Edexcel M1 2017 June — Question 3

Exam BoardEdexcel
ModuleM1 (Mechanics 1)
Year2017
SessionJune
TopicMomentum and Collisions

3. Two particles, \(P\) and \(Q\), have masses 0.5 kg and \(m \mathrm {~kg}\) respectively. They are moving in opposite directions towards each other along the same straight line on a smooth horizontal plane and collide directly. Immediately before the collision the speed of \(P\) is \(4 \mathrm {~ms} ^ { - 1 }\) and the speed of \(Q\) is \(2 \mathrm {~m} \mathrm {~s} ^ { - 1 }\). The magnitude of the impulse exerted on \(P\) by \(Q\) in the collision is 4.2 N s . As a result of the collision the direction of motion of \(P\) is reversed.
  1. Find the speed of \(P\) immediately after the collision. The speed of \(Q\) immediately after the collision is \(1 \mathrm {~m} \mathrm {~s} ^ { - 1 }\).
  2. Find the two possible values of \(m\).