Final answer:
The breaking of a plate is an inelastic collision because internal kinetic energy is not conserved, though momentum is conserved due to internal forces among the fragments. Hence, the correct answer is option (B).
Step-by-step explanation:
When a large plate is dropped and breaks into three pieces, the event can be analyzed in terms of collision concepts. In an elastic collision, objects bounce off each other without losing their internal kinetic energy. However, when a plate breaks, the kinetic energy is not conserved due to the energy used in breaking the plate, indicating it is an inelastic collision.
Despite this, the conservation of momentum applies to all types of collisions, including this case where a plate shatters. Momentum is conserved because the forces involved are internal to the system of the plate fragments.
Therefore, the correct answer is (B) Inelastic Collision because internal kinetic energy is not conserved when the large plate breaks into pieces upon impact.