In a perfectly inelastic collision, two spheres made of the same material strike each other and stick together
Q. In a perfectly inelastic collision, two spheres made of the same material with masses $15\,\text{kg}$ and $25\,\text{kg}$, moving in opposite directions with speeds of $10\,\text{m/s}$ and $30\,\text{m/s}$, respectively, strike each other and stick together. The rise in temperature (in $^\circ$C), if all the heat produced during the collision is retained by these spheres, is :

(Specific heat of sphere material $=31\,\text{cal/kg·}^\circ\text{C}$ and $1\,\text{cal}=4.2\,\text{J}$)
A. 1.75
B. 1.44
C. 1.95
D. 1.15
Correct Answer: 1.44

Explanation

Let the mass $m_1 = 15\,\text{kg}$ move with velocity $v_1 = +10\,\text{m/s}$ and mass $m_2 = 25\,\text{kg}$ move with velocity $v_2 = -30\,\text{m/s}$.

Since the collision is perfectly inelastic, the two spheres stick together after collision.

Using conservation of linear momentum,

$$ m_1 v_1 + m_2 v_2 = (m_1+m_2)v $$

$$ 15(10) + 25(-30) = 40v $$

$$ 150 - 750 = 40v $$

$$ v = -15\,\text{m/s} $$

Initial kinetic energy of the system is

$$ KE_i = \frac12 m_1 v_1^2 + \frac12 m_2 v_2^2 $$

$$ KE_i = \frac12(15)(10^2) + \frac12(25)(30^2) $$

$$ KE_i = 750 + 11250 = 12000\,\text{J} $$

Final kinetic energy after collision is

$$ KE_f = \frac12 (m_1+m_2) v^2 $$

$$ KE_f = \frac12 (40)(15^2) = 4500\,\text{J} $$

Loss in kinetic energy is converted into heat,

$$ Q = KE_i - KE_f = 12000 - 4500 = 7500\,\text{J} $$

Convert heat into calories,

$$ Q = \frac{7500}{4.2} \approx 1786\,\text{cal} $$

Total mass of spheres is $40\,\text{kg}$ and specific heat is $31\,\text{cal/kg·}^\circ\text{C}$.

Using heat relation,

$$ Q = mc\Delta T $$

$$ 1786 = 40 \times 31 \times \Delta T $$

$$ \Delta T \approx 1.44^\circ\text{C} $$

Hence, the rise in temperature is

$$ \boxed{1.44^\circ\text{C}} $$

Related JEE Main Questions

Updated for JEE Main 2026: This PYQ is important for JEE Mains, JEE Advanced and other competitive exams. Practice more questions from this chapter.

Scroll to Top