Question

A 2 kg object traveling at 5 m s on a frictionless horizontal surface collides head-on with and sticks to a 3 kg object initially at rest. Which of the following correctly identifies the change in total kinetic energy and the resulting speed of the objects after the collision? Kinetic Energy Speed
(A) Increases 2 m/s 3.2 m/s
(B) Increases Soold 2 m/s
(C) Decreases 3.2 m/s
(D) Decreases

Answer 1

Answer: (d)

Explanation:

Given

Mass of object $m=2\ kg$

Speed of object $u=5\ m/s$

Mass of object at rest $M=3\ kg$

Suppose after collision, speed is v

conserving momentum

$\Rightarrow mu+0=(m+M)v\\\\\Rightarrow v=\dfrac{2\times 5}{2+3}\\\\\Rightarrow v=2\ m/s$

Initial kinetic energy

$k_1=\dfrac{1}{2}\times 2\times 5^2\\\\k_1=25\ J$

Final kinetic energy

$k_2=\dfrac{1}{2}\times (2+3)\times 2^2\\\\k_2=10\ J$

So, it is clear there is decrease in kinetic energy . Thus, energy decreases and velocity becomes 2 m/s.