B Mechanics Chapter 8 Momentum

8 Momentum

Practice 8.1 (p. 207)

1 D
Take the upward direction as positive. KE of the boy
Change in momentum of the ball 1
= mv 2
= mv − mu 2
1
= 0.5 × 6 – 0.5 × (−8) = × 60 × 42
2
= 7 kg m s–1
= 480 J
2 C
KE of the girl
Momentum of the tennis ball 1
= mv 2
= mtvt 2
57 1
= × 60 = × 40 × 62
1000 2
= 3.42 kg m s–1 = 720 J
Momentum of the football The girl has larger kinetic energy.
= momentum of the tennis ball 6 Let the mass of runner A be mA and the
–1
= 3.42 kg m s velocity of runner A be vA.
mfvf = 3.42 The momentum of runner A
400 v = mA vA = p
× f = 3.42
1000
KE of runner A
vf = 8.55 m s–1 1 2
= m Av A = E
The velocity of the football is 8.55 m s–1. 2
3 B Momentum of runner B
4 C = 2mA vA = 2p
5 Magnitude of momentum of the boy KE of runner B
= mv 1
= (2m A )v A 2 = 2E
= 60 × 4 2

= 240 kg m s–1 The momentum and kinetic energy of runner

Magnitude of momentum of the girl B are 2p and 2E respectively.

= mv 7 (a) Momentum of the object before the

= 40 × 6 force acts

= 240 kg m s–1 = mu
=2×5
The magnitudes of momenta of the boy and
the girl are the same. = 10 kg m s–1
The momentum of the object is

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B Mechanics Chapter 8 Momentum

10 kg m s−1 before the force acts. The force acting on the driver is 1600 N
opposite to the travelling direction of
the car.
(b) Momentum of the object after the force
has acted (b) Since the force acting on the driver is
= mv huge (1600 N), the driver will be
= 2 × 10 seriously hurt or even dead if he/she
–1
= 20 kg m s does not wear a seat-belt.
The momentum of the object is 10 (a) By v2 = u2 + 2as,
−1
20 kg m s after the force has acted. v = 2 gs
(c) Gain in momentum = 2 × 10 × 10
= mv − mu = 14.1 m s–1
= 20 − 10 When the dry cell hits the ground, its
= 10 kg m s–1 speed is 14.1 m s–1.
The gain in momentum of the object is mv − mu
(b) F =
10 kg m s−1. t
0.02 × 14.1 − 0
(d) Force acting on the object =
change in momentum 0.004
= = 70.5 N
time of impact
10 The force of impact acting on the cell is
=
5 70.5 N.
=2N 11 (a) Take the initial travelling direction of
The force acting on the object is 2 N. water as positive.
8 (a) The cushion in the glass column can mv − mu
F=
reduce the force of impact acting on the t
0 − 15 × 25
peanut by lengthening the time of =
1
impact. Therefore, the peanut does not
= −375 N
break.
The water experiences 375 N, in a
(b) The cushion in an envelope can reduce
direction opposite to its initial travelling
the force of impact acting on the fragile
direction, by the wall.
items by lengthening the time of impact.
(b) By Newton's third law, the force exerted
9 (a) Take the travelling direction of the car
by the water on the wall is equal to the
as positive.
force exerted by the wall on water.
mv − mu
F= Therefore, the force exerted by the
t
80 × 0 − 80 × 20 water on the wall is 375 N, in the initial
=
1 travelling direction of water.
= −1600 N

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B Mechanics Chapter 8 Momentum

0.47
F=
0.3
= 1.57 N
(accept 1.175−1.57 N)
The force of impact is 1.57 N.
12 For football P:
(c) From the v–t graph, the velocities of the
Take the initial travelling direction as
trolley before and after impact are
positive.
mv − mu 0.36 m s−1 and 0.35 m s−1 respectively.
F=
t Take the direction of the final velocity
m × (−15) − m × 20 of the trolley as positive.
=
0.5
By Ft = m × (v − u),
= −70m N Ft
m=
Football P experiences a force of −70m N. v−u
For football Q: 0.47
=
Take the initial travelling direction as 0.35 − (−0.36)
positive. = 0.662 kg
mv − mu The mass of the trolley is 0.662 kg.
F=
t
m × (−15) − m × 20
= Practice 8.2 (p. 219)
0.5
1 B
= −70m N
2 C
Football Q experiences a force of −70m N.
3 B
Therefore, both of them experience the same
4 (a) This is an inelastic collision. Some of
force of impact which is −70m N.
the kinetic energy of the bullet is
13 (a) The shaded area represents the impulse
converted into internal energy of the
of the force acting on the trolley and
apple.
impulse = Ft, where F is the force on
(b) This is an inelastic collision. The kinetic
trolley and t is the time of impact.
energy of the aeroplane is converted to
The area is also equal to the change of
sound energy and internal energy of the
momentum of the trolley,
building.
i.e. impulse = Ft = mv – mu
(c) This is an elastic collision. The kinetic
where m is the mass of the trolley, and u
energy of the puck does not change.
and v are the velocities of trolley before
5 Take the moving direction of the shell as
and after impact respectively.
positive.
(b) Time of impact = 0.3 s
By conservation of momentum,
(accept 0.3−0.4 s)
total momentum before firing the shell
Area under curve = Ft = 0.47 N s
= total momentum after firing the shell

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B Mechanics Chapter 8 Momentum

0 = mshellvshell + mcannonvcannon total momentum before collision

0 = 5 × vshell + 8000 × (–0.08) = total momentum after collision
–1
vshell = 128 m s mwhiteuwhite + mblueublue
−1
The velocity of the shell is 128 m s . = mwhitevwhite + mbluevblue
0.135 × uwhite + 0
= 0.135 × 0.2 + 0.135 × 0.5
6 Let v be the common velocity of the bullet
and trolley. uwhite = 0.7 m s–1
By conservation of momentum, The speed of the white ball when it hits
total momentum before impact the blue ball is 0.7 m s−1.
= total momentum after impact (b) Total KE before the collision
mbulletubullet + mtrolleyutrolley = (mbullet+ mtrolley) × v 1 1
= mwhite(uwhite)2 + mblue(ublue)2
6 × 10–3 × ubullet + 0.8 × 5 2 2
1
= (6 × 10–3 + 0.8) × 8.5 = × 0.135 × 0.72 + 0
2
ubullet = 475 m s–1
= 0.0331 J
The velocity of the bullet before the impact is
Total KE after the collision
475 m s−1. 1 1
= mwhite(vwhite)2 + mblue(vblue)2
7 (a) Take backwards as positive. 2 2
By conservation of momentum, 1 1
= × 0.135 × 0.22 + × 0.135 × 0.52
total momentum before hitting the ball 2 2

= total momentum after hitting the ball = 0.0196 J

mKathyuKathy + mballuball Since there is loss of total kinetic

= mKathyvKathy + mballvball energy, the collision is inelastic.

0 = mKathyvKathy + 0.3 × vball 9 (a) Let v be the velocity of the boat after
mKathyvKathy – 0 = –(0.3 × vball) dropping water.
3 – 0 = –(0.3 × vball) By conservation of momentum,

vball = –10 m s–1 total momentum before dropping water

The velocity of the volleyball after = total momentum after dropping water
impact is –10 m s . −1 mboatvboat = (mboat + mwater) × v
mv − mu 0.45 × 1 = 0.46 × v
(b) F = ,
t v = 0.978 m s−1
3 The velocity of the boat after dropping
=
0.25
water in it is 0.978 m s −1.
= 12 N
(b) KE of the boat before dropping some
The average force acting on Kathy is
water
12 N. 1
= mu2
8 (a) By conservation of momentum, 2

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B Mechanics Chapter 8 Momentum

1 = 0.175 kg m s–1
= × 0.45 × 12 = 0.225 J
2 Momentum after collision
KE of the boat after dropping some = (mA + mB)v
water = (0.5 + 0.5) × 0.176
1
= mv2 = 0.176 kg m s–1
2
1 Momentum is conserved within limits
= × 0.45 × 0.9782 = 0.215 J
2 of experimental error.
The kinetic energies of the boat are Revision exercise 8
0.225 J and 0.215 J before and after Multiple-choice (p. 222)
dropping water respectively. 1 C
(c) KE of water 2 D
1 mv − mu
= × 0.01 × 0.9782 By F = , the largest net force acting
2 t
= 0.004 78 J on the object is represented by the steepest
Since the total kinetic energy of the boat slope of the graph.
and water before 'collision' is not equal 3 B
to that after 'collision'; and the boat and By Ft = mv – mu,
water ‘stick’ together after collision, the 1.5 = 0.024 × v − 0.024 × (−15)
'collision' is completely inelastic. v = 47.5 m s–1
10 (a) It is a completely inelastic collision. The speed of the ball is 47.5 m s–1 when it
(b) Before collision: leaves the racket.
Velocity of trolley A uA 4 D
= slope of the graph All choices (A−D) follow the conservation of
0.9 − 0.2 momentum.
=
2.6 − 0.6 D violates conservation of energy and the
= 0.35 m s–1 total KE of the balls after collision is greater
(accept 0.34−0.39 m s−1) than that before collision.
Velocity of trolley B uB = 0 5 A
After collision: 6 (HKCEE 2004 Paper II Q9)
Velocity of trolleys A and B 7 (HKCEE 2000 Paper II Q10)
= slope of the graph 8 (HKCEE 2002 Paper II Q12)
1.5 − 0.9
=
6 − 2.6
Conventional (p. 223)
= 0.176 m s–1
1 (a) Change in momentum
(accept 0.16−0.19 m s−1)
= area under F–t graph (1M)
(c) Momentum before collision
1
= mAuA + mBuB = × 0.15 × 18 000
2
= 0.5 × 0.35 + 0

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B Mechanics Chapter 8 Momentum

= 1350 N s (1A) same direction as the final travelling

The change in momentum of the ball is direction of the bullet.
1350 N s. (b) By Newton's third law of motion,
(b) Average force on the ball Average force on Superman
impulse = − (average force acting on the
= (1M)
time of impact
bullets)
1350 total change in momentum of bullets
= =−
0.15 total time
= 9000 N (1A) (1M)
−3
The average force experienced by the 50 × 3 × 10 × (−500 − 500)
=−
ball is 9000 N. 60
2 (a) By v2 = u2 + 2as, (1M) = 2.5 N (1A)
v = u 2 + 2as The average force acting on Superman
= 0 + 2× 2× 4 is 2.5 N, in the initial direction of the
bullets.
= 4 m s–1 (1A)
The velocity of trolley A was 4 m s−1 4 (a) Initial momentum of the jet fighter
= mfighterufighter (1M)
before collision.
= 8000 × 100
(b) Take the travelling direction of trolley A
= 800 000 kg m s–1 (1A)
before collision as positive.
Initial momentum of the jet fighter is
By conservation of momentum,
800 000 kg m s–1.
total momentum before collision
The momentum of each missile when
= total momentum after collision (1M)
fired
mAuA + mBuB = mAvA + mBvB
1 × 4 + 2 × 0 = 1 × (−1) + 2 × vB = mmissilevmissile
= 20 × 500
vB = 2.5 m s–1 (1A)
The velocity of trolley B was 2.5 m s−1 = 10 000 kg m s–1 (1A)
The momentum of each missile when
after collision. Its direction was the
fired is 10 000 kg m s–1.
same as the travelling direction of
(b) By conservation of momentum,
trolley A before collision.
total momentum before firing
3 (a) Take the initial direction of the bullet be
= total momentum after firing (1M)
positive.
mv − mu mfighterufighter + mmissileumissile
F= (1M)
t = mfightervfighter + (mmissilevmissile) × 5
3 × 10 −3 × (−500 − 500) 800 000 + 0
=
0.01 = 7900 × vfighter + 10 000 × 5
= −300 N (1A) vfighter = 94.9 m s–1 (1A)
The force on each bullet is 300 N, in the The velocity of the jet fighter after

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B Mechanics Chapter 8 Momentum

firing five missiles is 94.9 m s–1. 1 1

= mXuX2 + mYuY2 (1M)
2 2
5 (a) By v = u + at, (1M)
1 1
v = 22 + (–2) × 2 = × 75 × 22 + × 150 × 02
2 2
= 18 m s–1 (1A)
= 150 J (1A)
The velocity of the minibus is 18 m s–1
After the collision, KE of carts X and Y
just before collision. 1 1
= mXvX2 + mYvY2
2 2
1 1
= × 75 × (−0.4)2 + × 150 × 1.22
2 2

(b) Take the direction towards the east as = 114 J (1A)

positive. Since the carts lose kinetic energy in the

Let A denote the minibus and B denote collision, the collision is inelastic. (1A)

the car.
By conservation of momentum, 7 (a) By v2 = u2 + 2as, (1M)

total momentum before collision v = 0 + 2 × 1 × 50

2 2

= total momentum after collision (1M) v = 10 m s–1 (1A)

mAuA + mBuB = mAvA + mBvB The velocity of Stephen’s car was

3000 × 18 + 2500uB = (3000 + 2500) × 10 m s–1 just before collision.

3 (b) Take the initial travelling direction of

uB = –15 m s–1 Stephen’s car as positive.

The velocity of the car is 15 m s–1 By conservation of momentum,

(towards the west) just before collision. total momentum before collision

(1A) = total momentum after collision (1M)

6 (a) Take the initial travelling direction of mSuS + mLuL = (mS + mL) × v

cart X as positive. 1500 × 10 + 2500 × 0

By conservation of momentum, = (1500 + 2500) × v

total momentum before collision v = 3.75 m s–1 (1A)

= total momentum after collision (1M) The velocity of both vehicles is

mXuX + mYuY = mXvX + mYvY 3.75 m s–1 after the collision. The
75 × 2 + 0 = 75vX + 150 × 1.2 direction is the same as the initial

vX = –0.4 m s–1 (1A) travelling direction of Stephen’s car.

After the collision, the velocity of cart X 8 (a) By F = ma, (1M)

(0.5 − u )
is 0.4 m s–1, in the direction opposite to 2 = 0.8 ×
1
its initial travelling direction.
u = –2 m s−1
(b) Before the collision, KE of carts X and
The speed of water is 2 m s−1 before it
Y
hits Victor. (1A)

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B Mechanics Chapter 8 Momentum

(b) I don't agree with him. (1A) (towards the right). (1A)
It is because friction acts on the feet of 10 (a) Take the travelling direction of the
Victor when he takes shower. The bullet after collision as positive.
friction balances the force acting on him Let A denote the bullet and B denote the
by the water (zero net force). (1A) block.
When net force acts on objects, By conservation of momentum,
conservation of momentum is not valid. total momentum before collision
However, it is correct in the absence of = total momentum after collision (1M)
net force. (1A) mAuA + mBuB = (mA + mB) × v
(For effective communication.) (1C) 0.05uA + 0 = (0.05 + 1) × 5
uA = 105 m s–1 (1A)
–1
The speed of the bullet is 105 m s just
before the collision.
9 (a) When the plunger is released, elastic
potential energy of the spring (1A) (b) Average force
is converted into sound energy and (1A)
kinetic energy of trolleys. (1A) change in momentum
= time of impact (1M)
(b) By conservation of energy, (1A)
elastic potential energy of the spring 1× (5 − 0)
= = 25 N (1A)
= sound energy + KE of trolleys 0.2
1 The average force acting on the block
5 × 0.7 = (mAvA2 + mBvB2) .............(1)
2 by the bullet is 25 N, in the travelling
(1A) direction of the bullet.
By conservation of momentum, (1A) 11 (a) By v2 = u2 – 2as, (1M)
mAvA = mBvB ..................(2) 2
v = 0 – 2(10)(30 – 2.75)
(1A) v = 23.3 m s−1 (1A)
(c) In (2), The velocity of the person when he just
0.5 × vA = –1.5 × vB arrives at the surface of the cushion is
vA = –3vB 23.3 m s−1.
Substitute vA = –3vB into (1), (b) Impulse = mv − mu (1M)
1
5 × 0.7 = [0.5 × (–3vB )2 + 1.5 × vB2] = 50 × (23.3 − 0) = 1165 N s (1A)
2
The impulse of the person is 1165 N s.
vB = 1.08 m s−1
(c) The average force acting on the person
vA = –3 × 1.08 = –3.24 m s−1 impulse
The velocity of trolley A is 3.24 m s−1 = (1A)
time of impact
(towards the left). (1A) Since the cushion can lengthen the time
The velocity of trolley B is 1.08 m s−1
of impact, (1A)

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B Mechanics Chapter 8 Momentum

the average force acting on the person when athletes moved forwards and
falling on the cushion is reduced so the stepped on the pier, the boat would
cushion reduces the chance of injury moved backwards with momentum of
and hence saves people. (1A) the same magnitude. (1A)
(For effective communication.) (1C) Hence, they need a rope to fix the
12 (a) According to Newton’s third law of position of the boat before landing.
motion, (1A) 13 (a) (i) Take the direction towards the
when paddling, an action force which is right as positive.
in backwards direction acts on the water The net force on the water ejected
by the paddles. (1A) mv − mu
= (1M)
t
A reaction force which is in forwards
0.5 × (10 − 0)
direction then acts on the paddles by the =
1
water. (1A)
=5N
Therefore, the boat can move forwards
By Newton's 3rd law, the net force
by paddling.
(thrust) acting on the rocket is 5 N
(For effective communication.) (1C)
(towards the left). (1A)
(b) v = u + at
=0+2×3
(ii) By conservation of momentum,
= 6 m s−1
momentum before launching
After accelerating 3 s, the boat and the
= momentum after launching
men travels at 6 m s−1.
0 = mrvr + mwvw (1M)
The change in KE of the team 0.5 × (−10)
1 vr =
= (600 + 70 × 22) × 62 2 − 0.5
2 = −3.33 m s−1 (1A)
= 38 520 J (1A) The rocket moves at 3.33 m s −1

Average power towards the left.

increase in KE
= (1M) (b) Since the thrust is less than the weight
time taken
of the rocket, the rocket cannot fly up in
38 520
= air. (1A)
3
Any one of the following modifications:
= 12 840 W (1A)
(1A)
The average power of the team in the
More water can be ejected.
first 3 seconds is 12 840 W.
Water can be ejected at a higher speed.
(c) The total momentum of the boat and the
14 (a) The harder the plate, the shorter the time
athletes was zero when the boat was
of impact. (1A)
parked at the pier. (1A)
(b) (i) Yes, the momentum change of the
By the conservation of momentum,
ball in both cases are the same.

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B Mechanics Chapter 8 Momentum

(1A)
It is because the velocity of the
ball just before colliding with the
plate depends on the height of
release, h, which is the same in
both cases. And the velocity just
after collision is the same in both
cases. (1A)
(ii) Force acting on an object F
change in momentum
= (1A)
time of impact
Since the change in momentum of
the ball after collision is the same
for both plates,
F ∝ (time of impact)−1 and
Fhard : Fsoft = (0.1)−1 : (0.2)−1
=2:1 (1A)

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B Mechanics Chapter 8 Momentum

(c) Air cushions lengthen the time of A force of −10.4 N acts on block A
impact for people falling from a height, during collision.
(1A)

and hence it can reduce the force acting

16 (a) (i) Take the direction of the final
on the people when they fall on the velocity of the trolley as positive.
cushion and reduce the chance of Change in momentum
injury. = mv – (–mv) (1M)
(1A) = 2mv (1A)
15 (a) The initial velocity of B is −10 m s−1 Change in KE
1 1
(1A) = mv 2 – mv 2 (1M)
2 2
and its final velocity is −3.5 m s . (1A)
–1

=0 (1A)
(b) By conservation of momentum,
The change in momentum of the
total momentum before collision
trolley is 2mv and its change in KE
= total momentum after collision (1M)
is 0.
mAuA + mBuB = mAvA + mBvB
0.2 × 20 + 0.8 × (−10)
(ii) Average force
= 0.2vA + 0.8 × (−3.5)
vA = −6 m s–1 (1A) change in momentum
= (1M)
time of impact
The velocity of block A after collision is
−6 m s–1. 2mv
= (1A)
t
(c) The change in momentum of block A
The average force acting on the
= m × (vA − uA)
2mv
= 0.2 × (−6 −20) trolley during collision is .
t
= −5.2 kg m s−1 (1A)
The change in momentum of block A is
(b) (i) Change in momentum
−5.2 kg m s−1.
From Figure h, the time of impact is
0.5 s. = 0 – (–mv) = mv (1A)

change in momentum
By force F = time of impact , Change in KE

1 1
(1M) =0– mv 2 = – mv 2 (1A)
−5.2 2 2
F=
0.5 The change in momentum of the
= −10.4 N (1A) trolley is mv and its change in KE

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B Mechanics Chapter 8 Momentum

1
is – mv 2 .
2

(ii) Average force

change in momentum
=
time of impact
mv
= (1A)
2t
The average force acting on the
mv
trolley during collision is .
2t

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B Mechanics Chapter 8 Momentum

(c) He bends his knees to increase the time

(c) Momentum of the trolley-wall system of impact and hence reduce the force
acting on him when he reaches the
is not conserved in both (a) (1A)
ground. (1A)
and (b). (1A)

Since the wall is fixed on the ground,

the ground exerts a force on the wall in

the collisions and the momentum of the 18 Take the direction towards the left as
positive.
trolley-wall system is not conserved.
(a) Impulse = Ft (1M)
(1A)
= 80 × 0.1
The momentum of a mechanical system =8Ns (1A)
The impulse experienced by the hockey
is conserved only if no external force puck is 8 N s.
exerts on the system. (b) Impulse = Ft = m (v − u) (1M)
8 = 0.25 × (v − 15)
(d) The collision in (a) is elastic and (1A) v = –17 m s−1 (1A)
The speed of the puck after impact is
the collision in (b) is inelastic. (1A) 17 m s−1.
(c) The change in momentum of the puck
It is because the trolley in (a) does not increases with the time of impact. (1A)
The puck will go at a higher speed if the
lose kinetic energy in collision while player hit the puck for a longer time.
the trolley in (b) loses kinetic energy in (1A)
the collision. (1A) 19 (a) Before the impact, the velocity of the
17 (a) By v2 = u2 – 2as, (1M) ball is 0.42 m s−1. (1A)
2
5 = 0 – 2(10)s After the impact, the velocity of the ball
s = 1.25 m (1A) is –0.36 m s−1. (1A)
Gilbert jumps from a height of 1.25 m. (b) Impulse = mv – mu (1M)
mv − mu = 0.2 × (–0.36 – 0.42)
(b) F = (1M)
t = –0.156 N s (1A)
70 × (0 − 5)
= = –292 N (1A) The impulse on the ball is –0.156 N s.
1.2
impulse
The average force acting on him when (c) Average force = (1M)
time of impact
he reaches the ground is 292 N.

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B Mechanics Chapter 8 Momentum

−0.156
=
1.75 − 1.6
= −1.04 N (1A)
The average force acting on the ball is –
1.04 N.

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B Mechanics Chapter 8 Momentum

20 (a) By conservation of momentum, (1M) windscreen becomes 0.45 s, three times

momentum before the actor reaches the the original impact time.) (1A)
car
= momentum after the actor reaches the 22 (a) (i) The shaded area is the impulse
car
1000 × 20 = (1000 + 75) v acting on the force sensor. (1A)
−1
v = 18.6 m s (1A)
−1
(ii) Let F be the average force acting
The speed of the car is 18.6 m s when
the actor reaches the car. on the force sensor.
(b) The increase in KE
1 From the graph,
= × 75 × (v2 − 18.62) = 104 (1M)
2
v = 24.8 m s−1 (1A)
the time of impact
Impulse = mv − mu (1M)
= 75 × (24.8 − 18.6)
= 3.021 − 3.012
= 465 N s (1A)
The impulse on the actor is 465 N s.
21 (a) Area under the graph = 9 × 10−3 s (1A)
1
= × 0.15 × 25 000
2
Impulse = area under F–t graph
= 1875 N s (1A)
(b) The area under graph in (a) is the
Impulse = Ft
impulse experienced by the driver. (1A)
(Or it is the change in momentum of the
driver.) 0.245 = F × 9 × 10−3
(c)
F = 27.2 N

An average force of 27.2 N

(towards the right) acts on the

force sensor by the trolley during
the impact. (1A)

(The largest force experienced by the

(iii) The average force acting on the
driver becomes 8330 N, one-third of the
original force.) (1A) force sensor by the trolley and
(The impact time of the driver and the the average force acting on the

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B Mechanics Chapter 8 Momentum

trolley by the force sensor form be reduced and a softer bumper is safer
an action-and-reaction pair. to the public. (1A)

By Newton’s third law, these (For effective communication.) (1C)

forces have the same magnitude

23 (a) (i) Before the impact (i.e. when
but in opposite direction, i.e. the
average force acting on the t < 2.5 s), trolley B moves
trolley by the force sensor is also towards the left with an average
27.2 N (towards the left). (1A) speed of about 0.42 m s−1. (1A)

(b) Figures m and n show that soft/elastic During the impact (i.e. from

materials tend to have a longer time of t = 2.5 s to t ≈ 2.75 s), trolley B is

impact and a smaller maximum force of decelerated. It becomes
impact. (1A) momentarily at rest at
t ≈ 2.66 s (1A)
For rubber plunger,
and then reverses its travelling
the average force acting on the force
direction. (1A)
sensor
change in momentum After the impact (i.e. when
= =
time of impact
0.275 t > 2.75 s), trolley B travels at
2.570 − 2.550 about −0.15 m s−1. (1A)
= 13.75 N (1A)
(For effective communication.)
It is smaller than that by a steel plunger
in (a)(ii).
(1C)

If a man is knocked down by a car, with (The acceptable range of time of

the same change in momentum of the impact is from t = 2.50−2.52 s to

man, the average force acting on the t = 2.75−2.8 s)
man would be smaller if the bumper is
(ii) From Figure q, the time of
softer. (1A)
impact of trolley is (2.75 − 2.5) =
Hence the injury caused to the man can
0.25 s. (1A)

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B Mechanics Chapter 8 Momentum

Average force
change in momentum
= (1M)
time of impact
1.38 × (−0.15 − 0.42)
=
0.25
= −3.1464 N
The average force acting on trolley
B is 3.1464 N (towards the right).
(1A)

(b) In Figure p, the velocity of trolley A

changes from 0.55 m s−1 to −0.55 m s−1.

The average force acting on A by B

change in momentum
=
time of impact
0.69 × (−0.55 − 0.55)
=
0.25
= −3.036 N

The average force acting on trolley A is

3.036 N (towards the left). (1A)

Within experimental error, the average

force acting on A by B has the same

magnitude but in the opposite direction
as the average force acting on B by A.
(1A)
Hence, the experimental result is in
accordance with Newton’s third law.
(1A)

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B Mechanics Chapter 8 Momentum

24 (a) (i) The trolley accelerates from rest (iii) As compared with the collision
down the runway. It hits the force when plasticine is used, the
−1
sensor at 0.51 m s and stops.(1A) collision when a spring is used has
The collision between the trolley a longer time of impact and a
and the force sensor is inelastic. smaller impact force and it is
(1A) closer to elastic collision. (2A)
(ii) The shaded area represents the 25 (HKCEE 1999 Paper I Q3)
impulse of the force. (1A) 26 (HKCEE 2000 Paper I Q4)
(iii) From the F–t graph, time of impact 27 (HKCEE 2001 Paper I Q1)
= 1.544 – 1.531 28 (a) By conservation of momentum, the total
= 0.013 s (1A) momentum of the truck and car before
Impact force F collision should be equal to that after
area under the curve collision, i.e. (1A)
=
time of impact mcarucar + mtruckutruck = (mcar+ mtruck) × v
0.31
= where v is the common velocity of the
0.013
truck and car after collision.
= 23.8 N (1A)
ucar is zero initially. Since the combined
(b) (i) The trolley accelerates from rest
mass of the truck and the car is larger
down the runway. It collides with
than the mass of the truck, (1A)
the force sensor with a velocity of
the v is less than the velocity of the
0.43 m s–1 and rebounds with
truck before collision and the truck and
0.36 m s–1. (1A)
car move more slowly. (1A)
The collision is inelastic because
(b) Kinetic energy of the truck
the trolley rebounds at a smaller 1
= mu2 (1M)
velocity. (1A) 2
(ii) Time of impact t 1
= × 1000 × 152
= 1.65 – 1.6 2
= 0.05 s = 112 500 J (1A)
Force of impact F The kinetic energy of the truck is
area under the curve 112 500 J before collision.
=
time of impact (c) By E = mc∆T, (1M)
0.44 E
= ∆T =
0.05 mc
= 8.8 N (1A) 112 500
=
20 × 500
= 11.25 °C (1A)
The rise in temperature of the brakes is
11.25 °C.

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B Mechanics Chapter 8 Momentum

Physics in articles (p. 231)

29 (a) kinetic, internal (2A) (a) It lengthens the time of impact during
(b) (i) From the graph, speed of the collision, (1A)
spacecraft just before the airbag and hence reduces the force of impact acting
–1
touches the ground = 16 m s (2A) on the passenger. (1A)
(ii) A (1A) (b) The mass of the object and (1A)
(iii) A (1A) the time of impact. (1A)
(c) B (1A) (and the final velocity)
Among the three airbags, B allows (c) (i) u = 332 km h–1 = 92.2 m s–1 (1M)
spacecraft to decelerate at the lowest m (v − u )
By F = , (1M)
rate. (1A) t
m (v − u ) 332
0.1× (0 − )
By F = , for the same change F= 3.6
t
0.1
in momentum of the spacecraft, the
= −92.2 N (1A)
impact force experienced by the
The average force acting on the object is
spacecraft would be the smallest if B is
used. (1A) 92.2 N.
(ii) The air bag bursts at a very high speed.
When it hits the baby, the force on the
baby is so large that may severely injure
the baby in an accident. (1A)

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