# IBDP Physics 2.4 – Momentum and impulse: IB Style Question Bank HL Paper 1

### Question

Two identical blocks, each of mass m and speed v, travel towards each other on a frictionless surface.

The blocks undergo a head-on collision. What is definitely true immediately after the collision?

A The momentum of each block is zero.

B The total momentum is zero.

C The momentum of each block is 2mv.

D The total momentum is 2mv.

Ans: B

Total Momentum $$= m_1u_1+m_2u_2 = mu+m(-u) =0$$

Momentum is always conserved whether it is before collision , during collision or after collision

### Question

The momentum of an object changes by Δp in a time Δt. What is the impulse acting on the object during this change?

A. Δp

B. Δp Δt

C. $$\frac{{\Delta p}}{{\Delta t}}$$

D. zero

Markscheme

A

### Impulse

When two bodies collide, they exert forces on each other while in contact. The momentum of each body is changed due to the force on it exerted by the other. On an ordinary scale, the time duration of this contact is very small and yet the change in momentum is sizeable. This means that the magnitude of the force must be large on an ordinary scale. Such large forces acting for a very short duration are called impulsive forces. The force may not be uniform while the contact lasts.
The change in momentum produced by such an implusive force is

### Question

A cyclist accelerates in a straight line. At one instant, when the cyclist is exerting a forward force of 40 N, the air resistance acting on the cyclist is 10 N.

What is the rate of change of momentum of the cyclist at this instant?

A. 10 kg m s–2

B. 30 kg m s–2

C. 40 kg m s–2

D. 50 kg m s–2

Markscheme

B

#### Newton’s SECOND LAW

The rate of change of momentum of a body is directly proportional to the external force applied on it and the change takes place in the direction of force applied.
i.e.,
Now, net force on the cyclist = 40 N – 10 N = 30 N
Hence rate of change of momentum = Net external force applied = 30 kg m s–2

### Question

A toy car of mass 0.15 kg accelerates from a speed of 10 cm s–1 to a speed of 15 cm s–1. What is the impulse acting on the car?

A. 7.5 mN s

B. 37.5 mN s

C. 0.75 N s

D. 3.75 N s

Markscheme

A

Impulse = Change in Momentum  = $$m(v_2-v_1)$$ = $$0.15 ( 15-10)\;cm s^{-1} =0.75 \times 10^{-2} = 7.5mNs$$

### Question

A stopper of mass 8 g leaves the opening of a container that contains pressurized gas.The stopper accelerates from rest for a time of 16 ms and leaves the container at a speed of 20 m s–1.

What is the order of magnitude of the force acting on the stopper?

A. 10–3 N

B. 100 N

C. 101 N

D. 103 N

Impulse = $$F\Delta t$$ = change in momentum =$$\Delta P =m(v_2-v_1)$$
$$F \times 16 \times 10^ {-3} =8 \times 10^{-3}(20-0)$$
$$\therefore F=10 N$$