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Truly elastic collisions can only be achieved at one particular scale. Which scale is that?
AThe subatomic scale, such as electrons striking nuclei
BThe scale of everyday objects like cars and balls
COnly collisions between planets and stars
DOnly collisions that occur underwater
Answer & Solution
Correct answer: A. The subatomic scale, such as electrons striking nuclei
1. The source draws a sharp distinction between truly elastic collisions and the collisions we see in daily life.
2. It states that truly elastic collisions can only be achieved with subatomic particles, such as electrons striking nuclei.
3. Macroscopic collisions, such as two steel blocks on ice, can only be nearly elastic, since some energy always converts to heat or sound through friction.
4. Nothing here restricts elastic collisions to planetary or underwater settings specifically.
_Source: OpenStax College Physics (CC BY 4.0), Ch 8 "Linear Momentum and Collisions", section 8.4 Elastic Collisions in One Dimension_
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