Challenging +1.8 This is an advanced mechanics problem requiring simultaneous application of conservation of momentum (in two directions), Newton's law of restitution, and the kinetic energy condition. While the concepts are standard for Further Maths mechanics, the problem requires careful algebraic manipulation of multiple equations with trigonometric components and the insight to use the equal kinetic energy condition effectively. The 6-mark allocation and multi-constraint nature place it above average difficulty, though it follows a recognizable problem-solving framework for oblique collisions.
\includegraphics{figure_1}
Two smooth uniform spheres \(A\) and \(B\) of equal radii have masses \(m\) and \(5m\) respectively. Sphere \(A\) is moving on a smooth horizontal surface with speed \(u\) when it collides with sphere \(B\) which is at rest on the surface. Immediately before the collision, \(A\)'s direction of motion makes an angle of \(\theta\) with the line of centres. After the collision, the kinetic energies of \(A\) and \(B\) are equal. The coefficient of restitution between the spheres is \(\frac{1}{3}\).
Find the value of \(\tan\theta\). [6]
Perpendicular to line of centres: speed of A is usin
B1
1 u 2 usin2 1 u 2
m cos 5m cos
2 4 2 4
Answer
Marks
Guidance
M1
Equate final kinetic energies, 3 terms, correct
masses.
cos2 4 , cos 2 , tan 1
Answer
Marks
5 5 2
A1
6
Answer
Marks
Guidance
Question
Answer
Marks
Question 1:
1 | Along line of centres, PCLM: 5mv mv mucos
B A | M1 | Must include correct masses.
NEL: v v 1 ucos
B A 2 | M1 | Signs consistent with PCLM equation.
u u
v cos, v cos
B 4 A 4 | A1
Perpendicular to line of centres: speed of A is usin | B1
1 u 2 usin2 1 u 2
m cos 5m cos
2 4 2 4
| M1 | Equate final kinetic energies, 3 terms, correct
masses.
cos2 4 , cos 2 , tan 1
5 5 2 | A1
6
Question | Answer | Marks | Guidance
\includegraphics{figure_1}
Two smooth uniform spheres $A$ and $B$ of equal radii have masses $m$ and $5m$ respectively. Sphere $A$ is moving on a smooth horizontal surface with speed $u$ when it collides with sphere $B$ which is at rest on the surface. Immediately before the collision, $A$'s direction of motion makes an angle of $\theta$ with the line of centres. After the collision, the kinetic energies of $A$ and $B$ are equal. The coefficient of restitution between the spheres is $\frac{1}{3}$.
Find the value of $\tan\theta$. [6]
\hfill \mbox{\textit{CAIE Further Paper 3 2024 Q1 [6]}}