| Exam Board | Edexcel |
|---|---|
| Module | M2 (Mechanics 2) |
| Year | 2010 |
| Session | June |
| 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 momentum/impulse question requiring standard vector calculations: impulse = m(v-u), magnitude using Pythagoras, angle using arctan, and KE = ½mv². All parts follow directly from definitions with no problem-solving insight needed, making it slightly easier than average but still requiring careful vector arithmetic. |
| Spec | 6.02d Mechanical energy: KE and PE concepts6.03e Impulse: by a force6.03f Impulse-momentum: relation |
[In this question $\mathbf{i}$ and $\mathbf{j}$ are perpendicular unit vectors in a horizontal plane.]
A ball of mass 0.5 kg is moving with velocity $(10\mathbf{i} + 24\mathbf{j})$ m s$^{-1}$ when it is struck by a bat. Immediately after the impact the ball is moving with velocity $20\mathbf{i}$ m s$^{-1}$.
Find
\begin{enumerate}[label=(\alph*)]
\item the magnitude of the impulse of the bat on the ball,
(4)
\item the size of the angle between the vector $\mathbf{i}$ and the impulse exerted by the bat on the ball,
(2)
\item the kinetic energy lost by the ball in the impact.
(3)
\end{enumerate}
\hfill \mbox{\textit{Edexcel M2 2010 Q5}}