Three-particle sequential collisions

A question is this type if and only if three particles lie in a straight line with the middle particle initially at rest or moving, and two successive collisions occur (A hits B, then B hits C), often asking whether further collisions occur.

36 questions · Standard +0.7

6.03b Conservation of momentum: 1D two particles6.03k Newton's experimental law: direct impact
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Edexcel M2 2015 January Q7
14 marks Standard +0.8
7. Three particles \(P , Q\) and \(R\) lie at rest in a straight line on a smooth horizontal surface with \(Q\) between \(P\) and \(R\). Particle \(P\) has mass \(m\), particle \(Q\) has mass \(2 m\) and particle \(R\) has mass \(3 m\). The coefficient of restitution between each pair of particles is \(e\). Particle \(P\) is projected towards \(Q\) with speed \(3 u\) and collides directly with \(Q\).
  1. Find, in terms of \(u\) and \(e\),
    1. the speed of \(Q\) immediately after the collision,
    2. the speed of \(P\) immediately after the collision.
  2. Find the range of values of \(e\) for which the direction of motion of \(P\) is reversed as a result of the collision with \(Q\). Immediately after the collision between \(P\) and \(Q\), particle \(R\) is projected towards \(Q\) with speed \(u\) so that \(R\) and \(Q\) collide directly. Given that \(e = \frac { 2 } { 3 }\)
  3. show that there will be a second collision between \(P\) and \(Q\).
Edexcel M2 2017 June Q7
16 marks Standard +0.3
7. Three particles \(A , B\) and \(C\) lie at rest in a straight line on a smooth horizontal surface, with \(B\) between \(A\) and \(C\). The particles \(A\), \(B\) and \(C\) have mass \(6 m\), 4 \(m\) and \(m\) respectively. Particle \(A\) is projected towards \(B\) with speed \(3 u\) and \(A\) collides directly with \(B\). Immediately after this collision, the speed of \(B\) is \(w\). The coefficient of restitution between \(A\) and \(B\) is \(\frac { 1 } { 6 }\).
  1. Show that \(w = \frac { 21 } { 10 } u\).
  2. Express the total kinetic energy of \(A\) and \(B\) lost in the collision as a fraction of the total kinetic energy of \(A\) and \(B\) immediately before the collision. After being struck by \(A\), the particle \(B\) collides directly with \(C\). The coefficient of restitution between \(B\) and \(C\) is \(e\). After the collision between \(B\) and \(C\), there are no further collisions between the particles.
  3. Find the range of possible values of \(e\).
Edexcel M2 2018 June Q7
14 marks Standard +0.8
7. Three particles \(A\), \(B\) and \(C\) have masses \(2 m , 3 m\) and \(4 m\) respectively. The particles lie at rest in a straight line on a smooth horizontal surface, with \(B\) between \(A\) and \(C\). Particle \(A\) is projected towards \(B\) with speed \(u\) and collides directly with \(B\). The coefficient of restitution between \(A\) and \(B\) is \(e\). The kinetic energy of \(A\) immediately after the collision is one ninth of the kinetic energy of \(A\) immediately before the collision. Given that the direction of motion of \(A\) is unchanged by the collision,
  1. find the value of \(e\). After the collision between \(A\) and \(B\) there is a direct collision between \(B\) and \(C\). The coefficient of restitution between \(B\) and \(C\) is \(f\), where \(f < \frac { 3 } { 4 }\). The speed of \(B\) immediately after the collision with \(C\) is \(V\).
    1. Express \(V\) in terms of \(f\) and \(u\).
    2. Hence show that there will be a second collision between \(A\) and \(B\).
Edexcel M2 2021 June Q8
13 marks Standard +0.8
  1. Particles \(A , B\) and \(C\), of masses \(2 m , m\) and \(3 m\) respectively, lie at rest in a straight line on a smooth horizontal plane with \(B\) between \(A\) and \(C\). Particle \(A\) is projected towards particle \(B\) with speed \(2 u\) and collides directly with \(B\).
The coefficient of restitution between each pair of particles is \(e\).
    1. Show that the speed of \(B\) immediately after the collision with \(A\) is \(\frac { 4 } { 3 } u ( 1 + e )\)
    2. Find the speed of \(A\) immediately after the collision with \(B\). At the instant when \(A\) collides with \(B\), particle \(C\) is projected with speed \(u\) towards \(B\) so that \(B\) and \(C\) collide directly.
  1. Show that there will be a second collision between \(A\) and \(B\). \includegraphics[max width=\textwidth, alt={}, center]{e6e37d85-f8de-490a-82a9-8a3c16e2fdd0-27_2644_1840_118_111}
Edexcel M2 2016 October Q8
14 marks Standard +0.3
8. Particles \(A , B\) and \(C\), of masses \(4 m , k m\) and \(2 m\) respectively, lie at rest in a straight line on a smooth horizontal surface with \(B\) between \(A\) and \(C\). Particle \(A\) is projected towards particle \(B\) with speed \(3 u\) and collides directly with \(B\). The coefficient of restitution between each pair of particles is \(\frac { 2 } { 3 }\) Find
  1. the speed of \(A\) immediately after the collision with \(B\), giving your answer in terms of \(u\) and \(k\),
  2. the range of values of \(k\) for which \(A\) and \(B\) will both be moving in the same direction immediately after they collide. After the collision between \(A\) and \(B\), particle \(B\) collides directly with \(C\). Given that \(k = 4\),
  3. show that there will not be a second collision between \(A\) and \(B\).
    DO NOT WRITEIN THIS AREA
Edexcel M2 2013 January Q7
16 marks Challenging +1.2
7. A particle \(A\) of mass \(m\) is moving with speed \(u\) on a smooth horizontal floor when it collides directly with another particle \(B\), of mass \(3 m\), which is at rest on the floor. The coefficient of restitution between the particles is \(e\). The direction of motion of \(A\) is reversed by the collision.
  1. Find, in terms of \(e\) and \(u\),
    1. the speed of \(A\) immediately after the collision,
    2. the speed of \(B\) immediately after the collision. After being struck by \(A\) the particle \(B\) collides directly with another particle \(C\), of mass \(4 m\), which is at rest on the floor. The coefficient of restitution between \(B\) and \(C\) is \(2 e\). Given that the direction of motion of \(B\) is reversed by this collision,
  2. find the range of possible values of \(e\),
  3. determine whether there will be a second collision between \(A\) and \(B\).
Edexcel M2 2005 June Q5
14 marks Standard +0.3
5. Two small spheres \(A\) and \(B\) have mass \(3 m\) and \(2 m\) respectively. They are moving towards each other in opposite directions on a smooth horizontal plane, both with speed \(2 u\), when they collide directly. As a result of the collision, the direction of motion of \(B\) is reversed and its speed is unchanged.
  1. Find the coefficient of restitution between the spheres. Subsequently, \(B\) collides directly with another small sphere \(C\) of mass \(5 m\) which is at rest. The coefficient of restitution between \(B\) and \(C\) is \(\frac { 3 } { 5 }\).
  2. Show that, after \(B\) collides with \(C\), there will be no further collisions between the spheres.
CAIE FP2 2014 June Q3
10 marks Challenging +1.8
3 Three small smooth spheres \(A , B\) and \(C\) have equal radii and have masses \(m , 9 m\) and \(k m\) respectively. They are at rest on a smooth horizontal table and lie in a straight line with \(B\) between \(A\) and \(C\). The coefficient of restitution between any pair of the spheres is \(e\). Sphere \(A\) is projected directly towards \(B\) with speed \(u\). Given that half of the total kinetic energy is lost as result of the collision between \(A\) and \(B\), find the value of \(e\). After \(B\) and \(C\) collide they move in the same direction and the speed of \(C\) is twice the speed of \(B\). Find the value of \(k\).
OCR M2 2005 June Q4
9 marks Standard +0.3
4 \includegraphics[max width=\textwidth, alt={}, center]{35477eb8-59e0-4de6-889c-1f5841f65eec-3_168_956_246_593} Three smooth spheres \(A , B\) and \(C\), of equal radius and of masses \(m \mathrm {~kg} , 2 m \mathrm {~kg}\) and \(3 m \mathrm {~kg}\) respectively, lie in a straight line and are free to move on a smooth horizontal table. Sphere \(A\) is moving with speed \(5 \mathrm {~m} \mathrm {~s} ^ { - 1 }\) when it collides directly with sphere \(B\) which is stationary. As a result of the collision \(B\) starts to move with speed \(2 \mathrm {~m} \mathrm {~s} ^ { - 1 }\).
  1. Find the coefficient of restitution between \(A\) and \(B\).
  2. Find, in terms of \(m\), the magnitude of the impulse that \(A\) exerts on \(B\), and state the direction of this impulse. Sphere \(B\) subsequently collides with sphere \(C\) which is stationary. As a result of this impact \(B\) and \(C\) coalesce.
  3. Show that there will be another collision.
OCR Further Mechanics AS 2018 June Q4
11 marks Standard +0.8
4 \includegraphics[max width=\textwidth, alt={}, center]{5960a9cf-2c51-4c07-9973-c29604762df7-3_218_1335_251_367} Three particles \(A\), \(B\) and \(C\) are free to move in the same straight line on a large smooth horizontal surface. Their masses are \(1.2 \mathrm {~kg} , 1.8 \mathrm {~kg}\) and \(m \mathrm {~kg}\) respectively (see diagram). The coefficient of restitution in collisions between any two of them is \(\frac { 3 } { 4 }\). Initially, \(B\) and \(C\) are at rest and \(A\) is moving with a velocity of \(4.0 \mathrm {~m} \mathrm {~s} ^ { - 1 }\) towards \(B\).
  1. Show that immediately after the collision between \(A\) and \(B\) the speed of \(B\) is \(2.8 \mathrm {~ms} ^ { - 1 }\).
  2. Find the velocity of \(A\) immediately after this collision. \(B\) subsequently collides with \(C\).
  3. Find, in terms of \(m\), the velocity of \(B\) after its collision with \(C\).
  4. Given that the direction of motion of \(B\) is reversed by the collision with \(C\), find the range of possible values of \(m\).
OCR M2 2012 June Q6
13 marks Standard +0.3
6 Three particles \(A , B\) and \(C\) are in a straight line on a smooth horizontal surface. The particles have masses \(0.2 \mathrm {~kg} , 0.4 \mathrm {~kg}\) and 0.6 kg respectively. \(B\) is at rest. \(A\) is projected towards \(B\) with a speed of \(1.8 \mathrm {~ms} ^ { - 1 }\) and collides with \(B\). The coefficient of restitution between \(A\) and \(B\) is \(\frac { 1 } { 3 }\).
  1. Show that the speed of \(B\) after the collision is \(0.8 \mathrm {~ms} ^ { - 1 }\) and find the speed of \(A\) after the collision. \(C\) is moving with speed \(0.2 \mathrm {~ms} ^ { - 1 }\) in the same direction as \(B\). Particle \(B\) subsequently collides with \(C\). The coefficient of restitution between \(B\) and \(C\) is \(e\).
  2. Find the set of values for \(e\) such that \(B\) does not collide again with \(A\).
Edexcel M2 Q6
14 marks Standard +0.3
6. Three uniform spheres \(A , B\) and \(C\) of equal radius have masses \(3 m , 2 m\) and \(2 m\) respectively. Initially, the spheres are at rest on a smooth horizontal table with their centres in a straight line and with \(B\) between \(A\) and \(C\). Sphere \(A\) is projected directly towards \(B\) with speed \(u\). Given that the coefficient of restitution between \(A\) and \(B\) is \(\frac { 2 } { 3 }\),
  1. show that the speeds of \(A\) and \(B\) after the collision are \(\frac { 1 } { 3 } u\) and \(u\) respectively.
    (6 marks)
    The coefficient of restitution between \(B\) and \(C\) is \(e\). Given that \(A\) and \(B\) collide again,
  2. show that \(e > \frac { 1 } { 3 }\).
    (8 marks)
OCR MEI Further Mechanics A AS 2019 June Q6
11 marks Standard +0.3
6 Three particles, A, B and C are in a straight line on a smooth horizontal surface.
The particles have masses \(5 \mathrm {~kg} , 3 \mathrm {~kg}\) and 1 kg respectively. Particles B and C are at rest. Particle A is projected towards B with a speed of \(u \mathrm {~ms} ^ { - 1 }\) and collides with B . The coefficient of restitution between A and B is \(\frac { 1 } { 3 }\). Particle B subsequently collides with C. The coefficient of restitution between B and C is \(\frac { 1 } { 3 }\).
  1. Determine whether any further collisions occur.
  2. Given that the loss of kinetic energy during the initial collision between A and B is 4.8 J , find the value of \(u\). \begin{figure}[h]
    \includegraphics[alt={},max width=\textwidth]{6b27d322-417e-4cea-85cc-65d3728173c8-5_607_501_294_301} \captionsetup{labelformat=empty} \caption{Fig. 7}
    \end{figure} Fig. 7 shows a uniform rod AB of length \(4 a\) and mass \(m\).
    The end A rests against a rough vertical wall. A light inextensible string is attached to the rod at B and to a point C on the wall vertically above A , where \(\mathrm { AC } = 4 a\). The plane ABC is perpendicular to the wall and the angle ABC is \(30 ^ { \circ }\). The system is in limiting equilibrium. Find the coefficient of friction between the wall and the rod. \section*{END OF QUESTION PAPER}
OCR MEI Further Mechanics A AS 2023 June Q4
10 marks Standard +0.3
4 The diagram shows three beads, A, B and C, of masses \(0.3 \mathrm {~kg} , 0.5 \mathrm {~kg}\) and 0.7 kg respectively, threaded onto a smooth wire circuit consisting of two straight and two semi-circular sections. The circuit occupies a vertical plane, with the two straight sections horizontal and the upper section 0.45 m directly above the lower section. \includegraphics[max width=\textwidth, alt={}, center]{a87d62b8-406d-44cd-9ffa-384005329566-5_361_961_450_248} Initially, the beads are at rest. A and B are each given an impulse so that they move towards each other, A with a speed of \(8 \mathrm {~m} \mathrm {~s} ^ { - 1 }\) and B with a speed of \(1.6 \mathrm {~m} \mathrm {~s} ^ { - 1 }\). In the subsequent collision between A and \(\mathrm { B } , \mathrm { A }\) is brought to rest.
  1. Show that the coefficient of restitution between A and B is \(\frac { 1 } { 3 }\). Bead B next collides with C.
  2. Show that the speed of B before this collision is \(4.37 \mathrm {~m} \mathrm {~s} ^ { - 1 }\), correct to 3 significant figures. In this collision between B and C , B is brought to rest.
  3. Determine whether C next collides with A or with B .
  4. Explain why, if B has a greater mass than C , B could not be brought to rest in their collision.
OCR MEI Further Mechanics A AS 2024 June Q4
13 marks Standard +0.3
4 Three spheres A, B, and C, of equal radius are in the same straight line on a smooth horizontal surface. The masses of \(\mathrm { A } , \mathrm { B }\) and C are \(2 \mathrm {~kg} , 4 \mathrm {~kg}\) and 1 kg respectively. Initially the three spheres are at rest.
Spheres \(A\) and \(C\) are each given impulses so that \(A\) moves towards \(B\) with speed \(5 \mathrm {~m} \mathrm {~s} ^ { - 1 }\) and C moves towards B with speed \(u \mathrm {~m} \mathrm {~s} ^ { - 1 }\) as shown in the diagram below. \includegraphics[max width=\textwidth, alt={}, center]{a96a0ebe-8f4f-4d79-9d11-9d348ef72314-5_325_1591_603_239} The coefficient of restitution between \(A\) and \(B\) is \(\frac { 4 } { 5 }\).
It is given that the first collision occurs between A and B .
  1. State how you can tell from the information given above that kinetic energy is lost when A collides with B .
  2. Show that the combined kinetic energy of A and B decreases by \(24 \%\) during their collision. Sphere B next collides with C. The coefficient of restitution between B and C is \(\frac { 2 } { 3 }\).
  3. Given that a third collision occurs, determine the range of possible values for \(u\).
  4. State one limitation of the model used in this question.
OCR MEI Further Mechanics A AS 2020 November Q5
11 marks Standard +0.3
5 Throughout this question it may be assumed that there are no resistances to motion.
Model trucks A and B, with masses 5 kg and 3 kg respectively, rest on a set of straight, horizontal rails. Truck A is given an impulse of 3.8 Ns towards B .
  1. Calculate the initial speed of A. Truck A collides directly with B. After the collision, B moves with a speed of \(0.6 \mathrm {~ms} ^ { - 1 }\).
  2. Determine
    1. the velocity of A after the collision,
    2. the kinetic energy lost due to the collision.
  3. B continues to move with a speed of \(0.6 \mathrm {~ms} ^ { - 1 }\) and collides with a model truck C, of mass 4 kg , which is travelling at a speed of \(0.2 \mathrm {~ms} ^ { - 1 }\) towards B on the same set of rails. After the collision between B and C , the speeds of B and C are in the ratio 1 to 2 . Determine the two possible values of the coefficient of restitution between B and C .
OCR MEI Further Mechanics A AS 2021 November Q3
12 marks Standard +0.8
3 Three small uniform spheres A, B and C have masses \(2 \mathrm {~kg} , 3 \mathrm {~kg}\) and 5 kg respectively. The spheres move in the same straight line on a smooth horizontal table, with B between A and C . Sphere A moves towards B with speed \(7 \mathrm {~m} \mathrm {~s} ^ { - 1 } , \mathrm {~B}\) is at rest and C moves towards B with speed \(u \mathrm {~m} \mathrm {~s} ^ { - 1 }\), as shown in the diagram. \includegraphics[max width=\textwidth, alt={}, center]{5c1cfe41-d7a2-4f69-ae79-67d9f023c246-3_181_1291_461_251} Spheres A and B collide. Collisions between A and B can be modelled as perfectly elastic.
  1. Determine the magnitude of the impulse of A on B in this collision.
  2. Use this collision to verify that in a perfectly elastic collision no kinetic energy is lost. After the collision between A and B, sphere B subsequently collides with C. The coefficient of restitution between B and C is \(\frac { 1 } { 4 }\).
  3. Show that, after the collision between B and C , B has a speed of \(( 1.225 - 0.78125 \mathrm { u } ) \mathrm { m } \mathrm { s } ^ { - 1 }\) towards C.
  4. Determine the range of values for \(u\) for there to be a second collision between A and B .
WJEC Further Unit 3 2019 June Q7
12 marks Standard +0.3
7. Three spheres \(A , B , C\), of equal radii and each of mass \(m \mathrm {~kg}\), lie at rest on a smooth horizontal surface such that their centres are in a straight line with \(B\) between \(A\) and \(C\). The coefficient of restitution between \(A\) and \(B\) is \(e\). Sphere \(A\) is projected towards \(B\) with speed \(u \mathrm {~ms} ^ { - 1 }\) so that it collides with \(B\).
  1. Find expressions, in terms of \(e\) and \(u\), for the speed of \(A\) and the speed of \(B\) after they collide. You are now given that \(e = \frac { 1 } { 2 }\).
  2. Find, in terms of \(m\) and \(u\), the loss in kinetic energy due to the collision between \(A\) and \(B\).
  3. After the collision between \(A\) and \(B\), sphere \(B\) then collides with \(C\). The coefficient of restitution between \(B\) and \(C\) is \(e _ { 1 }\). Show that there will be no further collisions if \(e _ { 1 } \leqslant \frac { 1 } { 3 }\).
Edexcel FM1 AS 2019 June Q4
10 marks Challenging +1.8
  1. Three particles, \(P , Q\) and \(R\), are at rest on a smooth horizontal plane. The particles lie along a straight line with \(Q\) between \(P\) and \(R\). The particles \(Q\) and \(R\) have masses \(m\) and \(k m\) respectively, where \(k\) is a constant.
Particle \(Q\) is projected towards \(R\) with speed \(u\) and the particles collide directly.
The coefficient of restitution between each pair of particles is \(e\).
  1. Find, in terms of \(e\), the range of values of \(k\) for which there is a second collision. Given that the mass of \(P\) is \(k m\) and that there is a second collision,
  2. write down, in terms of \(u , k\) and \(e\), the speed of \(Q\) after this second collision.
Edexcel FM1 AS 2023 June Q4
14 marks Standard +0.3
4. \begin{figure}[h]
\includegraphics[alt={},max width=\textwidth]{0cec16c3-23a0-4620-a80f-b5d4e014e2fc-12_81_1383_255_342} \captionsetup{labelformat=empty} \caption{Figure 1}
\end{figure} Three particles, \(P , Q\) and \(R\), lie at rest on a smooth horizontal plane. The particles are in a straight line with \(Q\) between \(P\) and \(R\), as shown in Figure 1 . Particle \(P\) is projected towards \(Q\) with speed \(u\). At the same time, \(R\) is projected with speed \(\frac { 1 } { 2 } u\) away from \(Q\), in the direction \(Q R\). Particle \(P\) has mass \(m\) and particle \(Q\) has mass \(2 m\).
The coefficient of restitution between \(P\) and \(Q\) is \(e\).
  1. Show that the speed of \(Q\) immediately after the collision between \(P\) and \(Q\) is $$\frac { u ( 1 + e ) } { 3 }$$ It is given that \(e > \frac { 1 } { 2 }\)
  2. Determine whether there is a collision between \(Q\) and \(R\).
  3. Determine the direction of motion of \(P\) immediately after the collision between \(P\) and \(Q\).
  4. Find, in terms of \(m , u\) and \(e\), the total kinetic energy lost in the collision between \(P\) and \(Q\), simplifying your answer.
  5. Explain how using \(e = 1\) could be used to check your answer to part (d).
Edexcel FM1 2020 June Q3
14 marks Standard +0.8
  1. Two particles, \(A\) and \(B\), have masses \(3 m\) and \(4 m\) respectively. The particles are moving in the same direction along the same straight line on a smooth horizontal surface when they collide directly. Immediately before the collision the speed of \(A\) is \(2 u\) and the speed of \(B\) is \(u\).
The coefficient of restitution between \(A\) and \(B\) is \(e\).
  1. Show that the direction of motion of each of the particles is unchanged by the collision.
    (8) After the collision with \(A\), particle \(B\) collides directly with a third particle, \(C\), of mass \(2 m\), which is at rest on the surface. The coefficient of restitution between \(B\) and \(C\) is also \(e\).
  2. Show that there will be a second collision between \(A\) and \(B\).
OCR Further Mechanics 2018 December Q3
8 marks Challenging +1.8
3 Three particles, \(A , B\) and \(C\), of masses \(2 \mathrm {~kg} , 3 \mathrm {~kg}\) and 5 kg respectively, are at rest in a straight line on a smooth horizontal plane with \(B\) between \(A\) and \(C\). Collisions between \(A\) and \(B\) are perfectly elastic. The coefficient of restitution for collisions between \(B\) and \(C\) is \(e\). \(A\) is projected towards \(B\) with a speed of \(5 u \mathrm {~ms} ^ { - 1 }\) (see diagram). \includegraphics[max width=\textwidth, alt={}, center]{493f11f4-e25c-4eeb-a0ab-20ec6d7a7a7d-2_186_903_2330_251} Show that only two collisions occur.
OCR FM1 AS 2021 June Q2
11 marks Standard +0.8
2 \includegraphics[max width=\textwidth, alt={}, center]{60f72141-4a99-4907-93b1-adb0cd66948e-2_211_1276_1427_365} Three particles \(A , B\) and \(C\) are free to move in the same straight line on a large smooth horizontal surface. Their masses are \(1.2 \mathrm {~kg} , 1.8 \mathrm {~kg}\) and \(m \mathrm {~kg}\) respectively (see diagram). The coefficient of restitution in collisions between any two of them is \(\frac { 3 } { 4 }\). Initially, \(B\) and \(C\) are at rest and \(A\) is moving with a velocity of \(4.0 \mathrm {~ms} ^ { - 1 }\) towards \(B\).
a) Show that immediately after the collision between \(A\) and \(B\) the speed of \(B\) is \(2.8 \mathrm {~m} \mathrm {~s} ^ { - 1 }\).
b) Find the velocity of \(A\) immediately after this collision. \(B\) subsequently collides with \(C\).
c) Find, in terms of \(m\), the velocity of \(B\) after its collision with \(C\).
d) Given that the direction of motion of \(B\) is reversed by the collision with \(C\), find the range of possible values of \(m\). The car is attached to a trailer of mass 200 kg by a light rigid horizontal tow bar. The greatest steady speed of the car and trailer on the road is now \(30 \mathrm {~ms} ^ { - 1 }\). The resistance to motion of the trailer may also be assumed constant.
(b) Find the magnitude of the resistance force on the trailer. The car and trailer again travel along the road. At one instant their speed is \(15 \mathrm {~ms} ^ { - 1 }\) and their acceleration is \(0.57 \mathrm {~m} \mathrm {~s} ^ { - 2 }\).
(c) (i) Find the power of the engine of the car at this instant.
(ii) Find the magnitude of the tension in the tow bar at this instant. In a refined model of the motion of the car and trailer the resistance to the motion of each is assumed to be zero until they reach a speed of \(10 \mathrm {~ms} ^ { - 1 }\). When the speed is \(10 \mathrm {~ms} ^ { - 1 }\) or above the same constant resistance forces as in the first model are assumed to apply to each. The car and trailer start at rest on the road and accelerate, using maximum power.
(d) Without carrying out any further calculations,
(i) explain whether the time taken to attain a speed of \(20 \mathrm {~m} ^ { - 1 }\) would be predicted to be lower, the same or higher using the refined model compared with the original model,
(ii) explain whether the greatest steady speed of the system would be predicted to be lower, the same or higher using the refined model compared with the original model.
Pre-U Pre-U 9794/3 2012 June Q10
10 marks Challenging +1.2
10 \includegraphics[max width=\textwidth, alt={}, center]{f0c32e07-f3a0-4d58-bd00-c266177ceaac-4_81_949_1283_598} Three particles \(A , B\) and \(C\), having masses \(1 \mathrm {~kg} , 2 \mathrm {~kg}\) and 5 kg , respectively, are placed 1 metre apart in a straight line on a smooth horizontal plane (see diagram). The particles \(B\) and \(C\) are initially at rest and \(A\) is moving towards \(B\) with speed \(14 \mathrm {~m} \mathrm {~s} ^ { - 1 }\). The coefficient of restitution between each pair of particles is 0.5 .
  1. Find the velocity of \(B\) immediately after the first impact and show that \(A\) comes to rest.
  2. Show that \(B\) reverses direction after an impact with \(C\).
  3. Find the distance between \(B\) and \(C\) at the instant that \(B\) collides with \(A\) for the second time.
Pre-U Pre-U 9794/3 2013 June Q7
8 marks Standard +0.3
7 A particle \(A\) of mass \(4 m\), on a smooth horizontal plane, is moving with speed \(u\) directly towards another particle \(B\), of mass \(2 m\), which is at rest. The coefficient of restitution between the two particles is \(e\).
  1. Show that, after the collision, the velocity of \(A\) is \(\frac { 1 } { 3 } ( 2 - e ) u\) and find the velocity of \(B\).
  2. Hence write down their velocities in the case when \(e = \frac { 1 } { 2 }\). Particle \(B\) now collides directly with a third particle \(C\), of mass \(m\), which is at rest. The coefficient of restitution in both collisions is \(\frac { 1 } { 2 }\).
  3. Use your answers to part (ii) to find the velocities of \(A , B\) and \(C\) after the second collision has taken place.
  4. Explain briefly whether any further collisions take place.