| Exam Board | Edexcel |
|---|---|
| Module | M2 (Mechanics 2) |
| Marks | 5 |
| Paper | Download PDF ↗ |
| Mark scheme | Download PDF ↗ |
| Topic | Momentum and Collisions 1 |
| Type | Particle-wall perpendicular collision |
| Difficulty | Moderate -0.8 This is a straightforward application of the coefficient of restitution formula for perpendicular wall collisions, requiring only direct substitution into standard kinetic energy expressions. The calculation involves basic algebra with no conceptual challenges or problem-solving insight needed—simpler than average A-level questions. |
| Spec | 6.02d Mechanical energy: KE and PE concepts6.03j Perfectly elastic/inelastic: collisions6.03k Newton's experimental law: direct impact |
\begin{enumerate}
\item A smooth sphere is moving with speed $U$ in a straight line on a smooth horizontal plane. It strikes a fixed smooth vertical wall at right angles. The coefficient of restitution between the sphere and the wall is $\frac { 1 } { 2 }$.
\end{enumerate}
Find the fraction of the kinetic energy of the sphere that is lost as a result of the impact.\\
(5 marks)\\
\hfill \mbox{\textit{Edexcel M2 Q1 [5]}}