CAIE A-Level Further Math AS 3.6 Momentum Questions
Practise resolving direct or oblique impacts along the line of centres, combining momentum with restitution and checking kinetic-energy change or parameter bounds.
Syllabus
2028–2030
Course
Further Mathematics 9231
Level
AS
Exam points
conserve momentum along the line of centres with a consistent signed velocity convention
apply restitution to relative normal speeds while retaining unchanged tangential components
recombine components for speed or direction and compare total kinetic energy before and after
PCLM: mv=−mucos60∘+2mucosθv=−21u+2ucosθ=v=21u(4cosθ−1) First line must be seen.
AG
Question (b)
(b)
Find the value of cosθ.
[ 4 ]
KE of A=21m(v2+(usin60∘)2) KE of A=2×KE of B, so 21m(v2+(usin60∘)2)=2×21×2m(usinθ)2(21u(4cosθ−1))2+43u2=4u2(sinθ)28cos2θ−2cosθ−3=0 Use result of (a) and rearrange. Obtain 3-term quadratic.
cosθ=43,−21 but angle is acute, so cosθ=43
Question (c)
(c)
Find the value of e.
[ 2 ]
NEL: v=e(ucos60∘+ucosθ)v=u,u=e(21u+43u)e=54
Question 2
[Maximum number: 7]
Question (a)
(a)
Find the value of tanθ.
[ 4 ]
After collision, A has velocity vA towards wall on right and B has component of velocity towards lower wall of usinθ. Same distance and time, so vA=usinθ. Along line of centres: PCLM: mvA+mvB=mucosθ NEL: vA−vB=eucosθ Both, consistent signs, must be cosθ.
2sinθ=(1+e)cosθ Eliminating vA and vB to find an equation in θ. Condone common factor of u.
Note: vA=43ucosθ and vB=41ucosθ.
tanθ=43 4
Question (b)
(b)
Find the percentage loss in the total kinetic energy of the spheres as a result of this collision.
[ 3 ]
Final KE =21m(vA2+(usinθ)2+vB2) Both components of velocity of B needed.
Loss =21mu2−21m(vA2+(usinθ)2+vB2)=21mu2(1−259−259−251)vA,vB,θ substituted, ft their final KE with both components of velocity of B included.
Loss =253mu2
Percentage loss = 24\% 3
Question 3
[Maximum number: 5]
A particle P of mass m is moving with speed u on a fixed smooth horizontal surface. It collides at an angle α with a fixed smooth vertical barrier. After the collision, P moves at an angle θ with the barrier, where tanθ=21 (see diagram). The coefficient of restitution between P and the barrier is e. The particle P loses 20\% of its kinetic energy as a result of the collision.
Find the value of e.
Parallel to wall vcosθ=ucosα
Perpendicular to wall vsinθ=eusinα Both
Dividing, e=2tanα1 AEF
KE reduced by 20%, so 21mu2(cos2α+e2sin2α)=54×21mu2 Dimensionally correct equation in u or v, but not both. Must have either α or θ, but not both. Must see 54 on the correct side of the equation.
Eliminate e:cosα=54e=32 PUBLISHED
2
Alternative method for question 2
Parallel to wall vcosθ=ucosα
Perpendicular to wall vsinθ=eusinα Both
[sin(θ)=55,cos(θ)=525]usin(α)=5e5v,ucos(α)=525vu2=[u2cos2(α)+u2sin2(α)]=54v2+5e2v2 AEF, e.g. 5v2(4+e21)21mv2=[54×21mu2=]52m5v2(4+e21) Dimensionally correct equation in v.
Must have either α or θ, but not both.
Must see 54 or 52 on the correct side of the equation.