Momentum and conservation of momentumEdexcel International A Level Physics: Mind map

Exam questions on Momentum and conservation of momentum

1. A trolley of mass 0.80 kg moving at 1.5 m s⁻¹ along a level, friction-compensated track collides with a stationary trolley of mass 0.40 kg. In one run the two trolleys stick together on impact. In a second run they bounce apart instead.
   In the second run the 0.80 kg trolley continues in the same direction at 0.50 m s⁻¹ after the collision. Calculate the velocity of the 0.40 kg trolley after the collision.2 marks
2. A rifle of mass 3.0 kg is held loosely and is initially at rest. It fires a bullet of mass 0.020 kg, which leaves the barrel with a speed of 400 m s⁻¹ horizontally.
   Explain, using Newton's third law, why the rifle recoils and why the total momentum after firing is still zero.2 marks
3. A tennis ball of mass 0.16 kg hits a vertical wall at right angles at a speed of 12 m s⁻¹. It rebounds along the same line with a speed of 8.0 m s⁻¹. The ball is in contact with the wall for 0.015 s.
   Calculate the change in momentum of the ball.3 marks