9 Momentum & Force Student Check

Specification
reference Checklist questions

3.4.1.6 Can you apply the equation momentum = mass × velocity?

3.4.1.6 Can you explain the conservation of linear momentum?

Can you apply the principle of conservation of linear momentum to

3.4.1.6
problems in one dimension?

3.4.1.6 Can you explain force as the rate of change of momentum?

3.4.1.6 Can you explain that impulse = change in momentum?

3.4.1.6 Can you apply FΔt = Δ (mv), where F is constant?

Can you explain the significance of the area under a force–time

3.4.1.6
graph?

3.4.1.6 Can you describe forces that vary with time?

Can you explain that impact force is related to contact time, and
3.4.1.6 apply this to problems involving kicking a football, crumple zones and
packaging?

Can you define and explain elastic and inelastic collisions, and
3.4.1.6
explosions?

Can you explain momentum conservation issues in the context of

3.4.1.6
ethical transport design?
 9.1 Force and Impulse
To be able to calculate force from change in momentum
Learning
To be able to explain and calculate impulse
Outcomes
To know the significance of the area under a force-time graph

Force (Also seen in GCSE Physics)

If we start at F = ma we can derive an equation that links force and momentum.
(v−u )
a=
F=ma we can replace a in this equation with t from Unit 2
( v−u )
F=m
t multiplying out makes the equation
mv−mu Δ(mv )
F= F=
t or Δt where ∆ means ‘the change in’
This states that the force is a measure of change of momentum with respect to time. This is Newton’s Second Law
of Motion:
The rate of change of an object’s linear momentum is directly proportional to the resultant external force.
The change in the momentum takes place in the direction of the force.

If we have a trolley and we increase its velocity from rest to 3m/s in 10 seconds, we know that it takes a bigger
force to do the same with a trolley that’s full of shopping. Ever tried turning a trolley around a corner when empty
and then when full?
Force is measured in Newton’s, N
Car Safety (Also seen in GCSE Physics)
Many of the safety features of a car rely on the above equation. Airbags, seatbelts and the crumple zone increase
the time taken for the car and the people inside to stop moving. Increasing the time taken to change the
momentum to zero reduces the force experienced.

Catching
An Egg: If we held our hand out and didn’t move it the egg would smash. The change in momentum happens in a
short time, making the force large. If we cup the egg and move our hands down as we catch it we make it take
longer to come to a complete stop. Increasing the time taken decreases the force and the egg remains intact.
Cricket Ball: If we didn’t move our hands it would hurt when the ball stopped in our hands. If we make it take
longer to stop we reduce the force on our hands from the ball.

Impulse
mv−mu
F=
t multiply both sides by t  Ft=mv−mu
Δ(mv )
F=
Δt multiply both sides by t  FΔt=Δ(mv)
We now have an equation for impulse. Impulse is the product of the force and the time it is applied for.
An impulse causes a change in momentum.
Impulse is measured in Newton seconds, Ns

Since FΔt=Δ(mv) , the same impulse (same force applied for the same amount of time) can be applied to a small
mass to cause a large velocity or to a large mass to cause a small
velocity

Ft = m= v
v m
Force-Time Graphs
The impulse can be calculated from a force-time graph, it is the same
as the area under the graph. The area of the first graph is given by:

height x length = Force x time = Impulse

 Analysis 9.1 Impulse

A device for firing toy cars was used to investigate the concept of impulse. The firing force could be adjusted and the
velocity of a car of unknown mass was recorded.

Here are the velocities the car travelled at after the force was applied for 0.07 seconds.
Force, Velocity, Mean Velocity, Mass,
F v v m
(N) (m/s) (m/s) (kg)
0.5 0.27 0.28 0.28
1.5 0.88 0.83 0.81
2.5 1.47 1.37 1.36
3.5 2.03 1.94 1.92
4.5 2.52 2.52 2.52
5.5 2.98 3.17 3.09
6.5 3.75 3.58 3.59
Mean

Analysis
1. Calculate the mean velocity for each of the forces.
2. What is the uncertainty in the measurement of v when F is 1.5?
3. Calculate this as a percentage of the mean v.
4. What is the uncertainty in the measurement of v when F is 2.5?
5. Calculate this as a percentage of the mean v.
6. What is the uncertainty in the measurement of v when F is 4.5?
7. Calculate this as a percentage of the mean v.
8. Which type of error is responsible for the variation in value of v?

9. Plot a graph of F against v (on the x axis) and draw a line of best fit.
10. Does your line of best fit pass through the origin? Should it? Explain your answer.
11. If F and v are connected by the equation Ft=mv , what does the gradient of your line represent?
12. Calculate the gradient of your line of best fit.
13. Use the gradient to calculate the mass of the toy car.
14. Use the above equation to calculate a value of m for each value of F, write these values in the table above.

15. Calculate the mean value of m from the table.

16. What is the uncertainty in this value?
17. The mass of the toy was measured to be 125g.
18. Calculate the difference between the actual value and the gradient answer.
19. What is this as a percentage of the actual answer?
20. Calculate the difference between the actual value and the table answer.
21. What is this as a percentage of the actual answer?
22. Which word describes the answer that is closer to the true answer?
23. If the velocity was calculated by measuring how far the toy car moved in 1 second, how could you increase the
precision of the value of velocity?
 9.2 Impulse Graphs – How Science Works – Analysis Activity
A simple setup of an inclined plane (10 degrees to normal) and trolley with force sensor strapped to the top was used to investigate impulse graphs. The
sensor and cart had a mass of 0.61kg and it was allowed to fall from rest 0.4m down the ramp experiencing a constant acceleration of gsin. From this
you should..
Predicted
1. Work out the area under each graph (impulse Ft) Impulse/ Impact impact Max
Item
Ns Time/ s velocity / Force/ N
-1
2. Fill in the table to show impulse, impact time and maximum force for ms
each one. Cardboard Box 1.08 0.0500 1.77 51
Harder Foam
3. Work out the initial impact velocities for each experiment and an Soft Foam
average from the area calculation.
Wooden Block
Blue Tac
4. Work out the expected impact velocity using a SUVAT formula.
Ave
5. Compare the two methods expressing your ideas in terms of
energy losses or transformations.

Extra Help Q4

Working out the impact velocity of using v2 = u2 + 2as & gsin for 10
degrees for we can compare what is the expected velocity from
impulse is ft = mv-mu = 0 – mu.

Hence, ft / m = -u or the impact velocity if all the energy went directly

back into the force sensor.
Cardboard Box
Harder Packing Foam (open weave)
Soft Packing Foam with cone shapes in rear.
Wooden Block (Hard)
Blue Tac
Answers

Cart & Force Sensor of mass 0.61 kg, allowed to fall down a slope of 10 degrees incline a distance of 0.4m into…

Predicted Impact
Item Impulse/ Ns Impact Time/ s Max Force/ N
velocity /ms-1
Cardboard Box 1.08 0.0500 1.77 51
Harder Foam 0.76 0.0500 1.245 31
Soft Foam 0.27 0.0950 0.44 5
Wooden Block 0.77 0.0300 1.26 56
Blue Tac 0.72 0.0275 1.18 55
Ave 0.72 0.0405 1.18 39.6

Working out the impact velocity of using v2 = u2 + 2as & gsin for 10 degrees for we can compare what is the expected velocity from impulse is…

ft = mv-mu

= 0 – mu.

ft / m = -u
or the impact velocity if all the energy went directly back into the force sensor.

From SUVAT theoretical impact velocity u = 1.167ms-1. (2 x g ms-2 x sin10 x 0.4m)0.5 = 1.167ms-1

Taking an average of all 5 readings –u = -1.18ms-1,

This is a rough experiment but clearly on average energy is lost in an item which rebounds, some of energy lost in heating of the substance. The
calculated value is also lower meaning that the equipment must not be precise enough to see the change properly. If the force sensor is not zeroed the
area will be more meaning velocity is over predicted.
 9.3/4 Momentum and Collisions Theory
To be able to calculate momentum and know the units
Learning
To be able to explain the difference between elastic and inelastic collisions
Outcomes
To be able to find the velocity of an object after a collision or explosion

Momentum (Also seen in GCSE Physics)

The momentum of an object is given by the equation: momentum = mass x velocity p=mv
Since it depends on the velocity and not speed, momentum is a vector quantity. If we assign a direction to be
positive for example if  was positive, an object with negative velocity would be moving . It would also have a
negative momentum.
Momentum is measured in kilogram metres per second, kg m/s or kg m s -1

Conservation (Also seen in GCSE Physics)

In an isolated system (if no external forces are acting) the linear momentum is conserved.
We can say that: the total momentum before = the total momentum after
The total momentum before and after what? A collision or an explosion.

Collisions (Also seen in GCSE Physics)

There are two types of collisions; in both cases the momentum is conserved.
Elastic – kinetic energy in conserved, no energy is transferred to the surroundings
If a ball is dropped, hits the floor and bounces back to the same height it would be an elastic collision with the floor.
The kinetic energy before the collision is the same as the kinetic energy after the collision.
Inelastic – kinetic energy is not conserved, energy is transferred to the surroundings
If a ball is dropped, hits the floor and bounces back to a lower height than released it would be an inelastic
collision. The kinetic energy before the collision would be greater than the kinetic energy after the collision.

Before After
In the situation above, car 1 and car 2 travel to the right with initial velocities u1 and u2 respectively. Car 1 catches
up to car 2 and they collide. After the collision the cars continue to move to the right but car 1 now travels at
velocity v1 and car 2 travels a velocity v2. [ is positive]
Since momentum is conserved the total momentum before the crash = the total momentum after the crash.
The total momentum before is the momentum of A + the momentum of B
The total momentum after is the new momentum of A + the new momentum of B
We can represent this with the equation: m1 u1 +m2 u2 =m 1 v 1 + m2 v 2

Explosions (Also seen in GCSE Physics 2)

We look at explosions in the same way as we look at collisions, the total momentum before is equal to the total
momentum after. In explosions the total momentum before is zero. [ is positive]

Before After
If we look at the example above we can see that the whole system is not moving, so the momentum before is zero.
After the explosion the shell travels right with velocity v2 and the cannon recoils with a velocity v1.
The momentum of the system is given as: m1 u1 +m2 u2 =m1 v 1 + m2 v 2

So the equation for this diagram would be: 0=m1 v 1 +m2 v 2

But remember, v1 is negative so: 0=−m1 v 1 +m2 v 2  m1 v 1 =m2 v 2

At GCSE you should have met the concept of momentum, given by the
equation:
momentum, p  mass, m  velocity, v

You should also know that, assuming no external force is acting, the total
momentum before a collision is equal to the total momentum after it. In other
words, linear momentum is conserved in a collision. Kinetic energy is
conserved in elastic collisions, but some of it is converted to other forms in
inelastic collisions.
In this worksheet you will become more familiar with the concept of collisions
and practise problems involving collisions.

Learning objectives
After completing the worksheet you should be able to:
 understand that momentum is equal to the product of mass and velocity
 understand the concept of the conservation of linear momentum
 apply the principle of conservation of linear momentum to problems in one dimension,
including elastic and inelastic collisions
Δ (m v)
F=
 understand that force may be expressed as the rate of change of momentum, Δt
 understand that impulse is the rate of change of momentum and be able to express it as
an equation, F Δt  Δ(m v)
 understand the significance of the area under a force–time graph.

There are three common collision scenarios that you should be familiar with.
These are shown below. In each it’s assumed that the positive direction is to
the right.
m1 is the mass of the first object
u1 is the velocity of the first object before collision
v1 is the velocity of the first object after collision
m2 is the mass of the second object
u2 is the velocity of the second object before collision
v2 is the velocity of the second object after collision
1 Standard collision

total momentum before collision  total momentum after collision

m1 u1  m2 u2  m1 v1  m2 v2

2 Objects join together on impact

Since they join together, both objects travel with the same velocity after
impact.
m1 u1  m2 u2  (m1  m2) v

3 Head-on collision

Objects travel in opposite directions after impact

m1 u1  m2 u2  −m1 v1  m2 v2
(In this case the term m1 v1 has a minus sign before it since the momentum is
to the left.)
Worked example 1 – Collision
Question
A truck of mass 50 kg travelling with a velocity of 3.0 m s –1 collides with a stationary truck
of mass 30 kg and they move on together.
a Calculate their velocity after the collision.
b Is the collision elastic or inelastic?
(Be on the lookout for keywords in the question to identify what kind of collision it is.)
Answer
Step 1
Draw a simple diagram of the collision, including the values provided.

a Step 2
Find the velocity after collision by applying the law of conservation of momentum.
m1 u1  m2 u2  (m1  m2) v
(50  3)  (30  0)  (50  30) v
150  0  80 v
150
v  80
v  1.9 m s−1 (to two significant figures)
b Step 3
To decide whether the collision is elastic or inelastic, you need to calculate the kinetic
energy before and after the collision, and compare the values.
1
EK  2 m v2
Before collision:
1 1
EK  2 m1 u12  2  m2 u22
1 1
 (  50  3 )  ( 2  30  02)
2 2

 230 J
After collision:
1
EK  2 (m1  m2) v2
1
 2  (50  30)  1.92
 140 J
Since EK before collision ≠ EK after collision, the collision is inelastic.

Worked example 2 – Impulse

Question
A snooker cue hits a stationary white snooker ball of mass 0.20 kg and applies an average
force of 40 N over 9.0  10–3 s.
Calculate
a the impulse
b the velocity of the snooker ball after the impact.
Answer
a Step 1
Calculate the impulse.
impulse  F Δt
 40  9.0  10−3
 0.36 N s (or kg m s−1)
b Step 2
Since the impulse represents the change in momentum, you can now calculate the
velocity after impact using the equation:
impulse  momentum after collision − momentum before collision
F t  m v – m u
Since the snooker ball starts from stationary, u  0 m s−1.
0.36  (0.20  v) − (0.20  0)
0.36  0.2 v
0.36
v  0.2
 1.8 m s−1
Worked example 3 – force–time graphs
Question
The graph shows how the force acting on an object varies with time. If the object is
moving in a straight line, calculate the change in momentum.

Answer
Since the change in momentum is equal to the impulse, you can find it by calculating the
area under the force–time graph. This is because the area under a force–time graph is
equal to the force multiplied by time.
You can divide the area under this particular graph into a rectangle and a triangle.
total area under the graph  area of rectangle  area of triangle
1
 (2  6)  ( 2  4  4)
 12  8
 20 kg m s−1
 9.3 Conservation of Momentum Analysis Task / Practical (Collisions)

Aims
In this investigation you will arrange for a
moving trolley to collide with a stationary
trolley so that they move together after the
impact. You will take measurements and test
that momentum is conserved in the collision.

Safety
 A piece of foam rubber or carpet should be
used to protect the bench.
 Fix a suitable backstop to prevent each
trolley rolling off the runway.

Equipment, materials and method

Figure 1 Testing conservation of momentum

A trolley (A) is pushed along a runway so it collides with a second trolley (B) that is initially
stationary. The runway should be slightly inclined to compensate for friction. The incline
should be sufficient to allow the trolley to move down the runway at constant velocity after it
has been given a push.
A motion sensor connected to a computer may be used to record the velocity of trolley A
before and after the collision. Alternatively, a ticker tape passing through a ticker timer could
be attached to trolley A to record the motion of the trolley.
Take measurements as described below to determine the momentum of trolley A before the
collision and the momentum of both trolleys after the collision.
1 For this investigation you will need a suitable runway, two trolleys, a motion sensor and a
computer (or ticker tape, a ticker timer and a suitable power supply), a top-pan balance, a
suitable backstop to prevent the trolleys rolling off the end of the runway and foam
rubber or carpet to protect the bench.
2 Measure and record the mass, mA, of trolley A and the mass, mB, of trolley B.
3 Push trolley A into trolley B so they stick together on impact and move together after the
impact. Use the motion sensor or ticker tape to record the velocity of trolley A.
4 Estimate the uncertainty in the measurement of the velocity of trolley A before the
collision, vA, and of trolley A and trolley B after the collision, V.
5 Repeat the test at least two more times.
Results and calculations
For each test:
 Calculate the momentum of trolley A before the collision ( = mA vA ) and the total
momentum of the trolleys A and B after the collision = (mA + mB)V
 Calculate the ratio R = the total momentum after the collision
the total momentum before the collision
 Estimate the uncertainty in the total momentum before the collision and the total
momentum after the collision.
Use the results from all the tests you carried out to calculate an average value of ratio R and
discuss whether or not your results show that momentum was conserved in the collisions.

Notes….
 The runway should be slightly inclined to compensate for friction. The uncertainty of each
velocity measurement is also estimated so it can be used to estimate the uncertainty of
the total momentum before and after the collision.
 By carrying out the test at least three times, students should be able to show that the total
momentum is conserved. The measured velocities in each test should not be averaged as
they will differ due to trolley A not being given the same ‘push’ in each test. Instead, the
ratio of the total final momentum to the total initial momentum is calculated and
averaged. The results, including the uncertainties in the measurements, can be used to
compare the theoretical value of the ratio (= 1) with the average measured ratio.
 You may want to suggest the use of sticky tack to help the trolleys stick together on
impact.
 9.3 Conservation of Momentum Analysis Task (Collisions)

Results Version 1 (blue tac stick) Results Version 2

A (s,t) ∆sA = 0.15
(0.893m,0.960s) -> (0.133m, 0.270s) ∆tA = 0.35
AB (s,t) ∆sAB = 0.15
(0.893m, 0.960s) -> 1.596., 2.370) ∆tAB = 0.70
Mass Calculated
MA = 0.86988kg VA= 0.43ms-1
MB = 0.87768kg VAB= 0.214ms-1
Mass
MA = 0.890kg
MB = 0.889kg
Velocity from formula = 0.215ms-1

Task….

Work out a predicted v = …….ms-1

Work out an actual v = …….ms-1

Difference is velocity lost ………………. …….ms-1

KE lost ………………………………..J
 9.3 Investigating an Explosion
Aims
When two objects fly apart, they gain equal and opposite amounts of momentum. In this
investigation, your task is to design an experiment to test this statement and then to use your
experiment to measure the mass of an object.

Safety
 Use a piece of foam rubber or carpet to protect the bench.
 Beware of falling trolleys, blocks and masses.
 Fix a suitable backstop behind each block to prevent them being pushed off the runway.

Equipment, materials and method

Figure 1 investigating a model explosion

You will need to make measurements to show that the trolleys carry away equal and opposite
amounts of momentum. You will use the apparatus to measure the mass of an object.
Figure 1 shows how you should set up your apparatus.
1. For this investigation you will need a suitable runway, two trolleys, two metre rulers, blocks
and backstops, foam rubber or carpet to protect the bench, a top-pan balance, an object of
unknown mass and the means of fixing it to one of the trolleys.
2. Measure the mass of each trolley.
3. Use the arrangement shown in Figure 1 to make two trolleys fly apart on a horizontal runway.
Adjust the starting position of the trolleys so that they hit the blocks simultaneously.
4. The ratio of the distances travelled by each trolley (to impact with the block) is in proportion
to the velocity ratio of the two trolleys. Measure the distance travelled by each trolley the
respective block and hence determine the velocity ratio.
5. Record all your measurements.
6. Repeat the test at least two further times.
Results and calculations
 If momentum is conserved, the mass ratio of the two trolleys is equal to the inverse of the
velocity ratio. Use the velocity ratios to calculate a value for the mass ratio of the two
trolleys. Calculate an average value for the mass ratio and compare this with the mass
ratio calculated from the measured mass values. Use your results to show that the two
trolleys carry away equal and opposite amounts of momentum.
 Fix an object of unknown mass securely to one of the trolleys and repeat the test. Use your
results to calculate the mass ratio of the loaded trolley and hence calculate the mass of
the unknown object.
 Use the range of the velocity ratio values to estimate the uncertainty in the mass ratio.
Hence determine the uncertainty in the mass of the unknown object.

Notes
 To design an experiment to test the fact that when two objects fly apart, they gain equal
and opposite amounts of momentum.
 To use the experimental set-up to measure the mass of an object.
 The investigation needs to be carried out by students working together to synchronise the
trolley impacts (with the blocks) by adjusting the starting position of the two trolleys.
 The tests on the two unloaded trolleys should give the ratio of the velocities of the trolleys
immediately after they separate. The average of these values can then be compared with
the inverse of the ratio of the measured masses. This comparison should show that the
average velocity ratio is equal to the inverse mass ratio thus showing that the two trolleys
carry away equal (and opposite) momentum.
 The tests are repeated with one of the trolleys loaded with an unknown mass. As explained
above, the results are then used to calculate the mass ratio of the two trolleys when one
is loaded. Using this value and the measured mass of each trolley, the unknown mass can
then be determined. The range of the velocity ratios are used to give an estimate in the
uncertainty of the mass ratio. This can then be used to estimate the uncertainty in the
value of the mass.
 9.3 Air Track Collisions and Explosions
Introduction
A moving glider on a linear air track collides with a
stationary glider, thus giving it some momentum. This
data logging experiment explores the relationship
between the momentum of the initially moving glider,
and the momentum of both gliders after the collision. 
 Light gates, interface and computer x 2 (or similar
method to find velocity)
 Linear air track with two gliders, each fitted with a
black card (as interrupt)
 Glider accessories: magnetic buffers, pin and
Plasticine OR bluetac
 Clamps for light gates, 2
 Electronic balance (to weigh the gliders)

General Setup Points

1 Set up the linear air track in the usual manner, taking
care to adjust it to be perfectly horizontal. A
stationary glider should not drift in either direction
when placed on the track. 

2 Select two air track gliders of equal mass. Attach to each a magnetic buffer at one end, and a black card in
the middle. You may adjust mass with bluetac.

3 Prepare each card accurately to a width of 5.0 cm, and enter this value into the software. 

4 The mass of the gliders must also be measured and entered into the software to prepare for the
calculations (see below). If magnets are not available, 'crossed' rubber band catapults are an acceptable
alternative. 

5 Connect the light gates via an interface to a computer running data-logging software. The program should
be configured to obtain measurements of momentum, derived from the interruptions of the light beams
by the cards.  OR you will need to work out an alternative method to measure the velocity of the glider.

6 For the elastic collision (first part), the momentum measured at A depends upon the mass of the moving
glider only. The momentum measured at B depends upon the mass of the initially stationary glider only. 

7 For the inelastic collision (second part), the momentum measured at A depends upon the mass of the
moving glider, whereas the momentum measured at B depends upon the combined mass of both gliders. 

8 Results should be a series of results in a table with two columns, showing the momentum before and after
each collision. It is informative to display successive measurements on a simple bar chart. 
Detailed Methods….
Part 1 - Elastic Collisions 
Using the setup as shown you simply collide the bullet glider into the target glider. Into a stationary
glider. The use of an elastic band on each collision point normally gives a good “elastic collision”
1 Momentum is conserved assuming no external forces act on gliders
2 Kinetic Energy is conserved

Part 2 – Totally inelastic Collisions 

The gliders are stuck together either with Velcro or bluetac and carry on together. Crash and shunt!

1 Momentum is conserved assuming no external forces act on gliders

2 Kinetic Energy is lost in heat, sound

 
Inelastic Collision Theory – where does the KE go?
An inelastic collision, in contrast to an elastic collision, is a collision in which kinetic energy is not conserved
due to the action of internal friction.
In collisions of macroscopic bodies, some kinetic energy is turned into vibrational energy of the atoms, causing
a heating effect, and the bodies are deformed.
The molecules of a gas or liquid rarely experience perfectly elastic collisions because kinetic energy is
exchanged between the molecules' translational motion and their internal degrees of freedom with each
collision. At any one instant, half the collisions are – to a varying extent – inelastic (the pair possesses less
kinetic energy after the collision than before), and half could be described as “super-elastic”
(possessing more kinetic energy after the collision than before). Averaged across an entire sample, molecular
collisions are elastic.
 Review Activity – Newtons Laws

http://www.physicsclassroom.com/Physics-Tutorial/Newton-s-Laws
1. Lesson 1 - Newton's First Law of Motion
a. Newton's First Law
b. Inertia and Mass
c. State of Motion
d. Balanced and Unbalanced Forces

2. Lesson 2 - Force and Its Representation

a. The Meaning of Force
b. Types of Forces
c. Drawing Free-Body Diagrams
d. Determining the Net Force

3. Lesson 3 - Newton's Second Law of Motion

a. Newton's Second Law
b. The Big Misconception
c. Finding Acceleration
d. Finding Individual Forces
e. Free Fall and Air Resistance
f. Double Trouble

4. Lesson 4 - Newton's Third Law of Motion

a. Newton's Third Law
b. Identifying Action and Reaction Force Pairs
 Momentum Unit Assessment - 30 minutes 24 marks

Name: Score/Grade:

Section A (3)

1. The graph shows the variation with time, t, of the force, F, acting on a body.

What physical quantity does the area X represent?

A the displacement of the body

B the acceleration of the body

C the change in momentum of the body

D the change in kinetic energy of the body

–3 –4 2
2. Water of density 1000 kg m flows out of a garden hose of cross-sectional area 7.2 × 10 m at
–4 3
a rate of 2.0 × 10 m per second. How much momentum is carried by the water leaving the
hose per second?

–5
A 5.6 × 10 Ns

–2
B 5.6 × 10 Ns

C 0.20 N s

D 0.72 N s

3. Which row, A to D, in the table correctly shows the quantities conserved in an inelastic collision?

mass momentum kinetic energy total energy

A conserved not conserved conserved conserved
B not conserved conserved conserved not conserved
C conserved conserved conserved conserved
D conserved conserved not conserved conserved
(Total 3 marks)

Section B (21)
1) A toy locomotive of mass 0.50kg is initially at rest on a horizontal track. The locomotive is powered by a
twisted rubber band which, as it unwinds, exerts a force which varies with time as shown in the table.

time/s 0.0 1.0 2.0 3.0 4.0 5.0 6.0 7.0 8.0

force/N 0.20 0.18 0.15 0.12 0.10 0.08 0.05 0.02 0.00

(a) (i) On graph paper plot a graph of force against time for the rubber band power source. (3 marks)

(ii) State what is given by the area between the graph and the time axis.

...................................................................................................................... (1)

(b) The rubber band is wound up and released to power the locomotive. Use your graph to show that the
speed of the locomotive 8.0s after the twisted rubber band is released is l.6ms –1. Ignore the effects of air
resistance and energy losses due to friction.

................................................................................................................................................

.…………............................................................................................................................. (2 marks)

(c) 8.0s after release the locomotive collides with and couples to a toy truck, initially at rest, which has a mass of
1.50kg.

(i) Calculate the speed of the coupled locomotive and truck after collision.

...........................................................................................................................

........................................................................................................................ (1 mark)

(ii) Calculate the combined kinetic energy of the locomotive and truck immediately after collision.

...........................................................................................................................

....................................................................................................................... (1 mark)

(iii) Show, with the aid of a calculation, whether or not the collision is elastic.

...........................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................
(2 marks)

(a) (i) Give an equation showing how the principle of conservation of momentum applies to the
colliding snooker balls shown in the diagram.

u1 u2

m1 m2
 v1 v2

m1 m2

....................................................................................................................................................(1)

(ii) State the condition under which the principle of conservation of momentum applies.

............................................................................................................................ (1)

(b) A trolley, A, of mass 0.25 kg and a second trolley, B, of mass 0.50 kg are held in contact on a smooth horizontal
surface. A compressed spring inside one of the trolleys is released and they then move apart. The speed of A is 2.2
m s–1.

(i) Calculate the speed of B.

...........................................................................................................................

........................................................................................................................... (2 marks)

(ii) Calculate a minimum value for the energy stored in the spring when compressed.

...........................................................................................................................

........................................................................................................................... (2 marks)

iii) Why would the energy in fact need to be more than this to propel the carts at the speeds calculated in part I and
give in the question when considering the real world.

...........................................................................................................................

........................................................................................................................... (1 mark)
3)

(a ) A bullet of mass 0.010 kg travelling at a

speed of 200 m s–1 strikes a block of wood of
mass 0.390 kg hanging at rest from a long
string. The bullet enters the block and lodges in
the block. Calculate

h
200 m s –1
G

(i) the linear momentum of the bullet before it strikes the block,

...........................................................................................................................................(2)

(ii) the speed with which the block first moves from rest after the bullet strikes it.

...........................................................................................................................

........................................................................................................................... (2)
 Answers
Section A
1) C – Change in Momentum….. ft = (mv-mu)

2) B –

Momentum = mv

 = m/V

V = m

Vv = mv

v = 2 x 10-4m3 / 7.2 x 10-4ms-1 = 0.277ms-1

1000kgm-3 x 2.0 x 10-4 m3 x 0.277ms-1 = 0.05555 kgms-1 = 0.056 kgms-1

3) D Everything must be conserved but some energy is transferred into another form.

Section B
1)
(a) (i) points plotted correctly (1) (deduct one for each incorrect)
sensible scales chosen (1)
line of best fit (1)
(ii) change in momentum [or impulse] (1) (accept 0.8)
(max 4)
(b) area under graph = 0.80±0.05 (1) (kgms–1)
mu = ∆mv so u = ∆mv/m = 0.8/0.5 (1) = 1.6 ms–1

alternative:

state average force = 0.10(N) (1)

leading to correct derivation of 1.6ms–1 (1)
(2)
(c) (i) u = 0.40ms–1 (1)
(ii) kinetic energy = 0.16 J (1)
(iii) initial kinetic energy = 0.64 J (1)
kinetic energy lost so inelastic (1)
(4)
2)
(a) (i) equation showing momentum before = momentum after (1)

(ii) no external forces (on any system of colliding bodies) (1)

(2)
(b) (i) (by conservation of momentum m1v1 + m2v2 = 0)
0.25 × 2.2 = – 0.50v2 (1)
v2 = –1.10ms–1 (1)
1 1
(ii) = total k.e. = 2 × 0.25 × 2.2 + 2 × 0.5 × 1.12 (1)
2
= 0.91J (1)
iii) Some energy will be wasted inside the spring as thermal energy and as friction between
the wheels and track.
(5)

3)

(a) (i) p = mv

1 × 10–3 × 200 = 2.0 (1)

kg ms–1 (Ns) (1)

(ii) total mass after collision = 0.40 kg (1)

0.40 v = 2.0 gives v = 5.0 ms–1 (1) (allow e.c.f. from (i))
(4)
 Chapter 9 Force and Motion Exam Questions
4 The graph in Figure 1 shows how the velocity, v, of a car varies with time, t.

Figure 1
a Describe the motion of the car for the 50 s period.

(3 marks)

b The mass of the car is 1200 kg. Calculate for the first 20 s of motion:
i the change in momentum of the car

ii the rate of change of momentum

iii the distance travelled.

(4 marks)
From AQA Physics A PA02 Mechanics and Molecular Kinetic Theory June 2008
(Question 3)
5 A steady stream of water strikes a wall horizontally without rebounding and, as a result, exerts a force
on the vertical wall.
a With reference to Newton’s laws of motion,
i state and explain why the momentum of the water changes as it strikes the wall

ii explain why the water exerts a constant force on the wall.

(5 marks)
b Water arrives at the wall at a rate of 18 kg s –1. It strikes the wall horizontally, at a
speed of 7.2 m s–1 without rebounding. Calculate:
i the change in momentum of the water in one second

ii the force exerted by the water on the wall.

(3 marks)

c State and explain the effect on the magnitude of the force if the water rebounds
after striking the wall.

(2 marks)

From AQA Physics A PA02 Mechanics and Molecular Kinetic Theory January 2008
(Question 3)
6 a State, in words, how the force acting on a body is related to the change in
momentum of the body.

(1 mark)

b A football of mass 0.42 kg is moving horizontally at 10 m s –1 towards a footballer’s

boot, which then kicks it. Figure 3 shows how the force between the boot and the
ball varies with time while they are in contact.

Figure 3
i What is the significance of the area enclosed by the line on a force–time graph and the
time axis when a force acts on a body for a short time?

(1 mark)

ii Estimate the impulse that acts on the ball, stating an appropriate unit.

answer 
(4 marks)
c Discuss the consequences if the ball had approached the boot at a higher speed but
still received the same impulse.

(3 marks)

From AQA Physics A PHYA4/2 Fields and Further Mechanics January 2011 (Question 2)
7 a State one similarity and one difference between an elastic collision and an inelastic
collision.
similarity

difference

(2 marks)
From AQA Physics A PHYA/2 Fields and Further Mechanics January 2013 (Question 1)

b Runners can experience injuries to their leg joints due to jarring when their feet
strike the ground.
Explain how scientists have improved the soles of running shoes to reduce the risk
of these injuries.

(3 marks)

From AQA Physics B PHYB2 Physics Keeps Us Going June 2012 (Question 3)
8 Spectacle lenses can be tested by dropping a small
steel ball onto the lens, as shown in Figure 5, and then
checking the lens for damage.

a In a test the ball bounced back to a height of 0.85 m.

Calculate the speed of the ball just before impact.

speed  m s−1
(2 marks)
b Calculate the speed of the ball just after impact.

speed  m s−1
(2 marks)
c Calculate the change in momentum of the ball due to the impact.

momentum  kg m s−1
(2 marks)
d The time of contact was 40 ms. Calculate the average force of the ball on the lens
during the impact.

average force  N
(2 marks)
e Explain, with reference to momentum, why the test should also specify the material
of the plinth the lens sits on.

(2 marks)

From AQA AS Physics 7407/1 Paper 1 Specimen 2014 (Question 4)

 Chapter 9 Force and Motion Exam Answers
Question Answer Marks Guidance
1a Accelerates uniformly / constantly for first 20 s  (quoting Note: Only need to see
numerical value correctly) 3 uniformly / constant once
Travels at constant speed (of 15 m s–1) 
Decelerates (to rest) (OR negative acceleration)
1bi (Use of p  mv)
p  1200  15  4
p  18 000 N s 
18 000
1 b ii
Rate of change of momentum  20  900 N 
1 b iii (Use of distance  average speed  time)
15+0
Distance  2  20
Distance  150 m 
Total 7
From AQA Physics A PA02 Mechanics and Molecular Kinetic Theory mark scheme June 2008 (Question 3)
2ai Velocity / speed changes OR acceleration 
The momentum decreases to zero  Max
because the wall exerts a force on the water  5
Hence the water exerts an equal but opposite force on the
wall 
in accordance with Newton’s third law 
Correct application of Newton’s second law 
2 a ii Force is constant because water flows at a constant rate

2bi (Use of p  mv)
p  18  7.2  3
p  130 N s 
2 b ii Force  130 N (allow ecf from i)
2c Magnitude is greater 
because there is a bigger (rate of) change of momentum 2

OR velocity OR acceleration
Total 10
From AQA Physics A PA02 Mechanics and Molecular Kinetic Theory mark scheme January 2008 (Question 3)
3a Force  rate of change of momentum  1
3bi Area under graph represents impulse OR change in 1
momentum 
3 b ii Suitable method to estimate area under graph, 
for example, counting squares: 20 to 23 squares  4
Each of area 25  10  20  0.5 (N s) 
–3

OR
approximate triangle, etc. 
1
2  250  10–3  90 
gives impulse  11 ± 1 
N s (or kg m s–1)
Question Answer Marks Guidance
3c Final speed would be lower 
Any two of the following points  3
Initial momentum would be greater OR greater u must be
reversed
Change in momentum / velocity is the same / larger F
acts for shorter t
Initial and final momenta are (usually) in opposite
directions
Initial and final momenta may be in same direction if initial
speed is sufficiently high
OR
impulse (from graph)
−initial speed
Final speed  mass of ball 
gives final speed v  (26 ± 3) – initial speed u 
Consequence is
v is in opposite direction to u when u < 26
v is in same direction as u when u > 26
v is zero (ball stationary) when u  26
Any one of these bullet points 
Total 9
From AQA Physics A PHYA4/2 Fields and Further Mechanics mark scheme January 2011 (Question 2)
4a Similarity: Momentum is conserved (in both cases).  For second mark, allow kinetic
Difference: Kinetic energy is conserved in an elastic 2 energy is only conserved in
collision but not in an inelastic collision.  elastic collision, OR kinetic
energy is not conserved in an
inelastic collision.
From AQA Physics A PHYA/2 Fields and Further Mechanics mark scheme January 2013 (Question 1)
4b Soles compress / increased distance to stop / stopping
occurs over a longer time  3
Momentum change occurs over a longer time / smaller
rate of change of momentum / same energy absorbed but
over a longer distance / smaller deceleration 
Smaller force 
From AQA Physics B PHYB2 Physics Keeps Us Going mark scheme June 2012 (Question 3)
Total 5
5a Use of v2  u2  2as to give v2  2 (9.81) (1.27)  1
2
v  25 (24.9) Allow use of mgΔh  2 mv2
2

v  5.0 (m s–1)  The first mark is for using the

equation.
The second for the final
answer.
5b Use of v2  u2  2as to give 0  u2  2 (–9.81) (0.85)  The first mark is for using the
u  17 (16.7)
2 2 equation.
The second for the final
–1
u  4.1 m s 
answer.
5c Change in momentum  mv  mu The first mark is for using the
 0.016  5  0.016  4.1  2 equation.
The second for the final
–1
 0.15 (0.146) kg m s 
answer.
5d Use of force  change in momentum / time taken The first mark is for using the
equation.
0.15 2
The second for the final
 40   10–3  answer.
 3.6 N 
Question Answer Marks Guidance
5e Impact time can be increased if the plinth material is not
stiff.  2
Increased impact time would reduce the force of the
impact. 
OR
A softer plinth would decrease the change in momentum
of the ball (or reduce the height of rebound). 
A smaller change in momentum would reduce the force of
impact. 
Total 10
From AQA AS Physics 7407/1 Paper 1 Specimen mark scheme 2014 (Question 4)