Physics 9702 · AS & A Level · Linear momentum and its conservation

Linear momentum and its conservation — practice question

Two identical spheres, each perfectly elastic, have equal mass $m$. They move towards one another at the same speed $v$ across a horizontal surface with no friction. Which statement correctly describes the total kinetic energy of the spheres?

  • AThe sum of their kinetic energies before impact is zero.
  • BThe sum of their kinetic energies before impact is $\tfrac{1}{2}mv^2$.
  • CThe sum of their kinetic energies after impact is zero.
  • DThe sum of their kinetic energies after impact is $mv^2$.

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