SPS SPS FM Mechanics 2026 January — Question 7

Exam BoardSPS
ModuleSPS FM Mechanics (SPS FM Mechanics)
Year2026
SessionJanuary
TopicMomentum and Collisions 2

7.
\includegraphics[max width=\textwidth, alt={}, center]{b3e54459-0d05-4858-8978-60fe3d4d1719-14_371_880_191_589} Two uniform smooth spheres \(A\) and \(B\) of equal radii have masses \(m\) and \(\frac { 1 } { 2 } m\) respectively. The two spheres are moving on a horizontal surface when they collide. Immediately before the collision, sphere \(A\) is travelling with speed \(u\) and its direction of motion makes an angle \(\alpha\) with the line of centres. Sphere \(B\) is travelling with speed \(2 u\) and its direction of motion makes an angle \(\beta\) with the line of centres (see diagram). The coefficient of restitution between the spheres is \(\frac { 5 } { 8 }\) and \(\alpha + \beta = 90 ^ { \circ }\).
  1. Find the component of the velocity of \(B\) parallel to the line of centres after the collision, giving your answer in terms of \(u\) and \(\alpha\). The direction of motion of \(B\) after the collision is parallel to the direction of motion of \(A\) before the collision.
  2. Find the value of \(\tan \alpha\).
    [0pt] [Question 7 Continued]