In an inelastic collision

Options

A. momentum is not conserved
B. momentum is conserved but kinetic energy is not conserved
C. both momentum and kinetic energy are conserved.
D. neither momentum nor kinetic energy is conserved

Explanation

To solve the question regarding inelastic collisions, we need to analyze the properties of momentum and kinetic energy during such events. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown:

### Step 1: Understanding the Definition of Inelastic Collision
An inelastic collision is defined as a collision in which the colliding objects do not bounce off each other completely. Instead, they may stick together or deform, resulting in a loss of kinetic energy.

**Hint:** Remember that inelastic collisions involve some form of deformation or sticking together of the colliding objects.

### Step 2: Conservation of Momentum
In any type of collision, including inelastic collisions, the law of conservation of momentum applies. This means that the total momentum before the collision is equal to the total momentum after the collision.

**Hint:** Momentum is always conserved in all types of collisions, regardless of whether they are elastic or inelastic.

### Step 3: Kinetic Energy Consideration
In inelastic collisions, while momentum is conserved, kinetic energy is not conserved. This is because some of the kinetic energy is transformed into other forms of energy (like heat, sound, or internal energy due to deformation).

**Hint:** Kinetic energy before the collision does not equal kinetic energy after the collision in inelastic collisions.

### Step 4: Evaluating the Options
Now, let's evaluate the given options based on our understanding:
1. **Momentum is not conserved** - This is incorrect because momentum is conserved in all collisions.
2. **Momentum is conserved but kinetic energy is not conserved** - This is correct as per our analysis.
3. **Both momentum and kinetic energy are conserved** - This is incorrect since kinetic energy is not conserved in inelastic collisions.
4. **Neither momentum nor kinetic energy is conserved** - This is also incorrect as momentum is conserved.

### Conclusion
The correct answer is that in an inelastic collision, momentum is conserved but kinetic energy is not conserved. Therefore, the correct option is the second one.

**Final Answer:** Momentum is conserved but kinetic energy is not conserved in an inelastic collision.