Edexcel M2 2022 January — Question 4 10 marks

Exam BoardEdexcel
ModuleM2 (Mechanics 2)
Year2022
SessionJanuary
Marks10
PaperDownload PDF ↗
Mark schemeDownload PDF ↗
TopicMomentum and Collisions 1
TypeCollision followed by wall impact
DifficultyStandard +0.3 This is a standard M2 momentum-collision problem with two parts: (a) requires routine application of conservation of momentum and Newton's restitution law (show-that with clear structure), (b) adds a wall collision and requires setting up an inequality for a second collision to occur. While multi-step, it follows predictable M2 patterns with no novel insight required, making it slightly easier than average.
Spec6.03b Conservation of momentum: 1D two particles6.03j Perfectly elastic/inelastic: collisions6.03k Newton's experimental law: direct impact

4. Two small balls, \(A\) and \(B\), are moving in opposite directions along the same straight line on smooth horizontal ground. The mass of \(A\) is \(2 m\) and the mass of \(B\) is \(3 m\). The balls collide directly. Immediately before the collision, the speed of \(A\) is \(2 u\) and the speed of \(B\) is \(u\). The coefficient of restitution between \(A\) and \(B\) is \(e\), where \(e > 0\) By modelling the balls as particles,
  1. show that the speed of \(B\) immediately after the collision is \(\frac { 1 } { 5 } u ( 1 + 6 e )\).
    (6) After the collision with ball \(A\), ball \(B\) hits a smooth fixed vertical wall which is perpendicular to the direction of motion of \(B\). The coefficient of restitution between \(B\) and the wall is \(\frac { 5 } { 7 }\) Ball \(B\) rebounds from the wall and there is a second direct collision between \(A\) and \(B\).
  2. Find the range of possible values of \(e\).

4. Two small balls, $A$ and $B$, are moving in opposite directions along the same straight line on smooth horizontal ground. The mass of $A$ is $2 m$ and the mass of $B$ is $3 m$. The balls collide directly. Immediately before the collision, the speed of $A$ is $2 u$ and the speed of $B$ is $u$. The coefficient of restitution between $A$ and $B$ is $e$, where $e > 0$

By modelling the balls as particles,
\begin{enumerate}[label=(\alph*)]
\item show that the speed of $B$ immediately after the collision is $\frac { 1 } { 5 } u ( 1 + 6 e )$.\\
(6)

After the collision with ball $A$, ball $B$ hits a smooth fixed vertical wall which is perpendicular to the direction of motion of $B$.

The coefficient of restitution between $B$ and the wall is $\frac { 5 } { 7 }$\\
Ball $B$ rebounds from the wall and there is a second direct collision between $A$ and $B$.
\item Find the range of possible values of $e$.
\end{enumerate}

\hfill \mbox{\textit{Edexcel M2 2022 Q4 [10]}}