Collision Analysis from Momentum Graph · PhysicsBowl 2016 #34
Physics · mechanics
Problem
The graph shows the magnitude of the linear momentum of two solid objects colliding on the x-axis. Which one of the following statements must be true based on the information provided?
(A) The objects remain stuck together after the collision.
(B) Object 2 experiences the greater force from the collision.
(C) Object 2 cannot have more mass than object 1.
(D) The kinetic energy loss was maximized with no external forces present in the two-object system.
(E) The kinetic energy of the two-object system is the same both before and after the collision.
[Figure: Graph showing momentum magnitude vs time for two objects during collision]