| Exam Board | Edexcel |
|---|---|
| Module | M1 (Mechanics 1) |
| Year | 2016 |
| Session | June |
| Marks | 10 |
| Paper | Download PDF ↗ |
| Mark scheme | Download PDF ↗ |
| Topic | Momentum and Collisions |
| Type | Pile-driver or hammer impact |
| Difficulty | Standard +0.3 This is a straightforward two-part mechanics problem requiring standard application of energy conservation (part a) and momentum/energy principles (part b). Part (a) is routine kinematics. Part (b) requires multiple steps (momentum conservation, then forces during deceleration) but follows a standard template for M1 collision-with-resistance questions with no novel insight needed. |
| Spec | 3.02d Constant acceleration: SUVAT formulae6.02i Conservation of energy: mechanical energy principle6.03a Linear momentum: p = mv6.03b Conservation of momentum: 1D two particles |
A block $A$ of mass 9 kg is released from rest from a point $P$ which is a height $h$ metres above horizontal soft ground. The block falls and strikes another block $B$ of mass 1.5 kg which is on the ground vertically below $P$. The speed of $A$ immediately before it strikes $B$ is 7 m s$^{-1}$. The blocks are modelled as particles.
\begin{enumerate}[label=(\alph*)]
\item Find the value of $h$.
[2]
Immediately after the impact the blocks move downwards together with the same speed and both come to rest after sinking a vertical distance of 12 cm into the ground. Assuming that the resistance offered by the ground has constant magnitude $R$ newtons,
\item find the value of $R$.
[8]
\end{enumerate}
\hfill \mbox{\textit{Edexcel M1 2016 Q3 [10]}}