Physics 9702 · AS & A Level · Linear momentum and its conservation

Linear momentum and its conservation — practice question

The diagram depicts a particle $P$, moving with speed $v$, just before it collides with a particle $Q$ at rest and of the same mass. The collision is perfectly elastic. Which statement describes the motion of $P$ and of $Q$ immediately after the collision?

  • AP and Q both travel in the same direction with speed $\frac{1}{2}v$.
  • BP comes to rest and Q acquires speed $v$.
  • CP rebounds with speed $\frac{1}{2}v$ and Q acquires speed $\frac{1}{2}v$.
  • DP rebounds with speed $v$ and Q remains stationary.

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