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

DifficultyAll Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Level 4

1
A ball of mass $0.2\text{ kg}$ moving at $6\text{ m s}^{-1}$ strikes a wall at right angles and rebounds along the same line at $4\text{ m s}^{-1}$ . Taking the ball's initial direction as positive, find its change in momentum. (3 marks)
Level 3 · 3 marksTry it
2
Particle $A$ (mass $2\text{ kg}$ ) moves at $5\text{ m s}^{-1}$ . Particle $B$ (mass $4\text{ kg}$ ) moves along the same line in the opposite direction at $v\text{ m s}^{-1}$ . The total momentum of the two particles is zero. Find $v$ . (3 marks)
Level 3 · 3 marksTry it
3
A cricket ball of mass $0.15\text{ kg}$ travelling at $20\text{ m s}^{-1}$ is caught and brought to rest.

Find the magnitude of the change in momentum of the ball. (3 marks)
Level 3 · 3 marksTry it
4
A ball of mass $0.3\text{ kg}$ hits the floor moving vertically downwards at $8\text{ m s}^{-1}$ and rebounds vertically upwards at $5\text{ m s}^{-1}$ .

Find the magnitude of the change in momentum of the ball. (4 marks)
Level 3 · 4 marksTry it
5
Particle $X$ has mass $3\text{ kg}$ and speed $6\text{ m s}^{-1}$ ; particle $Y$ has mass $9\text{ kg}$ and speed $2\text{ m s}^{-1}$ .
(a) Show that the momenta of $X$ and $Y$ have equal magnitude. (2 marks)
(b) Find the magnitude of the total momentum when they move (i) in the same direction, (ii) in opposite directions. (2 marks)
Level 3 · 4 marksTry it

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