A-level · Momentum

Linear momentumExam-style questions

Linear momentum p = mv as a vector quantity in one dimension — how the sign carries the direction of motion, how to combine the momenta of several particles, and how to find a change in momentum by working with velocities (with signs) rather than speeds.

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16 questions · A Level level · mark scheme and worked solution on each · no sign-up to try

DifficultyAllLevel 1Level 2Level 3Level 4
  1. 1
    Two particles move along the same straight line. PP has mass 3 kg3\text{ kg} and moves at 4 m s−14\text{ m s}^{-1}; QQ has mass 5 kg5\text{ kg} and moves at 2 m s−12\text{ m s}^{-1} in the opposite direction. Taking PP's direction as positive, find the total momentum of the two particles. (3 marks)
    Level 2 · 3 marksTry it
  2. 2
    A particle has momentum of magnitude 7.5 kg m s−17.5\text{ kg m s}^{-1} when it moves at 3 m s−13\text{ m s}^{-1}.
    (a) Find its mass. (1 mark)
    (b) Find its speed when its momentum has magnitude 12.5 kg m s−112.5\text{ kg m s}^{-1}. (2 marks)
    Level 2 · 3 marksTry it
  3. 3
    (a) State the SI units of momentum. (1 mark)
    (b) Particle XX has mass 4 kg4\text{ kg} and speed 3 m s−13\text{ m s}^{-1}; particle YY has mass 2 kg2\text{ kg} and speed 7 m s−17\text{ m s}^{-1}, moving in the same direction. Determine which particle has the greater momentum, and by how much. (2 marks)
    Level 2 · 3 marksTry it
  4. 4
    A particle of mass 2.4 kg2.4\text{ kg} has momentum of magnitude 18 kg m s−118\text{ kg m s}^{-1}.

    Find its speed. (2 marks)
    Level 2 · 2 marksTry it
  5. 5
    A particle moving at 12 m s−112\text{ m s}^{-1} has momentum of magnitude 30 kg m s−130\text{ kg m s}^{-1}.

    Find its mass. (2 marks)
    Level 2 · 2 marksTry it