When two bodies collide elastically, the force of interaction between them is

Options

A. Conservative
B. Non -conservative
C. Either conservative or non - conservativ
D. zero

Answer

To solve the question regarding the nature of the force of interaction between two bodies during an elastic collision, we can break it down into the following steps:

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding Elastic Collision**:
- In an elastic collision, two bodies collide and then separate without any loss of kinetic energy. This means that the total kinetic energy before the collision is equal to the total kinetic energy after the collision.

2. **Initial Velocities**:
- Let’s denote the initial velocities of the two bodies as \( v_1 \) and \( v_2 \). Assume \( v_1 > v_2 \).

3. **Contact and Deformation**:
- When the two bodies collide, they exert forces on each other. This interaction leads to a temporary deformation of both bodies. The deformation reaches its maximum when both bodies have the same velocity, which we can denote as \( v_0 \).

4. **Forces During Maximum Deformation**:
- At the point of maximum deformation, the forces that the bodies exert on each other are equal in magnitude but opposite in direction (Newton's Third Law). This means that each body pushes against the other.

5. **Restoration of Shape**:
- After reaching maximum deformation, the bodies will begin to regain their original shape and size. The forces acting on them will now act away from each other, causing them to separate and move apart.

6. **Conservation of Kinetic Energy**:
- Throughout this process, the total kinetic energy is conserved. Any kinetic energy lost during the deformation phase is temporarily converted into potential energy due to deformation, but it is regained as the bodies return to their original shape.

7. **Nature of Interaction Forces**:
- The forces involved during the collision are conservative in nature because they do not lead to a net loss of energy in the system. The interaction forces can be described as normal forces that act during the collision.

### Conclusion:
The force of interaction between the two bodies during an elastic collision is conservative in nature, meaning that there is no net loss of mechanical energy in the system.