The kinetic-molecular theory explains the behavior of... A) gases only B) solids & liquids C) liquids & gases or D) solids, liquids, & gases

Question

If 2 moving steel balls collide, their total energy after the collision is the same as before. This is an example of... A) boyle's law B) the law of gravity C) an elastic collision or D) both charle's & boyle's law

Answer 1

Mia,

 

The assumption built into the KMT, that the particles have no potential energy (do not feel any forces) requires that the atoms and molecules that it described are far apart (at low density). This situation is only valid for gases.

 

An "elastic" collision is one in which no energy is lost, in other words, in which the total energy of the colliding objects is the same before and after.

 

Michael.