M1 January 2006 Q2

EdexcelOld spec8 marksImpulse & Momentum

2.

(a) Two particles \(A\) and \(B\), of mass 3 kg and 2 kg respectively, are moving in the same direction on a smooth horizontal table when they collide directly. Immediately before the collision, the speed of \(A\) is 4 m s\(^{-1}\) and the speed of \(B\) is 1.5 m s\(^{-1}\). In the collision, the particles join to form a single particle \(C\).
Find the speed of \(C\) immediately after the collision. (3)
(b) Two particles \(P\) and \(Q\) have mass 3 kg and \(m\) kg respectively. They are moving towards each other in opposite directions on a smooth horizontal table. Each particle has speed 4 m s\(^{-1}\), when they collide directly. In this collision, the direction of motion of each particle is reversed. The speed of \(P\) immediately after the collision is 2 m s\(^{-1}\) and the speed of \(Q\) is 1 m s\(^{-1}\). Find
(i) the value of \(m\), (3)
(ii) the magnitude of the impulse exerted on \(Q\) in the collision. (2)