Physics 9702 · AS & A Level · Momentum and Newton's laws of motion

Momentum and Newton's laws of motion — practice question

(a)[1]

State Newton’s second law of motion in terms of momentum.

(b(i))[2]

A toy rocket is made of a water container and compressed air. Compressed air forces water vertically down through a nozzle, and the rocket rises vertically upwards. The nozzle has a circular cross-section of radius $7.5\,\text{mm}$. The density of the water is $1000\,\text{kg m}^{-3}$. Take the water emerging from the nozzle to be a cylinder of radius $7.5\,\text{mm}$ moving at constant speed $13\,\text{m s}^{-1}$ relative to the rocket. Show that the mass of water leaving the nozzle in the first $0.20\,\text{s}$ after launch is $0.46\,\text{kg}$.

(b(ii).1)[1]

Calculate the change in momentum of the water mass in (b)(i) as it exits the nozzle.

(b(ii).2)[2]

Calculate the force exerted by the rocket on this mass of water.

(b(iii))[2]

State and explain how Newton’s third law relates to the rocket’s motion caused by the water.

(b(iv).1)[1]

The container has a mass of $0.40\,\text{kg}$. Before launch, the water has an initial mass of $0.70\,\text{kg}$. The mass of the compressed air in the rocket is negligible. Assume that the resistive force on the rocket due to its motion is negligible. At $0.20\,\text{s}$ after launch, show that the total mass of the rocket is $0.64\,\text{kg}$.

(b(iv).2)[2]

Calculate its acceleration.

Worked solution & mark scheme

This 11-mark question has a full step-by-step worked solution and mark scheme. One marking point: resultant force equal to or proportional to rate of change of momentum

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