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KCET · Physics · Center of Mass Momentum and Collision

A ball hits the floor and rebounds after an inelastic collision. In this case

  1. A the momentum of the ball is conserved
  2. B the mechanical energy of the ball is conserved
  3. C the total momentum of the ball and the earth is conserved
  4. D the total mechanical energy of the ball and the earth is conserved
Verified Solution

Answer & Solution

Correct Answer

(C) the total momentum of the ball and the earth is conserved

Step-by-step Solution

Detailed explanation

When the net cxtcrnal force on the system is zero, the total momentum of the system is conserved.
In the given case, when a ball hits the floor and rebounds, no external force is acting on them. Thus, the total momentum of the system is conserved.
However, it is an elastic collision.
So, some energy will be lost in the form of heat, etc.
Hence, the total mechanical energy of the system will not conserved.
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