2.

4 Analysing Momentum
Paper 2 – Essay Question (Section B)
Diagram 9.1 shows a stationary pistol on a smooth surface. Diagram 9.2 shows the pistol and bullet
after the pistol has been fired by remote control.

(a) (i) What is the meaning of momentum?

[1 mark]
(ii) State the total momentum of the pistol and bullet in Diagram 9.1
Using Diagram 9.1 and Diagram 9.2, compare the total momentum before and after the bullet
is fired. Using Diagram 9.2, compare the magnitude and direction of the momentum of the
bullet and pistol. Name the physics principle that can be applied to the motion of the bullet and
pistol.
[5 marks]
(b) Describe, in terms of momentum, the propulsion of a rocket engine.
[4 marks]
(c) Diagram 9.3 shows a the structure of a jet engine for a small jet plane.

You are required to give some suggestions to improve the design of the jet engine so that it can be
used on a larger jet plane that travels at a higher speed. Using the knowledge on force and motion
and the properties of materials, explain the suggestions based on the aspects labelled on Diagram
9.3.
[10 marks]
Answer
a) (i) Product of mass and velocity / /momentum = mass x velocity

(ii) State the total momentum in Diagram 9.1 correctly

-The total momentum of the pistol and bullet in Diagram 9.1 is zero

Compare the total momentum correctly

- Total momentum before the bullet is fired = total momentum
after the bullet is fired.

Compare the magnitude of the momentum of the bullet and

pistol correctly
- the magnitude of the momentum of the bullet and pistol is the same.

Compare the direction of the momentum of the bullet and

pistol correctly
- the direction of the momentum of the bullet and pistol are opposite

Name the physics principle correctly

- The principle involve is Principle of Conservation of Momentum

b) Describe the propulsion of a rocket engine correctly

- Liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen/fuel is pumped into the combustion
chamber for combustion.
- The exhaust gas is ejected out of the rocket nozzle at high speed.
- The ejected exhaust gas at high speed has a large backward momentum.
- According to the Principle of Conservation of Momentum, the rocket acquires
a large forward momentum with same magnitude but opposite direction.
Modification Explanation
Using bigger blades/increase the Increase the air intake
number of blades/increase the
speed of blade
Blade made of strong material Can withstand strong pressure/it will
not break easily
- Increase the number of fuel injectors// More fuel to be burnt to produce
add more fuel injectors greater thrust
Increase the size of the combustion More space for the fuel to be burnt
chamber

Decrease the diameter of the nozzle Exhaust gas ejected at higher

velocity/higher momentum