| Exam Board | Edexcel |
|---|---|
| Module | M2 (Mechanics 2) |
| Marks | 10 |
| Paper | Download PDF ↗ |
| Topic | Projectiles |
| Type | Vector form projectile motion |
| Difficulty | Moderate -0.3 This is a standard M2 projectiles question combining impulse-momentum with projectile motion. Part (a) uses impulse = change in momentum (routine). Part (b) applies v² = u² + 2as for maximum height (standard). Part (c) requires solving a quadratic for time of flight then finding horizontal range. All techniques are textbook exercises with no novel insight required, though the multi-part structure and 10 marks make it slightly more substantial than the most basic questions. |
| Spec | 3.02i Projectile motion: constant acceleration model6.03f Impulse-momentum: relation |
The unit vectors $\mathbf{i}$ and $\mathbf{j}$ lie in a vertical plane, $\mathbf{i}$ being horizontal and $\mathbf{j}$ vertical. A ball of mass $0.1$ kg is hit by a bat which gives it an impulse of $(3.5\mathbf{i} + 3\mathbf{j})$ Ns. The velocity of the ball immediately after being hit is $(10\mathbf{i} + 25\mathbf{j})$ m s$^{-1}$.
\begin{enumerate}[label=(\alph*)]
\item Find the velocity of the ball immediately before it is hit.
[3]
\end{enumerate}
In the subsequent motion the ball is modelled as a particle moving freely under gravity. When it is hit the ball is 1 m above horizontal ground.
\begin{enumerate}[label=(\alph*)]
\setcounter{enumi}{1}
\item Find the greatest height of the ball above the ground in the subsequent motion.
[3]
\end{enumerate}
The ball is caught when it is again 1 m above the ground.
\begin{enumerate}[label=(\alph*)]
\setcounter{enumi}{2}
\item Find the distance from the point where the ball is hit to the point where it is caught.
[4]
\end{enumerate}
\hfill \mbox{\textit{Edexcel M2 Q4 [10]}}