Question

While texting his girlfriend that he was running late for their date, Jordan rear-ended a car stopped at a red light. Since this was clearly an inelastic collision, some of his car's kinetic energy was transformed to other types of energy. What types of energy are most likely to result from such a collision?

A) thermal and potential
B) thermal and mechanical
C) chemical and potential
D) mechanical and chemical

Answer 1

Answer: The correct answer is option B) Thermal and mechanical.

As per the question, Jordan rear-ended a car stopped at a red light and the collision is inelastic.

When Jordan rear-ended the car, the other car might have displaced. It means that some of the kinetic energy ( due to motion) of his car is lost and appeared in the kinetic energy of the other car.

During the time of collision, the two cars undergo friction. The frictional force results in the production of heat. Some of the kinetic energy is also lost in the form of sound ( form of mechanical energy).

Hence, the car's kinetic energy is transformed into mechanical energy and thermal energy.