. For a two-dimensional collision, which vector quantity is conserved if there are no external forces acting on the system?
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Correct answer: D — The momentum vector
In two dimensions, both the x and y components of the momentum must be conserved separately. Therefore, the momentum vector (p⃗ = mv⃗) is conserved.
Q6. If two objects move in a two-dimensional plane, the conservation of momentum requires that the net external force acting on the system must be zero. Why?
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Correct answer: C — Because momentum is a vector that must be conserved in all directions.
Momentum is a vector. For momentum to be conserved in a 2D plane, the net external force must be zero, ensuring that the sum of all external forces acting on the system is zero.
Q7. A perfectly inelastic collision occurs when the colliding bodies:
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Correct answer: C — Stick together after collision
A perfectly inelastic collision is one where the colliding bodies stick together and move as a single object after the collision.
Q8. If a collision is inelastic, the kinetic energy of the system:
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Correct answer: A — decreases
In an inelastic collision, some of the initial kinetic energy is converted into internal energy (heat, sound, deformation) and is not conserved. Therefore, the total kinetic energy of the system decreases.
Q9. In a one-dimensional elastic collision, which of the following quantities is always conserved?
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Correct answer: C — Both momentum and kinetic energy
In any collision, both linear momentum and kinetic energy are conserved in an elastic collision.
Q10. In an inelastic collision, what happens to the mechanical energy of the system?
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Correct answer: D — Mechanical energy is lost to heat/sound
In an inelastic collision, some of the initial kinetic energy is converted into internal energy (like heat, sound, or deformation), meaning the total mechanical energy of the system is not conserved.
Q11. For a two-dimensional collision where the impulse acts along the line connecting the centers of mass, the total momentum is conserved in which dimension?
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Correct answer: D — Both dimensions simultaneously
In a two-dimensional collision, momentum is conserved in all directions. If the impulse is internal, momentum is conserved along the direction of the impulse and the direction perpendicular to it.
Q12. In a two-dimensional collision, if no external forces act on the system, which quantity is conserved?
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Correct answer: A — Only momentum
Regardless of the dimension, the total linear momentum of a system is conserved if no external forces act on it.
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