Active Physics Full Solutions to Textbook Exercises 09 Momentum | p.

Checkpoint 3 (p.257)
09 Momentum
Checkpoint
1. Take the direction to the right as positive. Let m to
be the mass of each trolley.
Checkpoint 1 (p.239)
Total momentum before the collision = +3m
1. Refer to the table. Total KE before collision

object mass/kg
velocity momentum = m(22) + m(12) = m
/m s−1 /kg m s−1
flying (a) No.
0.005 300 1.5
bullet Total momentum after the collision
running = −1m + 2m = +m
6000 8 48000
elephant
The total momentum should be conserved
moving before and after the collision.
1500 30 45000
race car
moving (b) Yes.
150000 5 750000
train Total momentum after the collision
= 1.2m + 1.8m = +3m
2. (a) F Total KE after the collision
Momentum depends on mass and velocity. = m(1.22) + m(1.82)
For example, a slow train may have
momentum larger than a fast bullet because = 2.34m < m
of its much greater mass.
During the collision, the total momentum is
(b) F conserved and some of the KE is lost.
Momentum is a vector. Two objects having
(c) No.
the same speed may have different velocities
Total KE after collision
if they travel towards different directions.
= m(32) = m> m
(c) T
The total KE should not be increased during
the collision.
Checkpoint 2 (p.247)
2. Take the initial direction of motion of the bullet as
1. B
positive. By conservation of momentum,
By Fnet t = mv − mu, the longer the impact time t,
mAuA + mBuB = (mA + mB)v
the larger the change in momentum (mv − mu).
(0.01)(300) + 0 = (0.01 + 0.99)v
Hence, continuing the swing results in a larger
∴ v = 3 m s−1
change in momentum of the ball, and hence it flies
off at a higher speed.
2. Change in momentum Checkpoint 4 (p.263)
=mv − mu =(0.2)(−2) − (0.2)(4) = −1.2 kg m s−1 1. (a) F
Average force Momentum cannot be ‘stored’ in an object.

= (b) T
(c) T
=
2. (a) No.
= −24 N
The ball gains momentum after the throw.
The average force acting on the ball is 24 N (away
from the wall). (b) No.
Although the momentum of the boy remains
3. Change in momentum
unchanged as he stays at rest, the ball gains
= area under the F–t graph
momentum after the throw.
= (0.1)(12000) = 600 kg m s−1.
(c) Yes.
Average force The boy should gain a backward momentum
after throwing the ball forward. Nonetheless,
= = 6000 N
such backward momentum is transferred to
the Earth, and so the total momentum of the
boy, ball and the Earth is conserved.
Active Physics Full Solutions to Textbook Exercises 09 Momentum | p.2

(d) No. 7. (a) Take the direction away from the racket as
The boy does not gain any KE as he remains positive.
at rest, but the ball gains KE after the throw. The change in momentum
m(v − u) = [20 − (−20)] = 2.4 kg m s−1
Exercise
The momentum of the tennis ball is
Exercise 9.1 (p.247) increased by 2.4 kg m s−1.
1. D (b) By Newton’s second law, we have
2. C Fnet = = ≈ 240 N
Flexing the arm will increase the collision time
The impact force acting on the ball is 240 N
and reduce the impact force.
(away from the racket).
3. C
(c) By Newton’s third law, the impact force
The impact time is lengthened while the max.
acting on the racket by the ball and that
force is reduced.
acting on the ball by the racket are the same,
§ The area under two graphs, which represent the i.e. 240 N.
change in momentum in two cases, should be the
8. (a) The change in momentum of the block
same.
4. (a) When the products collide with other things, (b) The change in momentum = = 6 N s.
the bubble wrap can lengthen the collision So the average force acting on the block is
time and hence reduce the collision forces on F= = = 1.5 N
the products.
(b) For a car collided on the crash cushion, the (c) Given that the mass m =1.5 kg.
faster the car’s speed, the greater the change in momentum = m(v − u)
momentum change and the longer the time 6 = 1.5(v − 0)
is needed to decelerate the car with the same v = 4 m s−1
collision force. The speed of the block at t = 4 s is 4 m s−1.

(c) This can increase the contact time between 9. Take the direction to the left as positive.
the club and the ball so that the momentum The flow rate of water is
change of the ball can be increased. = vAρ = (5)( )(1000) = 10 kg s−1
5. (a) Yes. By Newton’s second law, we have
The seat belt should extend to lengthen the
Fnet =
collision time. This can help reduce the
impact force acting on the driver. = (v − u) = (10)[5 − (−5)] = 100 N

(b) Increasing the contact area between the seat The magnitude of the average force acting on the
belt and the driver can result in a smaller water by the tube is 100 N.
pressure. It is less likely to cause injury to So, by Newton’s third law, the average force acting
the driver during a collision. on the tube by the water is also 100 N.
6. (a) By conservation of energy, we have 10. (a) (i) The momentum of each raindrop is
= mu = ×8
∴v = = 0.0016 kg m s−1
= (ii) Take the downward direction as
= 24.26 ms−1 positive.
Jim’s speed just before he lands on the By Newton’s second law, the average
cushion is 24.26 m s−1. force acting on the rain by the umbrella
The change in momentum is
= 70 × (24.26 − 0) = 1698 ≈ 1700 kg m s−1. Fnet =
(b) Take the downward direction as positive. By
=
v2 − u2 = 2as, we have
0 − 24.262 = 2(−98.1)s ⇒ s = 3 m = −0.16 N
The height of the cushion is 3 m. So by Newton’s third law, the average
Active Physics Full Solutions to Textbook Exercises 09 Momentum | p.3

force acting on the umbrella by the rain Ball B has the velocity of 1.4 m s−1 towards
is 0.16 N (downwards). the right after the collision.
The required force is (b) If balls A and B travel in the same direction
F = mg + Fnet after the collision, ball A moves towards the
= (0.2)(9.81) + 0.16 = 2.122 ≈ 2.12 N right and vA = 0.2 m s−1. So
(b) The answer becomes larger as the change in m Au A + m Bu B = m Av A + m B v B
momentum is greater than before. 2 = (4)(0.2) + (2)(vB)
∴ vB = 0.6 m s−1
Ball B has the velocity of 0.6 m s−1 towards
Exercise 9.2 (p.263) the right after the collision.
1. B 8. (a) By conservation of momentum,
KE is not conserved for inelastic collisions. mu = (m + M)v
2. C (2000)(70) = (2000 + 8000)v
Only the total momentum is conserved. Also note ∴ v = 14 km h−1
that X and Y experience the same impact force in (b) The common speed should be higher
magnitude, but not the same acceleration in because the initial momentum of the system
magnitude during the explosion. is larger.
3. B 9. (a) The collision is inelastic. They stick together
The total momentum is conserved. after the collision.
§ In fact, their changes in momentum should be (b) By the conservation of momentum, we have
always the same, no matter Tom is initially at rest m(5) = (m + 4)(3) ⇒ m = 6 kg
or not.
10. (a) Take the forward direction as positive. By
4. A conservation of momentum,
The total momentum along the horizontal 0 = m 1v 1 + m 2v 2
direction is conserved. 0 = (0.01)(800) + 5v2
5. (a) By conservation of momentum, the fan and ∴ v2 = −1.6 m s−1
the air blown should have momenta of the The recoil speed is 1.6 m s−1.
same magnitude. Thus, when the fan is (b) The energy comes from the chemical energy
switched on, the fan and the cart as well stored in the gunpowder.
moves in the direction opposite to the air
11. (a) Kinetic energy
flow.
E= mv2 ⇒ v=
(b) The momentum gained by the air is
imparted to the cardboard and the cart as
Momentum
well. By conservation of momentum, the fan
cart does not move. p = mv = m =

6. (a) The additional ‘weight’ is due to the (b) By the result of (a), we have p = and
momentum change of Betty when she squats so
down from rest during the short period of
p=
time.
≈ 1.29 × 10−20 kg m s−1
(b) The momentum is transferred to the Earth.
The magnitude of the momentum of the
She makes an impact with the Earth in this
particle is 1.29 × 10−20 kg m s−1.
process.
(c) The fraction is
7. (a) The total momentum before collision
= mAuA + mBuB = (4)(3) + (2)(−5) = 2 kg m s−1. ≈ 0.707 (∵E ∝ p2 ).

If balls A and B travel in the opposite 12. (a) uA = 4.0 m s−1

directions after the collision, ball A moves uB = 0.0 m s−1
towards the left and vA = −0.2 m s−1. So vA = 1.0 m s−1
m Au A + m Bu B = m Av A + m B v B vB = 3.0 m s−1
2 = (4)(−0.2) + (2)(vB) (b) The total momentum before the collision
∴ vB = 1.4 m s−1
= (4.0)(0.4) + 0 = 1.6 kg m s−1.
Active Physics Full Solutions to Textbook Exercises 09 Momentum | p.4

The total momentum after the collision The KE ratio of X to Y

= (1.0)(0.4) + (3.0)(0.4) = 1.6 kg m s−1.
= =
Therefore, the total momentum is conserved.
So statement (3) is correct.
(c) The total KE before the collision
7. D
= (0.4)(4.0)2 + 0 = 3.2 J.
Statement (1) is essential. If the string is
The total KE after the collision extensible, the height measured will be different
to the real value as part of the initial KE of the
= (0.4)(1.0)2 + (0.4)(3.0)2 = 2 J.
block goes to the elastic PE of the string.
No, the total KE is not conserved. The Statement (2) is essential. It is preferred that all
collision is inelastic. the KE of the bullet is transferred to the block.
Statement (3) is essential. It is preferred that no
Chapter Exercise energy of the bullet is lost as heat.
Multiple-choice Questions (p.266) 8. C
1. C Take the direction to the right as positive. The
The change in momentum equals the area under total momentum should be positive. As P has zero
the F–t graph. final momentum while Q has negative final
The area under the graph is momentum, Y should gain more momentum than
area X does.

= 2[ + + 0.05 × 300] Since the collision is elastic, the total KE is

conserved. In two cases, all the KE of P is
= 92 N m = 92 kg m s−1
transferred to X while the initial KE of Q is shared
2. B by both Q and Y. Hence X should gain more KE
Initially, the total momentum is than Y does.
(0.5)(3.5) + (1)(−1.4) = 0.35 kg m s−1 < 0
9. C
The wooden ball must move to the left after the
The speed just before the collision is
collision for the total momentum to be conserved.
So, 0.35 = (0.5)(−0.8) + (1)v ⇒ v = 0.75 m s−1 v= = = 7.672 m s−1

3. D The force is
The total KE should be conserved for the elastic F= = ≈ 537 N
collision.
10. A
4. A
Suppose the speed of the left ball just before the
Statement (2) is incorrect. In an inelastic collision,
collision is v. By conservation of momentum, the
the mechanical energy is converted to other forms
common speed of the balls just after the collision
of energy such as heat and sound.
is 0.5v. The total energy of the two balls changes
5. C
from E = mgh = mv2 to E' = (2m)(0.5v)2 = 0.5E.
The forces acting on the car and on the truck in the
collision form an action–reaction pair. The height can be calculated from
6. C 2mgh' = 0.5mgh ⇒ h' = 0.25h.
By conservation of momentum, after the explosion, § It is an inelastic collision and the KE of the balls
X and Y should have momenta of the same is not conserved.
magnitude but in opposite directions. So
statement (2) is incorrect. 11. B
Statement (1) is correct. The change in
Also,
momentum
0 = m Av A + m Bv B
= m(v − u) = (0.2)(−2 − 4) = −1.2 kg m s−1.
= =− So the magnitude of the change is 1.2 kg m s−1.
The speed ratio of X to Y is 1 : 2. Statement (1) is Statement (2) is incorrect. The average force
correct. acting from the ground
= mg + Fnet = (0.2)(9.81) + ≈ 14.0 N.
Active Physics Full Solutions to Textbook Exercises 09 Momentum | p.5

Statement (3) is correct as the speed of the ball (b) (i) The change in momentum is
just after the rebound is less than that just before m(v − u) = (70)(0 − 4.429)
the rebound. = −310.1 ≈ −310 kg m s−1
12. D The momentum of Jack is decreased by
Take the direction to the right as positive. The 310 kg m s−1. (1A)
initial total momentum m(u − v) must be positive (ii) The net force acting on Jack is
(∵u > v) and hence points to the right.
Fnet = = = −3101 N
In case (1), the final total momentum points to the Therefore net force acting on Jack is
left. So it is impossible. 3101 N (upwards). (1M)
In case (2), the final total momentum = mu + The average force acting on Jack by the
m(−v). So, the total momentum is conserved. The ground is
total KE = mu2 + mv2 and is conserved. So it is F = mg + Fnet
= (70)(9.81) + 3101
possible.
= 3787 ≈ 3790 N (1A)
In case (3), the final total momentum = mv.
(c) This can lengthen the collision time and
Assume that u = 2 m s−1, v = 1 m s−1. Also, initial KE
reduce the collision force acting on the
> final KE. So it is possible. The collision is
person. (1A)
inelastic.
16. (a) By conservation of energy, we have
§ Case (2) shows an elastic collision.
=
13. C
Let vP and vQ be the speeds of P and Q after
∴h =
collision, respectively. By conservation of
momentum, = (1M)
m P uP = m P vP + m Q vQ
= 0.2936 ≈ 0.294 m
(2)(6) = 2vP + (1)vQ ⇒ vP = 6 – vQ
When the ball is released, it is 0.294 m
As the two spheres move in the same direction above the lowest position. (1A)
after collision, vQ ≥ vP. (Otherwise P overtakes Q (b) (i) The distance moved by the ball
after collision.)
= (2.4 − 0)(1.2 − 1.0) = 0.24 m (1A)
Comparing the values of vP and vQ in each choice,
vQ / m s−1 vP / m s−1 (ii) The change in momentum of the ball
(1) 2 5 ⇒ impossible = m(v − u) = 400 × (0 − 2.4)
= −960 kg m s−1
(2) 4 4 ⇒ possible
Therefore the momentum of the ball is
(3) 6 3 ⇒ possible decreased by 960 kg m s−1. (1A)
OR: (iii) By Newton’s second law, we have
vQ ≥ 6 – vQ ⇒ vQ ≥ 4 m s−1 Fnet = = = 4800 N
So, only cases (2) and (3) are possible. So the average force acting on the ball
14. D by the wall is 4800 N.
Take the direction to the right as positive. By Newton’s third law, the force acting
Considering the ball and child Q, by conservation on the wall by the ball should be
of momentum, we have 4800 N (towards the right). (1A)
(1)(15) + (30)(−1.2) = 31v ⇒ v ≈ −0.68 m s−1 (c) No, the law is not violated. (1A)
The lost momentum is transferred to the
Earth, which does not have apparent motion
Structured Questions (p.268)
due to its large mass. (1A)
15. (a) Take the downward direction as positive.
17. (a) The initial separation is 0.48 m. (1A)
Applying v2 − u2 = 2as, we have
(b) (i) The initial momentum of marble X
v2 – 0 = 2(9.81)(1) (1M)
∴ v= = 4.429 ≈ 4.43 m s−1 = mu = (0.01)
The speed of Jack just before reaching the = 0.002667 kg m s−1 (1M)
ground is 4.43 m s−1. (1A)
Active Physics Full Solutions to Textbook Exercises 09 Momentum | p.6

The final momentum of marble X So their separation is

= mv s = (va − vB)t = [4 − (−5)] × 4 = 36 m (1A)

= (0.01) 19. (a) (i) Sam should stretch the rubber band by
the same length every time he shoots
= −0.001263 kg m s−1 (1M)
the disk out. (1A)
Therefore the change in momentum
(ii) Sam can measure the time needed for
mv − mu
disk A to travel one metre with a
= −0.001263 − 0.002667
stopwatch. (1A)
= −0.003930 ≈ −0.00393 kg m s−1.
The momentum of marble X is The speed is equal to where t is the
decreased by 0.00393 kg m s−1. (1A) time of travel in seconds. (1A)

(ii) By Newton’s second law, we have (b) Measure the mass of the disks mA and mB
Fnet = with the weighing scale. (1A)
Shoot out disk A at a known velocity u
= ≈ −0.393 N
towards disk B which is stationary initially.
Therefore the force acting on the Measure how far the disks can travel in a
marble is 0.393 N (backwards). (1A) fixed period of time after the collision. Hence,
(c) (i) By conservation of momentum, the determine the velocities vA and vB. (1A)
change in momentum of marble Y Repeat the previous step with different
equals 0.003930 kg m s−1, therefore values of the initial speed u of A. (1A)
p = m(v − u)
Attach some plasticine to disk B to vary mB
0.003930 = (0.03)(v − 0) (1M)
and repeat the experiment. (1A)
∴ v = 0.1310 ≈ 0.131 m s−1 (1A)
Verify the law by showing that
(ii) The initial total KE mAu = mAvA + mBvB. (1A)
= (0.01) + 0 = 3.556 × 10−4 J 20. (a) The air gains momentum from the blades
The final total KE and is forced downwards. By conservation of
momentum, the blades gain upward
= (0.01) + (0.03)(0.1310)2 momentum. (1A)
= 3.372 × 10−4 J (1M) When the rate of momentum gain of the
Since the total KE is not conserved, the blades, i.e. the upthrust, balances the weight
collision is inelastic. (1A) of the helicopter, the helicopter hovers in the
air. (1A)
18. (a) The elastic PE of the spring changes into the
KE of the trolleys. (1A) (b) (i) By Newton’s second law, considering
the momentum change of the air
(b) By E = mv2, we have v = , so column brought down by the blades,
we have
vA = = 4 m s−1 (1M+1A)
F= ⇒ F = ρπr2v(v − u)
(c) (i) The momentum of trolley A after the (1M)

‘explosion’ is where r is the length of the blade, ρ is

pA = mAvA = (1)(4) = 4 kg m s−1 the density of air.

By conservation of momentum, the § Considering the air column with

momentum of trolley B is height h that is brought down by the
pB = −4 kg m s−1. (1M) blades,

F= = (v − u)
By E = mv2 = , we have
= ρπr2 (v − u) = ρπr2v(v − u).
10 = (1M)
Note that represents the speed of the
∴ mB = 0.8 kg
air column being brought down.
So the mass of trolley B is 0.8 kg. (1A)
So we have
(ii) By p = mv, we have
mg = ρπr2v(v − u)
vB = = = −5 m s−1 (1M) (1200)(9.81) = (1.2)π(8)2v(v − 0) (1M)
Active Physics Full Solutions to Textbook Exercises 09 Momentum | p.7

∴ v = 6.985 ≈ 6.99 m s−1 collision is 2.1 m s−1 towards the

The speed of the air below the blades is right. (1A)
6.99 m s−1. (1A) (ii) (1) Given that KE = mv2.
(ii) By P = , we have
The total KE before collision
P= mv2 × = (80)(1.52) + (50)(0.32)

= (ρπr2v)v2 = 92.25 J (1A)

The total KE after collision
= ρπr2v3
= (50)(2.12) = 110.25 J (1A)

So we have
So KE is gained during the
P= (1.2)π(8)2(6.985)3 (1M)
collision.
≈ 41100 W (2) The extra KE comes from the
The power of the rotor is 41100 W. work done by the pushing force
(1A)
by skater A. (1A)
(c)
(c) By the law of conservation of momentum, we
have
mAuA + mBuB = (mA + mB)v
(80)(1.5) + (50)(−0.3) = (80 + 50)v (1M)
∴ v ≈ 0.808 m s−1
Therefore, their common velocity is
0.808 m s−1 towards the right. (1A)
Correct diagram: 1A
22. (a) It is an inelastic collision. (1A)
Considering the vertical component of the
forces, we have (b) By conservation of energy,
L cos 5° = mg (1) KE loss = PE gain
Let F be the required forward force. mv2 = mgh (1M)

Considering the horizontal component of the

forces, we have ∴ v= =
L sin 5° = F (2) =1m s−1
The speed of the cart just after the collision
, we have is 1 m s−1. (1A)

= tan 5° (c) By the law of conservation of momentum,

(1M)

F = mg tan 5° m Au A + = (mA + mB)v

= (1200)(9.81) tan 5° (0.43)uA = (0.43 + 40)(1)
= 1030 ≈ 1000 N u = 94.02 ≈ 94.0 m s−1
Therefore, the required forward force is The speed of the bullet just before the
about 1000 N. (1A) collision is 94.0 m s−1. (1A)
21. (a) The total momentum of a system is (d) Since the pistol is fired in the direction along
conserved, (1A) the inclined track, some of its energy has
provided that no net external force is acting been converted into gravitational PE before
on it. (1A) hitting the plasticine. (1A)
(b) (i) Take the right direction as positive. By During the collision, part of the energy is lost
the law of conservation of momentum, to change the shape of the plasticine. (1A)
we have (e) When the bullet collides with the metal part,
m Au A + m Bu B = m Av A + m Bv B it rebounds backward instead of moving
(80)(1.5) + (50)(−0.3) forward after embedding into the plasticine.
= (80)(0) + (50)vB (1M) (1A)

∴ vB = 2.1 m s−1 By the law of conservation of momentum,

Correct signs in the equations: 1M the cart must gain a larger forward
Therefore the velocity of B after the momentum. (1A)
Active Physics Full Solutions to Textbook Exercises 09 Momentum | p.8

The maximum height that the cart can reach (b) (i) By the law of conservation of
increases. (1A) momentum, we have
Effective communication: 1A muA + muB = (m + m)v (1M)
(40+20) =
23. (a) No, the forces are not an action–reaction pair
(1A)
∴ v = 30 m s−1 (1A)
because they act on the same object. (1A)
(ii) By Newton’s second law, we have
(b) (i) By − = 2as, we have
v2 u2 F=
v2 − 02 = 2(10)(1)
⇒ v = 4.472 ≈ 4.47 m s−1 = (1M)

The speed of the object just before the = −250000 N (1A)

impact is 4.47 m s−1. (1A) Therefore the impact force is
(ii) Take the upward direction as positive. 250000 N (towards the left). (1A)

By Newton’s second law, we have 25. (a) The rocket releases a large amount of gas in
R − mg = (2M) the backward direction. (1A)
By Newton’s third law, the gas exerts an
R − (5)(10) = equal and forward force to push the sled
∴ R ≈ 795 N (1M) forward. (1A)
By Newton’s third law, the force (b) The average force experienced by Stapp is
exerted on the shell by the object and F=
the force exerted on the object by the
shell, i.e. the normal reaction, have the = ≈ 16100 N (1M+1A)

same magnitude.
(c) When Stapp decelerated, his body and his
So the magnitude of average force
eyeballs tended to move forward at a high
acting on the shell by the object is
speed due to inertia. (1A)
795 N. (1A)
His body decelerated with the aid of seatbelt,
(c) During the collision, the band extends so as but his eyeballs had to decelerate without
to increase the impact time of the collision. such aid. (1A)
(1A)

Therefore the average force acting on the So he felt that his eyeballs were popping out
shell by the object decreases to reduce the of his skull.
harm to the worker. (1A) (d) During a car crash, the car decelerates
24. (a) (i) Take the direction to the right as rapidly to rest. (1A)
positive. By v = u + at, we have Seat belts prevent the passengers from
v = 60 + (−4)(5) (1M) moving forward due to inertia and collide
= 40 m s−1 with other rigid objects. (1A)
The speed of A just before collision is
40 m s−1. (1A) Shoot-the-stars Questions (p.272)
(ii) 1. B
As the collision is elastic, both the total
momentum and total kinetic energy are conserved.
The balls (with equal mass) have their speed
exchanged upon every collision.
Thus the meeting point has an angular
displacement of revolution clockwise for every
collision. After 5 collisions, the meeting point will
Correct sketch: 1A move back to A.
(iii) The displacement of A is So, the answer is 5 × 5 = 25 s.

sA = = = 250 m 2. C
As the total momentum is conserved, the upward
(1M)

Also, sB = vB t = (20)(5) = 100 m. (1M) momentum of 3m kg m s−1 and the momentum of

Therefore x = 250 – 100 = 150 m. (1A) 4m kg m s−1 are retained after the collision.
Only option C satisfies the conditions.
Active Physics Full Solutions to Textbook Exercises 09 Momentum | p.9

§ The conservation of momentum holds in each Putting vA = vB − u into (1), we have

direction since momentum is a vector. mA (u − vB + u) = mB vB

3. D ∴ vB = (1A)

When a moving object collides elastically and

obliquely with a stationary object of the same Putting vB = vA + u into (1), we have
mass, the objects always move off at a right angle. mA (u − vA) = mB (vA + u)
So statements (1) and (3) are correct. ∴ vA = (1A)

Without other possible conversion of energy (into

5. (a) The total weight of the man and the pack is
gravitational PE, elastic PE, etc.), the total KE of
W = mg = (95)(9.81) = 931.95 N (1M)
the air pucks is conserved in an elastic collision. So
statement (2) is correct. Therefore,

§ The proof of right-angled track is as follows: F= (v − u) = ρv'A [v' − ]

Consider the oblique and elastic collision between = 1.625ρAv'2 (1M)
object A (of mass mA) and object B (of mass mB). If
The upthrust balances the total weight of the
A has an initial velocity of and B is initially at
man and the pack, and hence
rest, by conservation of momentum,
931.95 = (1.625)(1000)(5 × 10−3)v'2
mA = mA + mB ∴ v' = 10.71 ≈ 10.7 m s−1 (1A)
If mA = mB, we have
§ Considering the length of water column
= +
being ejected, we have
The velocity vectors now form a triangle.
ρA = ρAv
Refer to Q20 for more detail.
(b) If v' is increased by 10%, the force is
increased by 21%, i.e. the new upward force
If the collision is elastic, the total KE of the objects
is 931.95 × 121% = 1128 N.
are conserved and we have
The acceleration is
muA2 = mvA2 + mvB2
a= =
u A2 = v A2 + v B2
The magnitude of three vectors satisfy Pythagoras’ = 2.0601 ≈ 2.06 m s−2
theorem and hence θ is a right angle. 6. (a) When the particle of mass m hits the centre
of the stick, it can be treated as a collision
4. (a) By conservation of momentum, we have (1M)
between a particle of mass m and a particle
m Au + = m Av A + m Bv B of mass M.
mA (u – vA) = mBvB (1A) Take the rightward direction as positive.
(b) By conservation of energy, we have (1M) Assume that the stick moves at the velocity V
after collision. By the law of conservation of
m Au 2 + = m Av A2 + m Bv B2 momentum, we have
mv = MV (1M) ⇒ V= v
m Au 2 − m Av A2 = m Bv B2
The speed of the centre of gravity of the stick
mA(u2 – vA2) = mBvB2 (1A)
is v after the collision. (1A)
(c) From the result of (a) and (b), we have
mA(u − vA) = mBvB (1) (b) By the law of conservation of momentum,
mA(u + vA)(u − vA) = mBvB 2 (2) the case is the same as in (a). Thus the speed
of the centre of gravity of the stick is again
, we have v after the collision. (1A)

= § Applying the conservation of energy in this

case probably comes to a dead end, as the KE
Therefore, of the particle is converted into the linear KE
and rotational KE of the stick, which is out
(1M)
of current syllabus.