| Exam Board | Edexcel |
|---|---|
| Module | M2 (Mechanics 2) |
| Year | 2006 |
| Session | June |
| Marks | 8 |
| Paper | Download PDF ↗ |
| Mark scheme | Download PDF ↗ |
| Topic | Momentum and Collisions |
| Type | Direct collision, find impulse magnitude |
| Difficulty | Moderate -0.8 This is a straightforward M2 mechanics question requiring standard application of impulse-momentum theorem (impulse = change in momentum) and differentiation of position to find velocity. Both parts involve routine calculations with vectors—no problem-solving insight or novel approaches needed, making it easier than average A-level questions. |
| Spec | 1.10h Vectors in kinematics: uniform acceleration in vector form6.03f Impulse-momentum: relation |
A cricket ball of mass 0.5 kg is struck by a bat. Immediately before being struck, the velocity of the ball is $(-30\mathbf{i})$ m s$^{-1}$. Immediately after being struck, the velocity of the ball is $(16\mathbf{i} + 20\mathbf{j})$ m s$^{-1}$.
\begin{enumerate}[label=(\alph*)]
\item Find the magnitude of the impulse exerted on the ball by the bat.
[4]
\end{enumerate}
In the subsequent motion, the position vector of the ball is $\mathbf{r}$ metres at time $t$ seconds. In a model of the situation, it is assumed that $\mathbf{r} = [16t\mathbf{i} + (20t - 5t^2)\mathbf{j}]$. Using this model,
\begin{enumerate}[label=(\alph*)]
\setcounter{enumi}{1}
\item find the speed of the ball when $t = 3$.
[4]
\end{enumerate}
\hfill \mbox{\textit{Edexcel M2 2006 Q3 [8]}}