Question

In an inelastic collision, the kinetic energy after collision

• A. is same as before collision
• B. is always less than that before collision
• C. is always greater than that before collision
• D. may be less or greater than that before collision

Answer 1

The correct option is B is always less than that before collision

In inelastic collisions , the kinetic energy is used for deforming the the bodies . In such collisions , the reformation of the bodies is partial. Therefore, the potential energy stored in the deformation is lost as heat and the kinetic energy of the system after collision is less than that of before collisions. However, in some cases it may be greater ( such collisions are called super elastic collisions).