Imagine that you’re observing a collision. Which action would allow you to determine whether the collision is inelastic?

To determine whether a collision is inelastic, you would need to observe the kinetic energy before and after the collision.

Step 1: Observe and measure the velocities and masses of the objects involved in the collision before it occurs. Use these values to calculate the initial kinetic energy of the system. The formula for kinetic energy is 1/2 * mass * velocity^2.

Step 2: Observe and measure the velocities and masses of the objects after the collision. Use these values to calculate the final kinetic energy of the system.

Step 3: Compare the initial and final kinetic energy. If the kinetic energy is not conserved, meaning the initial kinetic energy is not equal to the final kinetic energy, then the collision is inelastic.

In an inelastic collision, some kinetic energy is transformed into other forms of energy such as heat or sound. This is why the total kinetic energy is not conserved.