Question 39

The vehicles stick together and move in the direction the truck was moving.

In an inelastic collision, the two vehicles collide and stick together, resulting in a combined mass that continues moving in the direction of the heavier vehicle, in this case, the truck.

A) The vehicles stick together and move in the direction the truck was moving.

This statement accurately describes the outcome of an inelastic collision between a heavy truck and a light car. Since the truck has greater mass, the combined vehicles will move in the direction the truck was originally traveling after the collision.

B) The vehicles move apart at the same speed.

This option is incorrect as it describes an elastic collision, where objects rebound off each other and conserve kinetic energy. In an inelastic collision, the vehicles do not move apart after the impact.

C) The vehicles stick together and move in the direction the car was moving.

This choice is also incorrect. While it correctly states that the vehicles stick together, it fails to account for the fact that the truck's greater mass will dictate the direction of movement post-collision, which is toward the truck's original path.

D) The vehicles stick together and don't move.

This statement is incorrect as well. In an inelastic collision, the vehicles do not simply remain stationary; instead, they move together in the direction determined by the heavier vehicle, which is the truck in this scenario.

Conclusion

The correct answer is definitively A, as it accurately reflects the mechanics of an inelastic collision where two objects stick together and move in the direction of the greater mass. All other options fail to capture the fundamental principles of momentum conservation and the behavior of colliding masses in inelastic collisions.