Momentum and conservation of linear momentumEdexcel A-Level Physics: Mind map

Exam questions on Momentum and conservation of linear momentum

1. Two trolleys, A and B, each of mass 0.60 kg, are on a straight horizontal track where friction is negligible. Trolley A moves to the right at 1.5 m s⁻¹ towards trolley B, which moves to the left at 1.5 m s⁻¹. Take movement to the right as positive.
   The trolleys collide and stick together. Deduce their velocity immediately after the collision, giving a reason.2 marks
2. A student of mass 55 kg stands on a skateboard of mass 3.0 kg, at rest on smooth level ground. She throws a medicine ball of mass 4.0 kg horizontally forwards so that it leaves her hands at 5.0 m s⁻¹ relative to the ground.
   Explain, using Newton's laws, why the student moves backwards when she throws the ball.2 marks
3. A railway truck of mass 8000 kg rolling at 3.0 m s⁻¹ along a straight level track collides with a stationary truck of mass 12 000 kg. The trucks couple together and move off as one.
   Calculate the velocity of the coupled trucks immediately after the collision.3 marks