Edexcel M2 2021 October — Question 6 10 marks

Exam BoardEdexcel
ModuleM2 (Mechanics 2)
Year2021
SessionOctober
Marks10
PaperDownload PDF ↗
Mark schemeDownload PDF ↗
TopicMomentum and Collisions 1
TypeCollision followed by wall impact
DifficultyStandard +0.8 This M2 collision problem requires multiple applications of momentum/impulse principles and energy calculations across two separate collision events. Part (a) involves working backwards from impulse to find initial velocities then applying restitution formula—a multi-step process requiring careful sign conventions. Part (b) adds complexity by relating energy losses across both collisions with an additional unknown coefficient, requiring algebraic manipulation of kinetic energy expressions. While the individual concepts are standard M2 material, the extended reasoning chain and coordination of multiple collision scenarios elevates this above routine exercises.
Spec6.03b Conservation of momentum: 1D two particles6.03i Coefficient of restitution: e6.03k Newton's experimental law: direct impact6.03l Newton's law: oblique impacts

6. Two particles, \(A\) and \(B\), are moving in opposite directions along the same straight line on a smooth horizontal surface when they collide directly.
The mass of \(A\) is \(2 m\) and the mass of \(B\) is \(3 m\).
Immediately after the collision, \(A\) and \(B\) are moving in opposite directions with the same speed \(v\).
In the collision, \(A\) receives an impulse of magnitude \(5 m v\).
  1. Find the coefficient of restitution between \(A\) and \(B\).
    (6) After the collision with \(A\), particle \(B\) strikes a smooth fixed vertical wall and rebounds. The wall is perpendicular to the direction of motion of the particles.
    The coefficient of restitution between \(B\) and the wall is \(f\).
    As a result of its collision with \(A\) and with the wall, the total kinetic energy lost by \(B\) is \(E\). As a result of its collision with \(B\), the kinetic energy lost by \(A\) is \(2 E\).
  2. Find the value of \(f\). \includegraphics[max width=\textwidth, alt={}, center]{80dceee7-2eea-4082-ad20-7b3fe4e8bb25-19_2664_107_106_6}
    "
    , \includegraphics[max width=\textwidth, alt={}, center]{80dceee7-2eea-4082-ad20-7b3fe4e8bb25-19_108_67_2613_1884}

Question 6:
Part 6a:
AnswerMarks Guidance
Answer/WorkingMark Guidance
\(5mv = 2m(v - (-x))\)M1 Use of \(I = mv - mu\)
\(x = \frac{3v}{2}\)A1 Seen or implied
\(5mv = 3m(v - (-y))\) or \(2mx - 3my = 3mv - 2mv\)M1 Use of \(I = mv - mu\) or use of CLM
\(y = \frac{2v}{3}\)A1 Seen or implied
\(2v = e\left(\frac{3v}{2} + \frac{2v}{3}\right)\)M1 Correct use of impact law (not necessarily with values in terms of \(v\)). Allow \(v - v\) on LHS
\(e = \frac{12}{13}\)A1 0.92 or better
Total: (6)
Part 6b:
AnswerMarks Guidance
Answer/WorkingMark Guidance
Speed of \(B\) after collision with wall \(= vf\)B1 Seen or implied
\(2 \times \frac{1}{2} \times 3m\left(y^2 - (vf)^2\right) = \frac{1}{2} \times 2m\left(x^2 - v^2\right)\)M1 Use KE to form an equation in \(f\). Condone use of change in KE rather than loss. Condone 2 on wrong side
\(3\left(\frac{4}{9} - f^2\right) = \left(\frac{9}{4} - 1\right)\)A1 Correct unsimplified equation for \(f\)
\(\left(f^2 = \frac{1}{36}\right)\ \ f = \frac{1}{6}\)A1 cao. NB: \(\frac{\sqrt{31}}{6}\) comes from inconsistent subtraction
Total: (4) [10]
Question 7a:
AnswerMarks Guidance
Working/AnswerMark Guidance
Use of \(\dfrac{2a \times \frac{1}{2}}{3 \times \frac{\pi}{6}} \left(= \dfrac{2a}{\pi}\right)\)B1 Seen or implied
Moments about \(EC\)M1 Dimensionally correct. Condone use of a parallel axis
\(ad \times \dfrac{d}{2} = \dfrac{1}{6}\pi a^2 \times \dfrac{2a}{\pi} \times \sin\dfrac{\pi}{6}\)A1 Correct unsimplified equation
\(\Rightarrow \left(d^2 = \dfrac{a^2}{3}\right) \quad a = \sqrt{3}d\)A1* Obtain given answer from correct working
(4)
Question 7b:
AnswerMarks Guidance
Working/AnswerMark Guidance
Mass ratios \(\dfrac{a^2}{\sqrt{3}} : \dfrac{\pi a^2}{6} : \dfrac{a^2}{\sqrt{3}} + \dfrac{\pi a^2}{6}\)B1 Or equivalent. Seen or implied
Moments about \(BC\)M1 Dimensionally correct. Condone use of a parallel axis
\(\dfrac{1}{\sqrt{3}} \times \dfrac{a}{2} + \dfrac{\pi}{6} \times \dfrac{2a}{\pi} \times \dfrac{\sqrt{3}}{2} = \left(\dfrac{1}{\sqrt{3}} + \dfrac{\pi}{6}\right)y\)A1ft Correct unsimplified. Follow their \(\dfrac{2a}{\pi}\)
Distance from \(BC\) \(= y = \dfrac{6a}{6 + \sqrt{3}\pi}\)A1 Or equivalent \(\left(y = \dfrac{6d}{2\sqrt{3}+\pi}\right)\)
Use of trig to find a relevant angleM1
\(\tan\beta^C = \dfrac{6}{6+\sqrt{3}\pi} \times \sqrt{3} \quad \left(\dfrac{\bar{y}}{d}\right)\)A1ft Or equivalent correct unsimplified equation for the required angle
\(\beta = 0.737 \quad (0.74)\)A1 \(0.74\) or better. \(42.2°\) implies correct method
(7)
[11]
Question 8a:
AnswerMarks Guidance
Working/AnswerMark Guidance
Conservation of energyM1 Need all three terms and dimensionally correct. Condone sign errors
\(\dfrac{1}{2}m \times 10^2 + mgh = \dfrac{1}{2}m \times 18^2\)A1 Correct unsimplified equation
\(h = 11.4 \quad (11)\)A1 3 sf or 2 sf only \(\left(\text{not } \frac{80}{7}\right)\)
(3)
Question 8b:
AnswerMarks Guidance
Working/AnswerMark Guidance
Vertical distanceM1 Complete method using suvat to find angle of projection
\(10\sin\alpha \times 2.5 - \dfrac{1}{2}g \times 2.5^2 = -11.4\)A1ft Follow their \(h\)
\(\alpha = 50.2°\) or \(10\sin\alpha = v_V = 7.7678...\)A1 \(50°\) or better \((50.1618...)\). Accept \(50.3°\) from \(11.4\). Seen or implied. Might see \(\sin\alpha = \frac{43}{56}\) or \(v_V = \frac{215}{28}\)
Horizontal distance \(= 10\cos\alpha \times 2.5\) or \(\sqrt{100 - v_V^2} \times 2.5\)M1
\(= 16.0 \quad (16)\) (m)A1 3 sf or 2 sf only
(5)
Question 8c:
AnswerMarks Guidance
Working/AnswerMark Guidance
Using energy: \(\dfrac{1}{2}m \times 64 + mgs = \dfrac{1}{2}m \times 100\)M1 Complete method to find height above \(A\)
\(s = 1.8367...\)A1 1.8 or better
Use of suvat to form equation in \(t\)M1
\(1.84 = 10\sin 50.2° \times t - 4.9t^2\)A1 Correct unsimplified equation
Solve for \(t\) and find difference between rootsDM1 Complete method to find the required time. Dependent on 2 previous M marks
\(T = 0.98\) or \(0.978\)A1 2 sf or 3 sf
(6)
Question 8c (alt):
AnswerMarks Guidance
Working/AnswerMark Guidance
Use of PythagorasM1 Complete method to find vertical component of speed
Vertical speed \(\sqrt{64-(10\cos\alpha)^2} = 4.8...\)A1 Awrt 4.8 or better
Use of \(10\sin\alpha - gt = \pm v\) to find \(t\)M1
\(\begin{cases}10\sin 50.2° - gt_1 = 4.8 \\ 10\sin 50.2 - gt_2 = -4.8\end{cases}\)A1 Correct unsimplified equations. Could also find time to top
\(T = t_2 - t_1 = 1.27... - 0.29...\)DM1 Complete method to find the required time. Dependent on 2 previous M marks
\(= 0.98\) or \(0.978\)A1 Final answer. 2 sf or 3 sf
(6)
Question 8c (alt2):
AnswerMarks Guidance
Working/AnswerMark Guidance
Use of Pythagoras to form quadratic in \(t\)M1
\((10\sin\theta - gt)^2 + (10\cos\theta)^2 = 64\)A1
Simplify and substitute for trigM1
\(36 + 9.8^2t^2 - 150.5t = 0\)A1
\(T = t_2 - t_1 = 1.27... - 0.29...\)DM1 Complete method to find the required time. Dependent on 2 previous M marks
\(= 0.98\) or \(0.978\)A1 Final answer. 2 sf or 3 sf
[14]
# Question 6:

## Part 6a:
| Answer/Working | Mark | Guidance |
|---|---|---|
| $5mv = 2m(v - (-x))$ | M1 | Use of $I = mv - mu$ |
| $x = \frac{3v}{2}$ | A1 | Seen or implied |
| $5mv = 3m(v - (-y))$ or $2mx - 3my = 3mv - 2mv$ | M1 | Use of $I = mv - mu$ or use of CLM |
| $y = \frac{2v}{3}$ | A1 | Seen or implied |
| $2v = e\left(\frac{3v}{2} + \frac{2v}{3}\right)$ | M1 | Correct use of impact law (not necessarily with values in terms of $v$). **Allow $v - v$ on LHS** |
| $e = \frac{12}{13}$ | A1 | 0.92 or better |
| **Total: (6)** | | |

## Part 6b:
| Answer/Working | Mark | Guidance |
|---|---|---|
| Speed of $B$ after collision with wall $= vf$ | B1 | Seen or implied |
| $2 \times \frac{1}{2} \times 3m\left(y^2 - (vf)^2\right) = \frac{1}{2} \times 2m\left(x^2 - v^2\right)$ | M1 | Use KE to form an equation in $f$. Condone use of change in KE rather than loss. **Condone 2 on wrong side** |
| $3\left(\frac{4}{9} - f^2\right) = \left(\frac{9}{4} - 1\right)$ | A1 | Correct unsimplified equation for $f$ |
| $\left(f^2 = \frac{1}{36}\right)\ \ f = \frac{1}{6}$ | A1 | cao. NB: $\frac{\sqrt{31}}{6}$ comes from inconsistent subtraction |
| **Total: (4) [10]** | | |

## Question 7a:

| Working/Answer | Mark | Guidance |
|---|---|---|
| Use of $\dfrac{2a \times \frac{1}{2}}{3 \times \frac{\pi}{6}} \left(= \dfrac{2a}{\pi}\right)$ | B1 | Seen or implied |
| Moments about $EC$ | M1 | Dimensionally correct. Condone use of a parallel axis |
| $ad \times \dfrac{d}{2} = \dfrac{1}{6}\pi a^2 \times \dfrac{2a}{\pi} \times \sin\dfrac{\pi}{6}$ | A1 | Correct unsimplified equation |
| $\Rightarrow \left(d^2 = \dfrac{a^2}{3}\right) \quad a = \sqrt{3}d$ | A1* | Obtain **given answer** from correct working |
| | **(4)** | |

---

## Question 7b:

| Working/Answer | Mark | Guidance |
|---|---|---|
| Mass ratios $\dfrac{a^2}{\sqrt{3}} : \dfrac{\pi a^2}{6} : \dfrac{a^2}{\sqrt{3}} + \dfrac{\pi a^2}{6}$ | B1 | Or equivalent. Seen or implied |
| Moments about $BC$ | M1 | Dimensionally correct. Condone use of a parallel axis |
| $\dfrac{1}{\sqrt{3}} \times \dfrac{a}{2} + \dfrac{\pi}{6} \times \dfrac{2a}{\pi} \times \dfrac{\sqrt{3}}{2} = \left(\dfrac{1}{\sqrt{3}} + \dfrac{\pi}{6}\right)y$ | A1ft | Correct unsimplified. Follow their $\dfrac{2a}{\pi}$ |
| Distance from $BC$ $= y = \dfrac{6a}{6 + \sqrt{3}\pi}$ | A1 | Or equivalent $\left(y = \dfrac{6d}{2\sqrt{3}+\pi}\right)$ |
| Use of trig to find a relevant angle | M1 | |
| $\tan\beta^C = \dfrac{6}{6+\sqrt{3}\pi} \times \sqrt{3} \quad \left(\dfrac{\bar{y}}{d}\right)$ | A1ft | Or equivalent correct unsimplified equation for the required angle |
| $\beta = 0.737 \quad (0.74)$ | A1 | $0.74$ or better. $42.2°$ implies correct method |
| | **(7)** | |
| | **[11]** | |

---

## Question 8a:

| Working/Answer | Mark | Guidance |
|---|---|---|
| Conservation of energy | M1 | Need all three terms and dimensionally correct. Condone sign errors |
| $\dfrac{1}{2}m \times 10^2 + mgh = \dfrac{1}{2}m \times 18^2$ | A1 | Correct unsimplified equation |
| $h = 11.4 \quad (11)$ | A1 | 3 sf or 2 sf only $\left(\text{not } \frac{80}{7}\right)$ |
| | **(3)** | |

---

## Question 8b:

| Working/Answer | Mark | Guidance |
|---|---|---|
| Vertical distance | M1 | Complete method using suvat to find angle of projection |
| $10\sin\alpha \times 2.5 - \dfrac{1}{2}g \times 2.5^2 = -11.4$ | A1ft | Follow their $h$ |
| $\alpha = 50.2°$ or $10\sin\alpha = v_V = 7.7678...$ | A1 | $50°$ or better $(50.1618...)$. Accept $50.3°$ from $11.4$. Seen or implied. Might see $\sin\alpha = \frac{43}{56}$ or $v_V = \frac{215}{28}$ |
| Horizontal distance $= 10\cos\alpha \times 2.5$ or $\sqrt{100 - v_V^2} \times 2.5$ | M1 | |
| $= 16.0 \quad (16)$ (m) | A1 | 3 sf or 2 sf only |
| | **(5)** | |

---

## Question 8c:

| Working/Answer | Mark | Guidance |
|---|---|---|
| Using energy: $\dfrac{1}{2}m \times 64 + mgs = \dfrac{1}{2}m \times 100$ | M1 | Complete method to find height above $A$ |
| $s = 1.8367...$ | A1 | 1.8 or better |
| Use of suvat to form equation in $t$ | M1 | |
| $1.84 = 10\sin 50.2° \times t - 4.9t^2$ | A1 | Correct unsimplified equation |
| Solve for $t$ and find difference between roots | DM1 | Complete method to find the required time. Dependent on 2 previous M marks |
| $T = 0.98$ or $0.978$ | A1 | 2 sf or 3 sf |
| | **(6)** | |

---

## Question 8c (alt):

| Working/Answer | Mark | Guidance |
|---|---|---|
| Use of Pythagoras | M1 | Complete method to find vertical component of speed |
| Vertical speed $\sqrt{64-(10\cos\alpha)^2} = 4.8...$ | A1 | Awrt 4.8 or better |
| Use of $10\sin\alpha - gt = \pm v$ to find $t$ | M1 | |
| $\begin{cases}10\sin 50.2° - gt_1 = 4.8 \\ 10\sin 50.2 - gt_2 = -4.8\end{cases}$ | A1 | Correct unsimplified equations. Could also find time to top |
| $T = t_2 - t_1 = 1.27... - 0.29...$ | DM1 | Complete method to find the required time. Dependent on 2 previous M marks |
| $= 0.98$ or $0.978$ | A1 | Final answer. 2 sf or 3 sf |
| | **(6)** | |

---

## Question 8c (alt2):

| Working/Answer | Mark | Guidance |
|---|---|---|
| Use of Pythagoras to form quadratic in $t$ | M1 | |
| $(10\sin\theta - gt)^2 + (10\cos\theta)^2 = 64$ | A1 | |
| Simplify and substitute for trig | M1 | |
| $36 + 9.8^2t^2 - 150.5t = 0$ | A1 | |
| $T = t_2 - t_1 = 1.27... - 0.29...$ | DM1 | Complete method to find the required time. Dependent on 2 previous M marks |
| $= 0.98$ or $0.978$ | A1 | Final answer. 2 sf or 3 sf |
| | **[14]** | |
6. Two particles, $A$ and $B$, are moving in opposite directions along the same straight line on a smooth horizontal surface when they collide directly.\\
The mass of $A$ is $2 m$ and the mass of $B$ is $3 m$.\\
Immediately after the collision, $A$ and $B$ are moving in opposite directions with the same speed $v$.\\
In the collision, $A$ receives an impulse of magnitude $5 m v$.
\begin{enumerate}[label=(\alph*)]
\item Find the coefficient of restitution between $A$ and $B$.\\
(6)

After the collision with $A$, particle $B$ strikes a smooth fixed vertical wall and rebounds. The wall is perpendicular to the direction of motion of the particles.\\
The coefficient of restitution between $B$ and the wall is $f$.\\
As a result of its collision with $A$ and with the wall, the total kinetic energy lost by $B$ is $E$. As a result of its collision with $B$, the kinetic energy lost by $A$ is $2 E$.
\item Find the value of $f$.

\includegraphics[max width=\textwidth, alt={}, center]{80dceee7-2eea-4082-ad20-7b3fe4e8bb25-19_2664_107_106_6}\\
"\\
,\\

\includegraphics[max width=\textwidth, alt={}, center]{80dceee7-2eea-4082-ad20-7b3fe4e8bb25-19_108_67_2613_1884}
\end{enumerate}

\hfill \mbox{\textit{Edexcel M2 2021 Q6 [10]}}