Concepts Of Physics MCQ Edition [Volume 1]PhysicsCentre of Mass, Linear momentum, Collision
Evaluate the following two statements concerning a system of particles: (A) The linear momentum of the system is zero. (B) The kinetic energy of the system is zero.
Options
- AB implies A, but A does not imply B
- BA does not imply B, and B does not imply A
- CA implies B, but B does not imply A
- DA implies B, and B implies A
Correct answer
A. B implies A, but A does not imply B
Step-by-step solution
The kinetic energy of a system of particles is given by K = 1 2 m_i v_i^2 . If the kinetic energy of the system is zero, i.e., K = 0 , then v_i = 0 for all particles since the kinetic energy of individual particles cannot be negative. If all particles are at rest, the linear momentum of the system P = m_i v _i must also be zero. Thus, statement B implies statement A. The linear momentum of a system is given by P = m_i v _i . If the linear momentum of the system is zero, it is possible that individual particles are