1. A rocket is fired vertically. At its highest point, it explodes.

Which one of the following

describes what happens to its total momentum and total kinetic energy as a result of the
explosion?

Total momentum Total kinetic energy

A. unchanged increased

B. unchanged unchanged

C. increased increased

D. increased unchanged
(1)

2. Which of the following quantities are conserved in an inelastic collision between two bodies?

Total linear momentum of the bodies Total kinetic energy of the bodies

A. yes yes

B. yes no

C. no yes

D. no no
(1)

1
3. An astronaut in outer space is holding a hammer and drifting at constant velocity. The astronaut
throws the hammer in the opposite direction to that in which she is drifting.

What change, if any, occurs in the total kinetic energy and the total momentum of the astronaut
and hammer?

Total kinetic energy Total momentum

A. unchanged increased
B. unchanged unchanged
C. increased increased
D. increased unchanged
(1)

4. This question is about driving a metal bar into the ground.

Large metal bars can be driven into the ground using a heavy falling object.

o b ject
m ass = 2 .0 × 1 0 3 k g

b ar
m ass = 4 0 0 k g

2
 3
In the situation shown, the object has a mass 2.0 × 10 kg and the metal bar has a mass of
400 kg.
–1
The object strikes the bar at a speed of 6.0 m s . It comes to rest on the bar without bouncing.
As a result of the collision, the bar is driven into the ground to a depth of 0.75 m.

(a) Determine the speed of the bar immediately after the object strikes it.
2 × 103 × 6.0 = 2.4 × 103 × v
to get v = 5.0 ms-1
(4)

(b) Determine the average frictional force exerted by the ground on the bar.

KE + PE = 1200 × 25 + 2400 × 9.81 × 0.75

KE + PE = 47658 J

Wfriction=ΔKE+ΔPE

Frictional Force= Wfriction/ Distance

F = 47658/0,75

Ffriction= 63544 N

(3)
(Total 7 marks)

3
5. The engine of a rocket ejects gas at high speed, as shown below.

ro ck et

h ig h sp eed d irectio n o f
g as m o tio n o f ro ck et

The rocket accelerates forwards because

Both A and C can be correct if it’s an elastic collision.

A. the momentum of the gas is equal but opposite in direction to the momentum of the
rocket.

B. the gas pushes on the air at the back of the rocket.

C. the change in momentum of the gas gives rise to a force on the rocket.

D. the ejected gas creates a region of high pressure behind the rocket.
(1)

4
6. Collisions

A large metal ball is hung from a crane by means of a cable of length 5.8 m as shown below.

In order to knock down a wall, the metal ball of mass 350 kg is pulled away from the wall and
then released. The crane does not move. The graph below shows the variation with time t of the
speed v of the ball after release.

3 .0

2 .0
v / m s– 1

1 .0

0 .0
0 .0 0 .2 0 .4 0 .6 0 .8 1 .0 1 .2 1 .4
t/s

The ball makes contact with the wall when the cable from the crane is vertical.

(a) For the ball just before it hits the wall,

(i) state why the tension in the cable is not equal to the weight of the ball;

Because the ball is in motion.

(1)

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 (ii) by reference to the graph, estimate the tension in the cable. The acceleration of free
–2
fall is 9.8 m s .

Ft=mg-mv2/r

Ft=9,8·350-350·2,6·2,6/5,8= 3022 N

(3)

(b) Use the graph to determine the distance moved by the ball after coming into contact with
the wall.

2,6·2,6=2aX

X=0,5a·1,35·1.35

(a,x)=(2 , 1,75)

Distance = 1,75 meters

(2)

(c) Calculate the total change in momentum of the ball during the collision of the ball with
the wall.

350·2=Initial momentum = 700

Final momentum = 350·0+x·0=0

Final – inicial = -700

(2)

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 (d) (i) State the law of conservation of momentum.

the total linear momentum of a system that is appart remains constant if no external forces act on it
(2)

(ii) The metal ball has lost momentum. Discuss whether the law applies to this
situation.

The law of conservation of momentum applies to isolated systems in which there is not external forces in
action. In this case, the collision with the wall involves external forces like air resistence, so the system is not
isolated.
(2)

(e) During the impact of the ball with the wall, 12 of the total kinetic energy of the ball is
converted into thermal energy in the ball. The metal of the ball has specific heat capacity
–1 –1
450 J kg K . Determine the average rise in temperature of the ball as a result of
colliding with the wall.

1183 J · 12% = 191,96 J

Q=mcΔT

191,96=350·450·T

T= 820

(4)
(Total 16 marks)