M4 June 2007 Q1

EdexcelOld spec10 marksCollisions: 1 Sphere Oblique

1. A small ball is moving on a horizontal plane when it strikes a smooth vertical wall. The coefficient of restitution between the ball and the wall is \(e\). Immediately before the impact the direction of motion of the ball makes an angle of 60\(^\circ\) with the wall. Immediately after the impact the direction of motion of the ball makes an angle of 30\(^\circ\) with the wall.

(a) Find the fraction of the kinetic energy of the ball which is lost in the impact. (6)
(b) Find the value of \(e\). (4)