Question

Two particles are seen to collide and move jointly together after the collision. During such a collision, for the total system ___________

(a) Neither the mechanical energy nor the linear momentum is conserved

(b) Mechanical energy is conserved, but not the linear momentum

(c) Both the mechanical energy and the linear momentum are conserved

(d) Linear momentum is conserved, but not the mechanical energy

I have been asked this question in an interview for job.

This intriguing question originated from Energy topic in chapter Kinematics of Engineering Physics I

Answer 1

The correct answer is (d) Linear momentum is conserved, but not the mechanical energy

Explanation: The collision is inelastic. Only momentum is conserved and not mechanical energy. There is a loss of kinetic energy in such a collision.