Baseball Collision

Question

Kiley is throwing a baseball at an aluminum can, as shown in the drawing below.

Multiple Choice Question
Which statement correctly describes the kinetic energy in this system?

A.
The kinetic energy of the can is the same before and after it is hit by the ball because the can started with no kinetic energy and has no way to gain kinetic energy.

B.
The kinetic energy of the ball is the same before and after it hits the can because the can and the ball transfer equal amounts of kinetic energy to each other during the collision.

C.
The kinetic energy of the can is greater before it is hit by the ball because the can transfers energy to the ball during the collision.

D.
The kinetic energy of the ball is greater before it hits the can because the ball transfers energy to the can during the collision.

Answer 1

The statement that correctly describes the kinetic energy in this system is:

D. The kinetic energy of the ball is greater before it hits the can because the ball transfers energy to the can during the collision.

This is because, prior to the collision, the ball is in motion and possesses kinetic energy, while the still can has no kinetic energy. During the collision, some of the ball's kinetic energy is transferred to the can, causing the can to move afterward. The ball loses some energy in the process, as it transfers energy to the can, which is now in motion after being hit.