A-LevelPhysicsDynamics9702/12 · Feb/Mar 2016 · Q101 Mark
A particle of mass m, travelling with speed u, collides with a stationary particle of mass M. The velocities of the two particles before and after the collision are shown. [Figure 10.1] Which vector diagram correctly shows the momenta before and after the collision?
This question uses a diagram from the original paper, which isn't shown here. Open the full paper from the past papers archive to see it.
ADiagram A shows initial momentum mu as the vector sum of mu/2 (at angle alpha above horizontal) and Mu/3 (at angle beta below horizontal).
BDiagram B shows initial momentum mu as the vector sum of mu/2 (at angle beta above horizontal) and Mu/3 (at angle alpha below horizontal).
CDiagram C shows initial momentum mu as the vector sum of mu/2 (at angle alpha below horizontal) and Mu/3 (at angle beta above horizontal).
DDiagram D shows initial momentum mu as the vector sum of mu/2 (at angle beta below horizontal) and Mu/3 (at angle alpha above horizontal).
✓ Correct answer
B: Diagram B shows initial momentum mu as the vector sum of mu/2 (at angle beta above horizontal) and Mu/3 (at angle alpha below horizontal).
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