Edexcel M2 2007 June — Question 7

Exam BoardEdexcel
ModuleM2 (Mechanics 2)
Year2007
SessionJune
TopicMomentum and Collisions 2

  1. Two small spheres \(P\) and \(Q\) of equal radius have masses \(m\) and \(5 m\) respectively. They lie on a smooth horizontal table. Sphere \(P\) is moving with speed \(u\) when it collides directly with sphere \(Q\) which is at rest. The coefficient of restitution between the spheres is \(e\), where \(e > \frac { 1 } { 5 }\).
    1. (i) Show that the speed of \(P\) immediately after the collision is \(\frac { u } { 6 } ( 5 e - 1 )\).
      (ii) Find an expression for the speed of \(Q\) immediately after the collision, giving your answer in the form \(\lambda u\), where \(\lambda\) is in terms of \(e\).
      (6)
    Three small spheres \(A , B\) and \(C\) of equal radius lie at rest in a straight line on a smooth horizontal table, with \(B\) between \(A\) and \(C\). The spheres \(A\) and \(C\) each have mass \(5 m\), and the mass of \(B\) is \(m\). Sphere \(B\) is projected towards \(C\) with speed \(u\). The coefficient of restitution between each pair of spheres is \(\frac { 4 } { 5 }\).
  2. Show that, after \(B\) and \(C\) have collided, there is a collision between \(B\) and \(A\).
  3. Determine whether, after \(B\) and \(A\) have collided, there is a further collision between \(B\) and \(C\).