Momentum in two dimensions and collisionsEdexcel International A Level Physics: Mind map

Exam questions on Momentum in two dimensions and collisions

1. On a frictionless air table a puck of mass 0.16 kg moving at 5.0 m s⁻¹ collides with an identical stationary puck. After the collision the first puck moves at 3.0 m s⁻¹ at 53° to its original direction of motion, and the second puck moves off on the other side of the original line of motion.
   Determine whether the collision is elastic.2 marks
2. A spring-loaded plunger gives each of two trolleys, X of mass 0.50 kg and Y of mass 2.0 kg, a momentum of 3.0 kg m s⁻¹ along a frictionless track.
   Derive an expression for the kinetic energy of a non-relativistic particle in terms of its momentum p and mass m, and use it to calculate the kinetic energy of trolley Y.2 marks
3. In Core Practical 10 a student films a ball bearing of mass 0.028 kg moving at 0.60 m s⁻¹ across a smooth table top as it collides with an identical stationary ball bearing, and uses video analysis software to measure the motion. After the collision the first ball bearing moves at 0.30 m s⁻¹ at 40° to its original direction, and the second moves off on the other side of the original line of motion.
   Calculate the speed and direction of motion of the second ball bearing after the collision.3 marks