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.

Answer/Explanation

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.

Answer/Explanation

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]

Answer/Explanation

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.

Answer/Explanation

Ans:

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

Question

A uniform solid cone has weight 5 N and base radius 0.1 m. AB is a diameter of the base of the cone.
The cone is held in equilibrium, with A in contact with a rough horizontal surface and AB vertical, by a force applied at B. This force has magnitude 3 N and acts parallel to the axis of the cone (see
diagram). Calculate the height of the cone.

Answer/Explanation

Conservation of momentum at\(\frac{h}{4}
\frac{5\times h}{4}=3\times 0.2\) (h=)0.48m

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