Question

when a cue ball strikes an 8 ball head-on in a game of pool, the cue ball ______. view available hint(s)

• transfers its momentum to the 8 ball
• retains its initial momentum
• moves off at an angle
• slows in its speed

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Explanation:

In a head - on elastic collision (approximate for pool balls, assuming equal mass), when the cue ball hits the 8 - ball, the cue ball transfers its momentum to the 8 - ball. After the collision, the cue ball stops (or has negligible velocity) and the 8 - ball moves with the momentum the cue ball had. The option "retains its initial momentum" is wrong because momentum is transferred. "Moves off at an angle" is for non - head - on collisions. "Slows in its speed" is not accurate as in ideal elastic collision with equal mass, the cue ball stops (a more extreme change than just slowing). So the correct option is the one about transferring momentum.

Answer:

A. transfers its momentum to the 8 ball