Final answer:
The question is about calculating the change in kinetic energy after an inelastic collision in a high school physics setting. Using the initial velocities and masses given, one can determine the system's total kinetic energy before and after the collision to find the change. The correct option is A.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question involves investigating the principles of inelastic collisions and kinetic energy in a physics context. When two masses collide and stick together, it's essential to consider the conservation of momentum and how kinetic energy is transformed during such an inelastic collision. The specifics of the problem, like mass A (2.0 kg) moving with a velocity of 15 m/s and colliding with mass B (4.0 kg) moving at 7.0 m/s, are used to calculate the change in kinetic energy. To solve for the change in kinetic energy, the initial kinetic energies of both masses before the collision are summed and then subtracted from the final kinetic energy of the combined mass after the collision.
- Calculate the initial kinetic energies of both objects separately (KE = 1/2 mv^2).
- Add the initial kinetic energies to find the total initial kinetic energy.
- Calculate the final kinetic energy using the combined mass and final velocity after the collision.
- Find the change in kinetic energy by subtracting the final kinetic energy from the initial total kinetic energy.