question_answer 58)

                  In an elastic collision of two billiard balls, which of the following quantities remain conserved during the short time of collision of the balls (i.e., when they are in contact).                 (a) Kinetic energy.                 (b) Total linear momentum?                 Give reason for your answer in each case.                

Answer:

                  Total linear momentum is conserved during the short time of collision of the balls, while K.E is not conserved. When two balls strike each other during collision, the shape of balls changes a little bit. The change in the shape of balls give rise to elastic potential energy which is derived from the K.E.