# CIE A level Math -Mechanics : 4.3 Momentum:linear momentum: Exam Style Questions Paper 4

Two small smooth spheres A and B, of equal radii and of masses km kg and m kg respectively, where k > 1, are free to move on a smooth horizontal plane. A is moving towards B with speed 6 m s−1 and B is moving towards A with speed 2 m s−1. After the collision A and B coalesce and move with speed 4 m s−1.

### (a) Question

Find k.

Attempt at use of conservation of momentum

km × 6 – m × 2 =  (km + m)× 4

k = 3

### (b)Question

Find, in terms of m, the loss of kinetic energy due to the collision.

Ans:

KE initial = $$\frac{1}{2}\times km\times 6^{2} + \frac{1}{2}\times m\times (-2)^{2}$$

KE after = $$\frac{1}{2}\left ( km+m) \right )\times 4^{2}$$

Loss of KE = 24m J

### Question

A particle B of mass 5 kg is at rest on a smooth horizontal table. A particle A of mass 2.5 kg moves on the table with a speed of 6 m s−1 and collides directly with B. In the collision the two particles coalesce.
(a) Find the speed of the combined particle after the collision.                                                                                 [2]

(b) Find the loss of kinetic energy of the system due to the collision.                                                                       [3]

Ans

(a) 6 × 2.5 = 2.5 v + 5 v
v = 2 ms–1

(b) Use KE = ½ mv2 either before or after collision
KE(before) = 0.5 × 2.5 × 62
KE(after) = 0.5 × 7.5 × 22
Loss of KE = 30 J

### Question

Two particles P and Q of masses  kg and  kg respectively are free to move in a horizontal straight line on a smooth horizontal plane. P is projected towards Q with speed $$0.5ms^{-1}$$. At the same instant Q is projected towards P with speed $$1ms^{-1}$$. Q comes to rest in the resulting collision.

Find the speed of P after the collision.

$$±0.2\times 0.5$$ or $$±0.3 \times 1$$
$$0.2 \times 0.5 + 0.3 \times (-1)=-0.2 \times v + 0$$
Speed = $$1 ms^{-1}$$