Edexcel A-Level Physics Conservation of Linear Momentum

Practise Edexcel A-Level Physics conservation of linear momentum through collision calculations, recoil examples, closed-system assumptions and vector components.

Exam points

state that total momentum before equals total momentum after when no external force acts
calculate post-collision or recoil velocities using p=mv and momentum conservation
resolve momentum components to test conservation in two-dimensional collision data

[Maximum number: 2]

P and Q are identical spheres. Sphere P moves along a smooth horizontal surface and collides with sphere Q, which is initially stationary.

After the collision:
- sphere P moves off with a momentum of $0.096 \mathrm{~kg} \mathrm{~m} \mathrm{~s}^{-1}$ in a direction of $15^{\circ}$ to its initial direction.
- sphere Q moves off with a momentum of $0.14 \mathrm{~kg} \mathrm{~m} \mathrm{~s}^{-1}$ in a direction of $10^{\circ}$ as shown.

Figure for Question 1.3.14 - Conservation of linear momentum question 1 — Edexcel A-Level Physics AS

State the principle of conservation of linear momentum.

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1.3.14 - Conservation of linear momentum question 1