- A particle \(P\) has mass \(3 m\) and a particle \(Q\) has mass \(5 m\). The particles are moving towards each other in opposite directions along the same straight line on a smooth horizontal surface. The particles collide directly.
Immediately before the collision the speed of \(P\) is \(k u\), where \(k\) is a constant, and the speed of \(Q\) is \(2 u\).
Immediately after the collision the speed of \(P\) is \(u\) and the speed of \(Q\) is \(3 u\).
The direction of motion of \(Q\) is reversed by the collision.
- Find, in terms of \(m\) and \(u\), the magnitude of the impulse exerted on \(Q\) by \(P\) in the collision.
- Find the two possible values of \(k\).
\includegraphics[max width=\textwidth, alt={}, center]{5a2cf693-d966-4787-8778-ecc8a79a6265-03_2647_1837_118_114}