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

Linear momentum and its conservation — practice question

Bar magnets P and Q are fixed on floats that can move along an air track with no friction. The two magnets move towards one another along the air track and interact, but do not touch. The relative speed at which the magnets approach is the same as their relative speed at which they move apart. Which statement about P and Q must be correct?

  • ADuring the interaction between P and Q some of the total kinetic energy is lost.
  • BDuring the interaction between P and Q some of the total momentum is lost.
  • CThe momentum of Q after the interaction is equal to the momentum of P before the interaction.
  • DThe values of (kinetic energy of P + kinetic energy of Q) before and after the interaction are equal.

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