What is conserved during a collision of two vehicles?a) Velocityb) Massc) – [Free] B41
What is conserved during a collision of two vehicles?a) Velocityb) Massc) – [Free] B41
What Is Conserved During a Collision of Two Vehicles?
a) Velocity
b) Mass
c) Momentum
d) Force
e) My insurance’s premium
In an isolated system, the fundamental law that governs collisions is the Law of Conservation of Momentum.
This principle states that:
This is true for both:
- Elastic collisions – where both momentum and kinetic energy are conserved
- Inelastic collisions – where only momentum is conserved (kinetic energy is lost)
Now let’s briefly analyze each option:
- a) Velocity: Not conserved. Individual or even total system velocity can change due to interactions or external forces.
- b) Mass: The mass of the vehicles is constant but not the focus of conservation during the collision event.
- c) Momentum: Correct answer. Always conserved in the absence of external forces.
- d) Force: Not conserved. Forces vary during the collision and are internal/external interactions.
- e) My insurance’s premium: Humorously added — not a physical quantity.