SPS SPS FM Mechanics 2022 February — Question 5

Exam BoardSPS
ModuleSPS FM Mechanics (SPS FM Mechanics)
Year2022
SessionFebruary
TopicMomentum and Collisions 2

5. Two smooth circular discs \(A\) and \(B\) of masses \(m _ { A } \mathrm {~kg}\) and \(m _ { B } \mathrm {~kg}\) respectively are moving on a horizontal plane. At the instant before they collide the velocities of \(A\) and \(B\) are as follows, as shown in the diagram below.
  • The velocity of \(A\) is \(5 \mathrm {~m} \mathrm {~s} ^ { - 1 }\) at an angle of \(\alpha\) to the line of centres, where \(\tan \alpha = \frac { 4 } { 3 }\).
  • The velocity of \(B\) is \(4 \mathrm {~m} \mathrm {~s} ^ { - 1 }\) at an angle of \(\frac { 1 } { 3 } \pi\) radians to the line of centres.
    \includegraphics[max width=\textwidth, alt={}, center]{2040be6b-3940-4ebb-83e5-8f93c2ea9688-10_442_808_443_312}
The direction of motion of \(B\) after the collision is perpendicular to the line of centres.
  1. Show that \(\frac { 3 } { 2 } \leqslant \frac { m _ { B } } { m _ { A } } \leqslant 4\).
  2. Given that \(m _ { A } = 2\) and \(m _ { B } = 6\), find the total loss of kinetic energy as a result of the collision.