- Amal Augustine
- December 20, 2025
Collision and Energy Conservation MCQs Explained: Master Physics the Smart Way
Questions based on collision and energy conservation MCQs are among the most concept-testing problems in mechanics. They combine collision and energy conservation mcqs ideas from the work–energy theorem, momentum conservation, elastic and inelastic collisions, and the coefficient of restitution. These collision and energy conservation mcqs problems test whether students understand what is conserved, what is transformed, and under what conditions conservation laws apply.
Collision and energy conservation mcqs collectively assess the principle that momentum conservation is universal, whereas kinetic energy conservation depends on the nature of the collision.Collision and energy conservation mcqs also reinforce the concept that mechanical energy is conserved only in conservative systems, not during dissipative collisions.Advanced collision and energy conservation MCQs may integrate energy graphs, impulse–momentum relations, and conservation laws to test conceptual depth rather than direct formula substitution.
In competitive exams and board-level physics, such collision and energy conservation mcqs often involve bullets embedding in blocks, balls rebounding from surfaces, and bodies colliding on smooth tracks. The key to solving collision and energy conservation mcqs lies in identifying the type of collision, the role of external forces, and the time of interaction.
Collision and Energy Conservation MCQs :
1. The Work–Energy theorem
A. Does not hold in all inertial frames
B. Is independent of Newton’s second law
C. May be viewed as a scalar form of Newton’s second law
D. Cannot be extended to non-inertial frames
Answer: C
2. Which of the following statements is false?
A. Momentum is conserved in all types of collisions
B. Energy is conserved in all types of collisions
C. During elastic collisions conservative forces are involved
D. Work–energy theorem is not applicable to inelastic collisions
Answer: D
3. The work–energy theorem states that the change in
A. Kinetic energy equals work done by net force
B. Kinetic energy equals work done by one force
C. Potential energy equals work done by net force
D. Potential energy equals work done by one force
Answer: A
4. A body is whirled in a vertical circle. Which remains constant?
A. Momentum
B. Speed
C. Kinetic energy
D. Total energy
Answer: D
5. In elastic collision
A. Both momentum and kinetic energy are conserved
B. Neither is conserved
C. Only momentum is conserved
D. Only kinetic energy is conserved
Answer: A
6. For inelastic collision between two rigid bodies
A. KE is conserved
B. Mechanical energy is conserved
C. Momentum is not conserved
D. Momentum is conserved
Answer: D
7. A hammer (3 kg) hits a nail at 2 m/s. Impulse imparted is
A. 6 Ns
B. 3 Ns
C. 2 Ns
D. 18 Ns
Answer: A
8. Coefficient of restitution for perfectly elastic collision
A. 1
B. 0
C. ∞
D. −1
Answer: A
9. Correct statement
A. In inelastic collisions both momentum & KE conserved
B. Momentum conserved, KE not conserved in inelastic collision
C. Elastic collision conserves momentum but not KE
D. Inelastic collision conserves KE
Answer: B
10. Correct statement
A. In elastic collision momentum and energy of each body conserved
B. Total energy always conserved regardless of forces
C. Work over closed loop is zero for all forces
D. Final KE always less in inelastic collision
Answer: A
11. In perfectly inelastic collision, relative velocity
A. Before impact is zero
B. Same before and after
C. After impact is zero
D. None
Answer: C
12. Coefficient of restitution for elastic collision
A. 1
B. 0.75
C. 0
D. 0.5
Answer: A
13. Bullet embeds in wooden block – collision type
A. Elastic
B. Perfectly inelastic
C. Inelastic
D. Perfectly elastic
Answer: B
14. Elastic collision conserves
A. KE only
B. Momentum only
C. KE and momentum
D. Neither
Answer: C
15. In inelastic collision, always conserved
A. KE
B. Mechanical energy
C. Linear momentum
D. Speed
Answer: C
16. Not conserved in inelastic collision
A. Momentum
B. Kinetic energy
C. Both
D. Neither
Answer: B
17. Momentum conservation strictly applies when
A. Collision time is extremely small
B. Moderately small
C. Extremely large
D. Case dependent
Answer: A
18.A particle of mass m₁ moving with velocity v collides with another particle of mass m₂ at rest. After collision, the two particles stick together. Just after collision, the velocity of the system will:
A. Increase
B. Decrease
C. Remain constant
D. Become zero
Answer: B
19.For a system to obey the law of conservation of linear momentum during a collision, which of the following conditions must be satisfied?
(1) Total external force acting on the system is zero.
(2) Total external force acting on the system is finite, but the time of collision is negligible.
(3) Total internal force acting on the system is zero.
Options:
A. (1) only
B. (2) only
C. (3) only
D. (1) or (2)
Answer: D. (1) or (2)
20. Two equal mass spheres lie at opposite ends of a smooth circular groove. If the coefficient of restitution is ee, the next collision occurs after time
A. e2te^2 t
B. etet
C. eπte\pi t
D. e2πte^2 \pi t
Answer: A
21. When two bodies stick together after collision, the collision is
A. Partially elastic
B. Elastic
C. Inelastic
D. Perfectly inelastic
Answer: D
22. In an inelastic collision
A. Momentum is conserved but not kinetic energy
B. Kinetic energy conserved but not momentum
C. Both conserved
D. Neither conserved
Answer: A
23. A ball strikes the floor and returns with double velocity. This collision is
A. Inelastic
B. Perfectly inelastic
C. Perfectly elastic
D. Not possible
Answer: D
24. A bullet of mass 0.1 kg fired at 100 m/s from a gun of mass 50 kg. Recoil velocity of gun is
A. 0.05 m/s
B. 0.5 m/s
C. 0.1 m/s
D. 0.2 m/s
Answer: D
25. If two bodies stick together after collision and move as one, collision is
A. Perfectly inelastic
B. Elastic
C. Inelastic
D. Perfectly elastic
Answer: A
26. Three identical balls A, B, C in a straight line. A hits B at 10 m/s, all collisions elastic. Final velocity of C is
A. 5 m/s
B. 10 m/s
C. 2.5 m/s
D. 7.5 m/s
Answer: B
27. In inelastic collision
A. Momentum, KE, energy conserved
B. None conserved
C. Momentum & KE conserved
D. Total energy & momentum conserved, KE not
Answer: D
28. Which is true for any collision?
A. Momentum & KE conserved
B. Neither conserved
C. Momentum always conserved, KE may or may not
D. KE always conserved
Answer: C
29. A ball dropped from 20 m rebounds to height when e=0.9e = 0.9
A. 1.62 m
B. 16.2 m
C. 18 m
D. 14 m
Answer: B
30. Two identical balls moving and colliding elastically with wall. Possible number of collisions is
A. 1
B. 2
C. 3
D. Infinite
Answer: C
31. In elastic collision, which is conserved?
A. Kinetic energy
B. Momentum
C. Potential energy
D. Kinetic energy and momentum
Answer: D
Conclusion: Understanding Collision and Energy Conservation MCQs
Mastering collision and energy conservation MCQs requires more than memorizing formulas — it demands a deep understanding of physical principles. These collision and energy conservation mcqs questions consistently test whether students can correctly identify conserved quantities, especially during short-time interactions like collisions where external forces become negligible.
A key takeaway is that momentum is always conserved in collisions, provided external forces are absent, while kinetic energy is conserved only in elastic collisions. In inelastic and perfectly inelastic collisions, kinetic energy transforms into other forms such as heat, sound, or deformation, though total energy remains conserved.
By practicing these collision and energy conservation mcqs,aspirants strengthen their ability to distinguish between elastic vs inelastic collisions, apply the work–energy theorem, and confidently solve real-world physics problems — a crucial skill set for board exams, entrance tests, and advanced mechanics.
Amal Augustine is the founder of ExQuizMe, a dynamic learning and quiz platform built to make education engaging, competitive, and fun. A passionate learner and an academic achiever, Amal completed his schooling at Government HSS Manjapra, graduating with 92.5% in Computer Science. He later earned his degree from St. Stephen’s College, University of Delhi, one of India’s most prestigious arts and science institutions.
Currently, Amal is pursuing his Master’s degree at National Sun Yat-sen University, Taiwan, where he continues to deepen his interest in research and technology. Throughout his school and college years, he won 50+ national-level interschool and collegiate quiz competitions, was
Beyond academics, Amal Augustine is an avid reader of science journals, a dedicated research student, and a technology enthusiast who loves programming and exploring the world of Computer Science. Through ExQuizMe, he aims to make learning accessible, enjoyable, and empowering for students across the globe.