CAIE FP2 2011 June — Question 1

Exam BoardCAIE
ModuleFP2 (Further Pure Mathematics 2)
Year2011
SessionJune
TopicMomentum and Collisions 2

1 Three small spheres, \(A , B\) and \(C\), of masses \(m , k m\) and \(6 m\) respectively, have the same radius. They are at rest on a smooth horizontal surface, in a straight line with \(B\) between \(A\) and \(C\). The coefficient of restitution between \(A\) and \(B\) is \(\frac { 1 } { 2 }\) and the coefficient of restitution between \(B\) and \(C\) is \(e\). Sphere \(A\) is projected towards \(B\) with speed \(u\) and is brought to rest by the subsequent collision. Show that \(k = 2\). Given that there are no further collisions after \(B\) has collided with \(C\), show that \(e \leqslant \frac { 1 } { 3 }\).