Physics quiz question: elastic collision

Physics 205A Quiz 4, fall semester 2012
Cuesta College, San Luis Obispo, CA

Cf. Giambattista/Richardson/Richardson, Physics, 2/e, Problem 7.49

In an elastic collision, two objects:
(A) rebound with no deformation.
(B) rebound after unsticking, with some deformation.
(C) are stuck together with no deformation.
(D) are stuck together and are permanently deformed.

Correct answer: (A)

In an elastic collision, the total kinetic energy of the colliding objects is conserved. The objects cannot stick together nor be permanently deformed after the collision, as this would indicate the loss of some kinetic energy.

Sections 70854, 70855
Exam code: quiz04Bmw3
(A) : 45 students
(B) : 6 students
(C) : 1 student
(D) : 0 students

Success level: 87%
Discrimination index (Aubrecht & Aubrecht, 1983): 0.57