6.03b Conservation of momentum: 1D two particles

524 questions

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CAIE FP2 2015 June Q5
12 marks Challenging +1.2
5 Three uniform small smooth spheres \(A , B\) and \(C\) have equal radii and masses \(3 m , 2 m\) and \(m\) respectively. The spheres are at rest in a straight line on a smooth horizontal surface, with \(B\) between \(A\) and \(C\). The coefficient of restitution between \(A\) and \(B\) is \(e\) and the coefficient of restitution between \(B\) and \(C\) is \(e ^ { \prime }\). Sphere \(A\) is projected directly towards \(B\) with speed \(u\). Show that, after the collision between \(B\) and \(C\), the speed of \(C\) is \(\frac { 2 } { 5 } u ( 1 + e ) \left( 1 + e ^ { \prime } \right)\) and find the corresponding speed of \(B\). After this collision between \(B\) and \(C\) it is found that each of the three spheres has the same momentum. Find the values of \(e\) and \(e ^ { \prime }\).
CAIE FP2 2015 June Q1
6 marks Standard +0.3
1 Two uniform small smooth spheres, \(A\) and \(B\), of equal radii and masses 2 kg and 3 kg respectively, are at rest and not in contact on a smooth horizontal plane. Sphere \(A\) receives an impulse of magnitude 8 N s in the direction \(A B\). The coefficient of restitution between the spheres is \(e\). Find, in terms of \(e\), the speeds of \(A\) and \(B\) after \(A\) collides with \(B\). Given that the spheres move in opposite directions after the collision, show that \(e > \frac { 2 } { 3 }\).
CAIE FP2 2015 June Q2
7 marks Standard +0.8
2
[diagram]
A uniform sphere \(P\) of mass \(m\) is at rest on a smooth horizontal table. The sphere is projected along the table with speed \(u\) and strikes a smooth vertical barrier \(A\) at an acute angle \(\alpha\). It then strikes another smooth vertical barrier \(B\) which is at right angles to \(A\) (see diagram). The coefficient of restitution between \(P\) and each of the barriers is \(e\). Show that the final direction of motion of \(P\) makes an angle \(\frac { 1 } { 2 } \pi - \alpha\) with the barrier \(B\) and find the total loss in kinetic energy as a result of the two impacts. [7]
CAIE FP2 2016 June Q2
8 marks Standard +0.8
2 A small smooth sphere \(A\) of mass \(m\) is moving with speed \(u\) on a smooth horizontal surface when it collides directly with an identical sphere \(B\) which is initially at rest on the surface. The coefficient of restitution between the spheres is \(e\). Sphere \(B\) subsequently collides with a fixed vertical barrier which is perpendicular to the direction of motion of \(B\). The coefficient of restitution between \(B\) and the barrier is \(\frac { 1 } { 2 }\). Given that \(80 \%\) of the initial kinetic energy is lost as a result of the two collisions, find the value of \(e\).
CAIE FP2 2018 June Q3
9 marks Standard +0.3
3 Two identical uniform small spheres \(A\) and \(B\), each of mass \(m\), are moving towards each other in a straight line on a smooth horizontal surface. Their speeds are \(u\) and \(k u\) respectively, and they collide directly. The coefficient of restitution between the spheres is \(e\). Sphere \(B\) is brought to rest by the collision.
  1. Show that \(e = \frac { k - 1 } { k + 1 }\).
  2. Given that \(60 \%\) of the total initial kinetic energy is lost in the collision, find the values of \(k\) and \(e\).
CAIE FP2 2018 June Q2
9 marks Standard +0.8
2 Two uniform small spheres \(A\) and \(B\) have equal radii and masses \(4 m\) and \(m\) respectively. Sphere \(A\) is moving with speed \(u\) on a smooth horizontal surface when it collides directly with sphere \(B\) which is at rest. The coefficient of restitution between the spheres is \(e\).
  1. Show that after the collision \(A\) moves with speed \(\frac { 1 } { 5 } u ( 4 - e )\) and find the speed of \(B\).
    Sphere \(B\) continues to move until it collides with a fixed smooth vertical barrier which is perpendicular to the direction of motion of \(B\). The coefficient of restitution between \(B\) and the barrier is \(\frac { 3 } { 4 } e\). After this collision, the speeds of \(A\) and \(B\) are equal.
  2. Find the value of \(e\).
    The spheres \(A\) and \(B\) now collide directly again.
  3. Determine whether sphere \(B\) collides with the barrier for a second time.
CAIE FP2 2018 June Q5
11 marks Challenging +1.8
5 \includegraphics[max width=\textwidth, alt={}, center]{1b542910-a57e-4f58-a19f-92e67ee9bdf7-08_323_515_260_813} A particle \(P\) of mass \(m\) is attached to one end of a light inextensible string of length \(a\). The other end of the string is attached to a fixed point \(O\). The particle is held with the string taut and horizontal. It is projected downwards with speed \(\sqrt { } ( 12 a g )\). At the lowest point of its motion, \(P\) collides directly with a particle \(Q\) of mass \(k m\) which is at rest (see diagram). In the collision, \(P\) and \(Q\) coalesce. The tension in the string immediately after the collision is half of its value immediately before the collision. Find the possible values of \(k\).
CAIE FP2 2019 June Q3
10 marks Standard +0.3
3 Three uniform small spheres \(A , B\) and \(C\) have equal radii and masses \(2 m , 4 m\) and \(m\) respectively. The spheres are moving in a straight line on a smooth horizontal surface, with \(B\) between \(A\) and \(C\). The coefficient of restitution between each pair of spheres is \(e\). Spheres \(A\) and \(B\) are moving towards each other with speeds \(2 u\) and \(u\) respectively. The first collision is between \(A\) and \(B\).
  1. Find the velocities of \(A\) and \(B\) after this collision.
    Sphere \(C\) is moving towards \(B\) with speed \(\frac { 4 } { 3 } u\) and now collides with it. As a result of this collision, \(B\) is brought to rest.
  2. Find the value of \(e\).
  3. Find the total kinetic energy lost by the three spheres as a result of the two collisions.
CAIE FP2 2019 June Q11 EITHER
Challenging +1.8
A particle \(P\), of mass \(m\), is able to move in a vertical circle on the smooth inner surface of a sphere with centre \(O\) and radius \(a\). Points \(A\) and \(B\) are on the inner surface of the sphere and \(A O B\) is a horizontal diameter. Initially, \(P\) is projected vertically downwards with speed \(\sqrt { } \left( \frac { 21 } { 2 } a g \right)\) from \(A\) and begins to move in a vertical circle. At the lowest point of its path, vertically below \(O\), the particle \(P\) collides with a stationary particle \(Q\), of mass \(4 m\), and rebounds. The speed acquired by \(Q\), as a result of the collision, is just sufficient for it to reach the point \(B\).
  1. Find the speed of \(P\) and the speed of \(Q\) immediately after their collision.
    In its subsequent motion, \(P\) loses contact with the inner surface of the sphere at the point \(D\), where the angle between \(O D\) and the upward vertical through \(O\) is \(\theta\).
  2. Find \(\cos \theta\).
CAIE FP2 2019 June Q3
9 marks Challenging +1.2
3 Three uniform small spheres \(A , B\) and \(C\) have equal radii and masses \(3 m , m\) and \(m\) respectively. The spheres are at rest in a straight line on a smooth horizontal surface, with \(B\) between \(A\) and \(C\). The coefficient of restitution between each pair of spheres is \(e\). Sphere \(A\) is projected directly towards \(B\) with speed \(u\).
  1. Find, in terms of \(u\) and \(e\), expressions for the speeds of \(A , B\) and \(C\) after the first two collisions.
  2. Given that \(A\) and \(C\) are moving with equal speeds after these two collisions, find the value of \(e\). [3] \includegraphics[max width=\textwidth, alt={}, center]{34dd6523-7c0c-4842-bbda-56ad8d3f9766-08_812_520_260_808} An object consists of two hollow spheres which touch each other, together with a thin uniform \(\operatorname { rod } A B\). The rod passes through small holes in the surfaces of the spheres. The rod is fixed to the spheres so that it passes through the centre of the smaller sphere. The end \(B\) of the rod is at the centre of the larger sphere. The larger sphere has radius \(2 a\) and mass \(M\), the smaller sphere has radius \(a\) and mass \(k M\), and the rod has length \(7 a\) and mass \(5 M\). A fixed horizontal axis \(L\) passes through \(A\) and is perpendicular to \(A B\) (see diagram).
CAIE FP2 2008 November Q4
10 marks Standard +0.3
4 Two smooth spheres \(A\) and \(B\), of equal radii, have masses 0.1 kg and \(m \mathrm {~kg}\) respectively. They are moving towards each other in a straight line on a smooth horizontal table and collide directly. Immediately before collision the speed of \(A\) is \(5 \mathrm {~m} \mathrm {~s} ^ { - 1 }\) and the speed of \(B\) is \(2 \mathrm {~m} \mathrm {~s} ^ { - 1 }\).
  1. Assume that in the collision \(A\) does not change direction. The speeds of \(A\) and \(B\) after the collision are \(v _ { A } \mathrm {~m} \mathrm {~s} ^ { - 1 }\) and \(v _ { B } \mathrm {~m} \mathrm {~s} ^ { - 1 }\) respectively. Express \(m\) in terms of \(v _ { A }\) and \(v _ { B }\), and hence show that \(m < 0.25\).
  2. Assume instead that \(m = 0.2\) and that the coefficient of restitution between the spheres is \(\frac { 1 } { 2 }\). Find the magnitude of the impulse acting on \(A\) in the collision.
CAIE FP2 2011 November Q4
11 marks Standard +0.8
4 Two smooth spheres \(P\) and \(Q\), of equal radius, have masses \(m\) and \(3 m\) respectively. They are moving in the same direction in the same straight line on a smooth horizontal table. Sphere \(P\) has speed \(u\) and collides directly with sphere \(Q\) which has speed \(k u\), where \(0 < k < 1\). Sphere \(P\) is brought to rest by the collision. Show that the coefficient of restitution between \(P\) and \(Q\) is \(\frac { 3 k + 1 } { 3 ( 1 - k ) }\). One third of the total kinetic energy of the spheres is lost in the collision. Show that $$k = \frac { 1 } { 3 } ( 2 \sqrt { } 3 - 3 )$$
CAIE FP2 2012 November Q4
11 marks Standard +0.8
4 A particle \(P\) of mass \(2 m\), moving on a smooth horizontal plane with speed \(u\), strikes a fixed smooth vertical barrier. Immediately before the collision the angle between the direction of motion of \(P\) and the barrier is \(60 ^ { \circ }\). The coefficient of restitution between \(P\) and the barrier is \(\frac { 1 } { 3 }\). Show that \(P\) loses two-thirds of its kinetic energy in the collision. Subsequently \(P\) collides directly with a particle \(Q\) of mass \(m\) which is moving on the plane with speed \(u\) towards \(P\). The magnitude of the impulse acting on each particle in the collision is \(\frac { 2 } { 3 } m u ( 1 + \sqrt { 3 } )\).
  1. Show that the speed of \(P\) after this collision is \(\frac { 1 } { 3 } u\).
  2. Find the exact value of the coefficient of restitution between \(P\) and \(Q\).
CAIE FP2 2012 November Q4
11 marks Challenging +1.2
4 Three particles \(A , B\) and \(C\) have masses \(m , 2 m\) and \(m\) respectively. The particles are able to move on a smooth horizontal surface in a straight line, and \(B\) is between \(A\) and \(C\). Initially \(A\) is moving towards \(B\) with speed \(2 u\) and \(C\) is moving towards \(B\) with speed \(u\). The particle \(B\) is at rest. The coefficient of restitution between any pair of particles is \(e\). The first collision is between \(A\) and \(B\).
  1. Show that the speed of \(B\) immediately before its collision with \(C\) is \(\frac { 2 } { 3 } u ( 1 + e )\).
  2. Find the velocity of \(B\) immediately after its collision with \(C\).
  3. Given that \(e > \frac { 1 } { 2 }\), show that there are no further collisions between the particles.
CAIE FP2 2013 November Q5
11 marks Challenging +1.2
5 Two uniform small smooth spheres \(A\) and \(B\), of equal radii, have masses \(2 m\) and \(m\) respectively. They lie at rest on a smooth horizontal plane. Sphere \(A\) is projected directly towards \(B\) with speed \(u\). After the collision \(B\) goes on to collide directly with a fixed smooth vertical barrier, before colliding with \(A\) again. The coefficient of restitution between \(A\) and \(B\) is \(\frac { 2 } { 3 }\) and the coefficient of restitution between \(B\) and the barrier is \(e\). After the second collision between \(A\) and \(B\), the speed of \(B\) is five times the speed of \(A\). Find the two possible values of \(e\).
CAIE FP2 2013 November Q2
9 marks Challenging +1.2
2 Three uniform small smooth spheres \(A , B\) and \(C\), of equal radii and of masses \(4 m , \lambda m\) and \(m\) respectively, are at rest in a straight line on a smooth horizontal plane, with \(B\) between \(A\) and \(C\). Sphere \(A\) is projected directly towards \(B\) with speed \(u\). The coefficient of restitution between \(A\) and \(B\), and between \(B\) and \(C\), is \(\frac { 1 } { 2 }\). Show that the speed of \(B\) after it is struck by \(A\) is \(\frac { 6 u } { \lambda + 4 }\). Given that the speed of \(C\) after it is struck by \(B\) is \(u\), find the value of \(\lambda\).
CAIE FP2 2014 November Q1
5 marks Standard +0.8
1 Two smooth spheres \(A\) and \(B\), of equal radii and masses \(2 m\) and \(m\) respectively, lie at rest on a smooth horizontal table. The spheres \(A\) and \(B\) are projected directly towards each other with speeds \(4 u\) and \(3 u\) respectively. The coefficient of restitution between the spheres is \(e\). Find the set of values of \(e\) for which the direction of motion of \(A\) is reversed in the collision.
CAIE FP2 2017 November Q3
10 marks Challenging +1.8
3 Three uniform small smooth spheres \(A , B\) and \(C\) have equal radii and masses \(m , k m\) and \(m\) respectively, where \(k\) is a constant. The spheres are moving in the same direction along a straight line on a smooth horizontal surface, with \(B\) between \(A\) and \(C\). The speeds of \(A , B\) and \(C\) are \(2 u , u\) and \(\frac { 4 } { 3 } u\) respectively. The coefficient of restitution between any pair of the spheres is \(\frac { 1 } { 2 }\). After sphere \(A\) has collided with sphere \(B\), sphere \(B\) collides with sphere \(C\).
  1. Find an inequality satisfied by \(k\).
  2. Given that \(k = 2\), show that after \(B\) has collided with \(C\) there are no further collisions between any of the three spheres.
CAIE FP2 2018 November Q2
9 marks Standard +0.3
2 Two uniform small smooth spheres \(A\) and \(B\) have equal radii and masses \(5 m\) and \(2 m\) respectively. Sphere \(A\) is moving with speed \(u\) on a smooth horizontal surface when it collides directly with sphere \(B\) which is moving towards it with speed \(2 u\). The coefficient of restitution between the spheres is \(e\).
  1. Show that the speed of \(B\) after the collision is \(\frac { 1 } { 7 } u ( 1 + 15 e )\) and find an expression for the speed of \(A\).
    In the collision, the speed of \(A\) is halved and its direction of motion is reversed.
  2. Find the value of \(e\).
  3. For this collision, find the ratio of the loss of kinetic energy of \(A\) to the loss of kinetic energy of \(B\). \includegraphics[max width=\textwidth, alt={}, center]{f2073c6e-0f76-4246-89a7-2f3a9f7aaff8-04_630_332_264_900} A uniform disc, of radius \(a\) and mass \(2 M\), is attached to a thin uniform rod \(A B\) of length \(6 a\) and mass \(M\). The rod lies along a diameter of the disc, so that the centre of the disc is a distance \(x\) from \(A\) (see diagram).
  1. Find the moment of inertia of the object, consisting of disc and rod, about a fixed horizontal axis \(l\) through \(A\) and perpendicular to the plane of the disc.
    The object is free to rotate about the axis \(l\). The object is held with \(A B\) horizontal and is released from rest. When \(A B\) makes an angle \(\theta\) with the vertical, where \(\cos \theta = \frac { 3 } { 5 }\), the angular speed of the object is \(\sqrt { } \left( \frac { 2 g } { 5 a } \right)\).
  2. Find the possible values of \(x\).
CAIE FP2 2017 Specimen Q2
10 marks Standard +0.8
2 A small uniform sphere \(A\), of mass \(2 m\), is moving with speed \(u\) on a smooth horizontal surface when it collides directly with a small uniform sphere \(B\), of mass \(m\), which is at rest. The spheres have equal radii and the coefficient of restitution between them is \(e\).
  1. Find expressions for the speeds of \(A\) and \(B\) immediately after the collision.
    Subsequently \(B\) collides with a vertical wall which is perpendicular to the direction of motion of \(B\). The coefficient of restitution between \(B\) and the wall is 0.4 . After \(B\) has collided with the wall, the speeds of \(A\) and \(B\) are equal.
  2. Find \(e\).
  3. Initially \(B\) is at a distance \(d\) from the wall. Find the distance of \(B\) from the wall when it next collides with \(A\). \(3 A\) and \(B\) are two fixed points on a smooth horizontal surface, with \(A B = 3 a \mathrm {~m}\). One end of a light elastic string, of natural length \(a\) m and modulus of elasticity \(m g \mathrm {~N}\), is attached to the point \(A\). The other end of this string is attached to a particle \(P\) of mass \(m \mathrm {~kg}\). One end of a second light elastic string, of natural length \(k a \mathrm {~m}\) and modulus of elasticity \(2 m g \mathrm {~N}\), is attached to \(B\). The other end of this string is attached to \(P\). It is given that the system is in equilibrium when \(P\) is at \(M\), the mid-point of \(A B\).
CAIE FP2 2017 Specimen Q4
13 marks Challenging +1.2
4 A particle \(P\) of mass \(m\) is attached to one end of a light inextensible string of length \(a\). The other end of the string is attached to a fixed point \(O\). When \(P\) is hanging at rest vertically below \(O\), it is projected horizontally. In the subsequent motion \(P\) completes a vertical circle. The speed of \(P\) when it is at its highest point is \(u\).
  1. Show that the least possible value of \(u\) is \(\sqrt { } ( a g )\).
    It is now given that \(u = \sqrt { } ( a g )\). When \(P\) passes through the lowest point of its path, it collides with, and coalesces with, a stationary particle of mass \(\frac { 1 } { 4 } m\).
  2. Find the speed of the combined particle immediately after the collision.
    In the subsequent motion, when \(O P\) makes an angle \(\theta\) with the upward vertical the tension in the string is \(T\).
  3. Find an expression for \(T\) in terms of \(m , g\) and \(\theta\).
  4. Find the value of \(\cos \theta\) when the string becomes slack.
Edexcel M2 2016 June Q7
12 marks Standard +0.3
7. Two particles \(A\) and \(B\), of mass \(2 m\) and \(3 m\) respectively, are initially at rest on a smooth horizontal surface. Particle \(A\) is projected with speed \(3 u\) towards \(B\). Particle \(A\) collides directly with particle \(B\). The coefficient of restitution between \(A\) and \(B\) is \(\frac { 3 } { 4 }\)
  1. Find
    1. the speed of \(A\) immediately after the collision,
    2. the speed of \(B\) immediately after the collision. After the collision \(B\) hits a fixed smooth vertical wall and rebounds. The wall is perpendicular to the direction of motion of \(B\). The coefficient of restitution between \(B\) and the wall is \(e\). The magnitude of the impulse received by \(B\) when it hits the wall is \(\frac { 27 } { 4 } m u\).
  2. Find the value of \(e\).
  3. Determine whether there is a further collision between \(A\) and \(B\) after \(B\) rebounds from the wall.
OCR M1 2014 June Q4
8 marks Standard +0.3
4 \includegraphics[max width=\textwidth, alt={}, center]{66eb8290-3a80-40bf-be40-a936ed7d5a1b-3_136_824_260_623} Particles \(P\) and \(Q\) are moving towards each other with constant speeds \(4 \mathrm {~ms} ^ { - 1 }\) and \(2 \mathrm {~ms} ^ { - 1 }\) along the same straight line on a smooth horizontal surface (see diagram). \(P\) has mass 0.2 kg and \(Q\) has mass 0.3 kg . The two particles collide.
  1. Show that \(Q\) must change its direction of motion in the collision.
  2. Given that \(P\) and \(Q\) move with equal speed after the collision, calculate both possible values for their speed after they collide.
CAIE M1 2024 June Q1
3 marks Moderate -0.3
1 Two particles \(P\) and \(Q\) of masses 0.2 kg and 0.5 kg respectively are at rest on a smooth horizontal plane. Particle \(P\) is projected with a speed \(6 \mathrm {~ms} ^ { - 1 }\) directly towards \(Q\). After \(P\) and \(Q\) collide, \(P\) moves with a speed of \(1 \mathrm {~ms} ^ { - 1 }\). Find the two possible speeds of \(Q\) after the collision. \includegraphics[max width=\textwidth, alt={}, center]{c3246fbe-6f77-48f7-98eb-19e9166008bc-02_2716_35_143_2012}
Edexcel M1 Q5
12 marks Standard +0.3
5. Two small balls \(A\) and \(B\) have masses 0.6 kg and 0.2 kg respectively. They are moving towards each other in opposite directions on a horizontal table when they collide directly. Immediately before the collision, the speed of \(A\) is \(4.5 \mathrm {~m} \mathrm {~s} ^ { - 1 }\) and the speed of \(B\) is \(3 \mathrm {~m} \mathrm {~s} ^ { - 1 }\). Immediately after the collision, \(A\) and \(B\) move in the same direction and the speed of \(B\) is twice the speed of \(A\).
By modelling the balls as particles, find
  1. the speed of \(B\) immediately after the collision,
  2. the magnitude of the impulse exerted on \(B\) in the collision, stating the units in which your answer is given.
    (3 marks)
    The table is rough. After the collision, \(B\) moves a distance of 2 m on the table before coming to rest.
  3. Find the coefficient of friction between \(B\) and the table.
    (6 marks)