OCR M1 2010 January — Question 3

Exam BoardOCR
ModuleM1 (Mechanics 1)
Year2010
SessionJanuary
TopicMomentum and Collisions

3
\includegraphics[max width=\textwidth, alt={}, center]{c9e725ad-561b-4e98-9b8f-7c9d3c8e67e6-2_153_1009_978_570} Three particles \(P , Q\) and \(R\), are travelling in the same direction in the same straight line on a smooth horizontal surface. \(P\) has mass \(m \mathrm {~kg}\) and speed \(9 \mathrm {~m} \mathrm {~s} ^ { - 1 } , Q\) has mass 0.8 kg and speed \(2 \mathrm {~m} \mathrm {~s} ^ { - 1 }\) and \(R\) has mass 0.4 kg and speed \(2.75 \mathrm {~m} \mathrm {~s} ^ { - 1 }\) (see diagram).
  1. A collision occurs between \(P\) and \(Q\), after which \(P\) and \(Q\) move in opposite directions, each with speed \(3.5 \mathrm {~m} \mathrm {~s} ^ { - 1 }\). Calculate
    (a) the value of \(m\),
    (b) the change in the momentum of \(P\).
  2. When \(Q\) collides with \(R\) the two particles coalesce. Find their subsequent common speed.