Physics 9702 · AS & A Level · Linear momentum and its conservation
Linear momentum and its conservation — practice question
As shown in Fig. 3.1, two balls X and Y are held by long strings. Each ball is drawn back and then released so that they move towards one another. When they collide at the position shown in Fig. 3.1, the strings are vertical. The balls then rebound in opposite directions. Fig. 3.2 gives the data for X and Y during this collision. Take the positive direction to be horizontal and to the right.
(a)[3]
Use conservation of linear momentum to determine the mass $M$ of Y.
(b)[1]
State and explain whether the collision is elastic or inelastic.
(c)[3]
Use Newton’s second and third laws to explain why the magnitude of the change in momentum of each ball is the same.
Worked solution & mark scheme
This 7-mark question has a full step-by-step worked solution and mark scheme. One marking point: “Momentum conservation equation applied” …