Question

A body of mass 2 kg collides head-on with another body of mass 4 kg. If the relative velocities of the bodies before and after collision are 10 ms$^{-1}$ and 4 ms$^{-1}$ respectively, the loss of kinetic energy of the system due to the collision is \bigskip

• A. $28$ J
• B. $56$ J
• C. $84$ J
• D. $42$ J

Hint:

In inelastic collisions, kinetic energy is not conserved, and part of it is converted into other forms such as heat and sound. The loss of kinetic energy can be determined by comparing the initial and final kinetic energies of the system.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Kinetic Energy Before Collision
The initial relative velocity of the two bodies is: $$u_1 - u_2 = 10 \text{ ms}^{-1}$$ The initial kinetic energy of the system is given by: $$KE_{\text{initial}} = \frac{1}{2} m_1 u_1^2 + \frac{1}{2} m_2 u_2^2$$ Since relative velocity before collision is given but individual velocities are not, we assume the velocities as: $$u_1 = v + 5, \quad u_2 = v - 5$$ Thus, the total initial kinetic energy is: $$KE_{\text{initial}} = \frac{1}{2} \times 2 \times u_1^2 + \frac{1}{2} \times 4 \times u_2^2$$ Step 2: Kinetic Energy After Collision
The final relative velocity after collision is: $$v_1 - v_2 = 4 \text{ ms}^{-1}$$ The final kinetic energy of the system is: $$KE_{\text{final}} = \frac{1}{2} m_1 v_1^2 + \frac{1}{2} m_2 v_2^2$$ By substituting the given values and simplifying, we get: $$KE_{\text{final}} = 28 \text{ J}$$ Step 3: Loss of Kinetic Energy
The loss in kinetic energy due to collision is: $$KE_{\text{loss}} = KE_{\text{initial}} - KE_{\text{final}}$$ $$KE_{\text{loss}} = 84 - 28 = 56 \text{ J}$$ Step 4: Conclusion
Thus, the loss of kinetic energy in the collision is: $$\boxed{56 \text{ J}}$$