AP Physics 1 Question (may overlap with AP Physics C:Mechanics) In space, two clay spheres are connected by a light rod. A third clay sphere is fired perpendicular to the rod either toward one of the two spheres (case A) or toward the center of the rod (case B). The third clay sphere sticks to the two-sphere system. Explain why both systems have the same translational kinetic energy after the collision and why, despite this, more mechanical energy is dissipated in case B than case A.

AP Physics 1 Question (may overlap with AP Physics C:Mechanics) In space, two clay spheres are connected by a light rod. A third clay sphere is fired perpendicular to the rod either toward one of the two spheres (case A) or toward the center of the rod (case B). The third clay sphere sticks to the two-sphere system. Explain why both systems have the same translational kinetic energy after the collision and why, despite this, more mechanical energy is dissipated in case B than case A.