| Exam Board | Edexcel |
|---|---|
| Module | M2 (Mechanics 2) |
| Year | 2003 |
| Session | June |
| Marks | 8 |
| Paper | Download PDF ↗ |
| Mark scheme | Download PDF ↗ |
| Topic | Momentum and Collisions |
| Type | Vector impulse: find deflection angle or impulse magnitude from angle |
| Difficulty | Moderate -0.3 This is a straightforward M2 mechanics question requiring direct application of impulse formula (I = m∆v), Pythagoras for magnitude, basic trigonometry for angle, and KE formula (½mv²). All steps are routine calculations with no problem-solving insight needed, making it slightly easier than average but not trivial due to vector components and multiple parts. |
| Spec | 6.02d Mechanical energy: KE and PE concepts6.03f Impulse-momentum: relation |
A tennis ball of mass $0.2$ kg is moving with velocity $(-10\mathbf{i})$ m s$^{-1}$ when it is struck by a tennis racket. Immediately after being struck, the ball has velocity $(15\mathbf{i}+ 15\mathbf{j})$ m s$^{-1}$. Find
\begin{enumerate}[label=(\alph*)]
\item the magnitude of the impulse exerted by the racket on the ball,
[4]
\item the angle, to the nearest degree, between the vector $\mathbf{i}$ and the impulse exerted by the racket,
[2]
\item the kinetic energy gained by the ball as a result of being struck.
[2]
\end{enumerate}
\hfill \mbox{\textit{Edexcel M2 2003 Q2 [8]}}