Three identical balls are connected by light inextensible strings with each other as shown and rest over a smooth horizontal table. Length of each string is `l`.
At moment `t = 0`, ball `B` is imparted a velocity `v_(0)` perpendicular to the strings and then the system is left on its own.

If collision between the balls is completely inelastic, then

Options

A. there is no loss of kinetic energy of the system
B. entire kinetic energy of the system is lost
C. kinetic energy loss in the system is less than `50%`
D. kinetic energy loss in the system is more than `50%`

Answer

D

Explanation

If collision is perfectly inealstic that velocity of each particle will be `v`.
`KE_(f)=3[1/2mv^(2)]=3/2m((v_(0))/3)^(2)=(mv^(2))/6`
Loss is `KE=KE_(i)=KE_(f)`
`=1/2mv_(0)^(2)-(mv_(0)^(2))/6=(mv_(0)^(2))/3`
Percentage loss `=((mv_(0)^(2))/3)/(1/2mv_(0)^(2))xx100=66.67%`
which is more than `50%`