Chapter 5

Momentum and Impulse

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AP Physics Multiple Choice Practice – Momentum and Impulse

1. A car of mass m, traveling at speed v, stops in time t when maximum braking force is applied. Assuming the
braking force is independent of mass, what time would be required to stop a car of mass 2m traveling at speed v?
(A) ½ t (B) t (C) √2 t (D) 2t

2. A block of mass M is initially at rest on a frictionless floor. The block, attached to a massless spring with spring
constant k, is initially at its equilibrium position. An arrow with mass m and velocity v is shot into the block.
The arrow sticks in the block. What is the maximum compression of the spring?
m mM ( m  M )v mv
( A) v ( B) v (C ) ( D)
k k mk ( m  M )k

3. Two objects, P and Q, have the same momentum. Q can have more kinetic energy than P if it has:
(A) More mass than P (B) The same mass as P (C) More speed than P (D) The same speed at P

4. A spring is compressed between two objects with unequal masses, m and M, and held together. The objects are
initially at rest on a horizontal frictionless surface. When released, which of the following is true?
(A) The total final kinetic energy is zero.
(B) The two objects have equal kinetic energy.
(C) The speed of one object is equal to the speed of the other.
(D) The total final momentum of the two objects is zero.

5. Two football players with mass 75 kg and 100 kg run directly toward each other with speeds of 6 m/s and 8 m/s
respectively. If they grab each other as they collide, the combined speed of the two players just after the
collision would be:
(A) 2 m/s (B) 3.4 m/s (C) 4.6 m/s (D) 7.1 m/s

6. A 5000 kg freight car moving at 4 km/hr collides and couples with an 8000 kg freight car which is initially at
rest. The approximate common final speed of these two cars is
(A) 1 km/h (B) 1.3 km/h (C) 1.5 km/h (D) 2.5 km/h

7. A rubber ball is held motionless a height ho above a hard floor and released. Assuming that the collision with
the floor is elastic, which one of the following graphs best shows the relationship between the total energy E of
the ball and its height h above the surface.

(A) (B) (C) (D)

8. Two carts are held together. Cart 1 is more massive than Cart 2. As they are forced apart by a compressed
spring between them, which of the following will have the same magnitude for both carts.
(A) change of velocity (B) force (C) speed (D) velocity

9. A ball with a mass of 0.50 kg and a speed of 6 m/s collides perpendicularly with a wall and bounces off with a
speed of 4 m/s in the opposite direction. What is the magnitude of the impulse acting on the ball?
(A) 1 Ns (B) 5 Ns (C) 2 m/s (D) 10 m/s

10. A cart with mass 2m has a velocity v before it strikes another cart of mass 3m at rest. The two carts couple and
move off together with a velocity of
(A) v/5 (B) 2v/5 (C) 2v/3 (D) (2/5)1/2 v

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11. Multiple Correct: Consider two laboratory carts of different masses but identical kinetic energie . Which of the
following statements must be correct? Select two answers.
(A) The one with the greatest mass has the greatest momentum
(B) The same impulse was required to accelerate each cart from rest
(C) Both can do the same amount of work as they come to a stop
(D) The same amount of force was required to accelerate each cart from rest

12. A mass m has speed v. It then collides with a stationary object of mass 2m. If both objects stick together in a
perfectly inelastic collision, what is the final speed of the newly formed object?
(A) v / 3 (B) v / 2 (C) 2v / 3 (D) 3v / 2

13. A 50 kg skater at rest on a frictionless rink throws a 2 kg ball, giving the ball a velocity of 10 m/s. Which
statement describes the skater’s subsequent motion?
(A) 0.4 m/s in the same direction as the ball's motion.
(B) 0.4 m/s in the opposite direction of the ball's motion.
(C) 2 m/s in the same direction as the ball's motion.
(D) 2 m/s in the opposite direction of the ball's motion.

14. A student initially at rest on a frictionless frozen pond throws a 1 kg hammer in one direction. After the throw,
the hammer moves off in one direction while the student moves off in the other direction. Which of the
following correctly describes the above situation?
(A) The hammer will have the momentum with the greater magnitude
(B) The student will have the momentum with the greater magnitude
(C) The hammer will have the greater kinetic energy
(D) The student will have the greater kinetic energy

15. Two toy cars with different masses originally at rest are pushed apart by a spring between them. Which TWO
of the following statements would be true?
(A) both toy cars will acquire equal but opposite momenta
(B) both toy cars will acquire equal kinetic energies
(C) the more massive toy car will acquire the least speed
(D) the smaller toy car will experience an acceleration of the greatest magnitude

16. A tennis ball of mass m rebounds from a racquet with the same speed v as it had
initially as shown. The magnitude of the momentum change of the ball is

(A) 0 (B) 2mv (C) 2mv sin (D) 2mv cos

17. Two bodies of masses 5 and 7 kilograms are initially at rest on a horizontal frictionless surface. A light spring
is compressed between the bodies, which are held together by a thin thread. After the spring is released by
burning through the thread, the 5 kilogram body has a speed of 0.2 m/s. The speed of the 7 kilogram body is
(in m/s)
1 1 1 1
(A) 12 (B) 7 (C) 5 (D) 35

18. Multiple Correct: A satellite of mass M moves in a circular orbit of radius R at a constant speed v around the
Earth which has mass ME. Which of the following statements must be true? Select two answers:
(A) The net force on the satellite is equal to Mv2/2 and is directed toward the center of the orbit.
(B) The net work done on the satellite by gravity in one revolution is zero.
(C) The angular momentum of the satellite is a constant.
(D) The net force on the satellite is equal to GMM E/R

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19. Two pucks are firmly attached by a stretched spring and are initially held at rest on a frictionless surface, as
shown above. The pucks are then released simultaneously. If puck I has three times the mass of puck II, which
of the following quantities is the same for both pucks as the spring pulls the two pucks toward each other?
(A) Speed (B) Magnitude of acceleration (C) Kinetic energy (D) Magnitude of momentum

20. Which of the following is true when an object of mass m moving on a horizontal frictionless surface hits and
sticks to an object of mass M > m, which is initially at rest on the surface?
(A) The collision is elastic.
(B) The momentum of the objects that are stuck together has a smaller magnitude than the initial momentum of
the less-massive object.
(C) The speed of the objects that are stuck together will be less than the initial speed of the less massive object.
(D) The direction of motion of the objects that are stuck together depends on whether the hit is a head-on
collision.

21. Two objects having the same mass travel toward each other on a flat surface each with a speed of 1.0 meter per
second relative to the surface. The objects collide head-on and are reported to rebound after the collision, each
with a speed of 2.0 meters per second relative to the surface. Which of the following assessments of this report
is most accurate?
(A) Momentum was not conserved therefore the report is false.
(B) If potential energy was released to the objects during the collision the report could be true.
(C) If the objects had different masses the report could be true.
(D) If the surface was inclined the report could be true.

22. A solid metal ball and a hollow plastic ball of the same external radius are released from rest in a large vacuum
chamber. When each has fallen 1 meter, they both have the same
(A) inertia (B) speed (C) momentum (D) change in potential energy

23. A railroad car of mass m is moving at speed v when it collides with a second railroad car of mass M which is at
rest. The two cars lock together instantaneously and move along the track. What is the kinetic energy of the
cars immediately after the collision?
(A) ½ mv2 (B) ½ (M+m)(mv/M)2 (C) ½ (M+m)(Mv/m)2 (D) ½ (M+m)(mv/(m+M))2

24. An open cart on a level surface is rolling without frictional loss through a vertical downpour of rain, as shown
above. As the cart rolls, an appreciable amount of rainwater accumulates in the cart. The speed of the cart will
(A) increase because of conservation of mechanical energy
(B) decrease because of conservation of momentum
(C) decrease because of conservation of mechanical energy
(D) remain the same because the raindrops are falling perpendicular to the direction of the cart's motion

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Questions 25-26
Three objects can only move along a straight, level path. The graphs below show the position d of each of the
objects plotted as a function of time t.

25. The magnitude of the momentum of the object is increasing in which of the cases?
(A) II only (B) III only (C) I and II only (D) I and III only

26. The sum of the forces on the object is zero in which of the cases?
(A) II only (B) III only (C) I and II only (D) I and III only

27. A stationary object explodes, breaking into three pieces of masses m, m, and 3m. The two pieces of mass m
move off at right angles to each other with the same magnitude of momentum mV, as shown in the diagram
above. What are the magnitude and direction of the velocity of the piece having mass 3m ?
Magnitude Direction
V
(A)
2
V
(B)
2
2V
(C) 3
2V
(D) 3

28. An empty sled of mass M moves without friction across a frozen pond at speed v o. Two objects are dropped
vertically into the sled one at a time: first an object of mass m and then an object of mass 2m. Afterward the
sled moves with speed vf. What would be the final speed of the sled if the objects were dropped into it in
reverse order?
(A) vf / 3
(B) vf / 2
(C) vf
(D) 2vf

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29. A student obtains data on the magnitude of force applied to an object as a function
of time and displays the data on the graph shown. The increase in the momentum of
the object between t=0 s and t=4 s is most nearly
(A) 40 N∙s
(B) 50 N∙s
(C) 60 N∙s
(D) 80 N∙s

30. How does an air mattress protect a stunt person landing on the ground after a stunt?
(A) It reduces the kinetic energy loss of the stunt person.
(B) It reduces the momentum change of the stunt person.
(C) It shortens the stopping time of the stunt person and increases the force applied during the landing.
(D) It lengthens the stopping time of the stunt person and reduces the force applied during the landing.

31. Two objects, A and B, initially at rest, are "exploded" apart by the release of a coiled spring that was
compressed between them. As they move apart, the velocity of object A is 5 m/s and the velocity of object B is
– 2 m/s. The ratio of the mass of object A to the mass object B, ma/mb is

(A) 4/25 (B) 2/5 (C) 5/2 (D) 25/4

32. The two blocks of masses M and 2M shown above initially travel at the same speed v but in opposite directions.
They collide and stick together. How much mechanical energy is lost to other forms of energy during the
collision?

(A) 1/2 M v2
(B) 3/4 M v2
(C) 4/3 M v2
(D) 3/2 M v2

33. Two particles of equal mass mo, moving with equal speeds vo along paths inclined at 60° to the x-axis as shown,
collide and stick together. Their velocity after the collision has magnitude
v0 v0 3v 0
(A) 4 (B) 2 (C) 2 (D) vo

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34. Two balls are on a frictionless horizontal tabletop. Ball X initially moves at 10 meters per second, as shown in
Figure I above. It then collides elastically with identical ball Y which is initially at rest. After the collision, ball
X moves at 6 meters per second along a path at 53° to its original direction, as shown in Figure II above. Which
of the following diagrams best represents the motion of ball Y after the collision?

(A) (B) (C) (D)

35. The graph shows the force on an object of mass M as a function of time.
For the time interval 0 to 4 s, the total change in the momentum of the
object is
(A) 40 kg m/s (B) 20 kg m/s
(C) 0 kg m/s (D) – 20 kg m/s

36. As shown in the top view, a disc of mass m is moving horizontally to the
right with speed v on a table with negligible friction when it collides with a
second disc of mass 2m. The second disc is moving horizontally to the right
with speed v/2 at the moment before impact. The two discs stick together
upon impact. The kinetic energy of the composite body immediately after
the collision is
(A) (1/6)mv2 (B) (1/2)mv2 (C) 2/3mv2 (D) (9/8)mv2

37. A 2 kg ball collides with the floor at an angle θ and rebounds at the same angle and speed as shown above.
Which of the following vectors represents the impulse exerted on the ball by the floor?

(A) (B) (C) (D)

38. An object m, on the end of a string, moves in a circle (initially of radius r) on a horizontal
frictionless table as shown. As the string is pulled very slowly through a small hole in the
table, which of the following is correct for an observer measuring from the hole in the
table?
(A) The angular momentum of m remains constant.
(B) The angular momentum of m decreases.
(C) The kinetic energy of m remains constant
(D) The kinetic energy of m decreases

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39. A boy of mass m and a girl of mass 2m are initially at rest at the center of a frozen pond. They push each other
so that she slides to the left at speed v across the frictionless ice surface and he slides to the right. What is the
total work done by the children?
(A) mv (B) mv2 (C) 2mv2 (D) 3mv2

40. An object of mass M travels along a horizontal air track at a constant speed v and collides elastically with an
object of identical mass that is initially at rest on the track. Which of the following statements is true for the two
objects after the impact?
(A) The total momentum is Mv and the total kinetic energy is ½ Mv2
(B) The total momentum is Mv and the total kinetic energy is less than ½ Mv2
(C) The total momentum is less than Mv and the total kinetic energy is ½ Mv2
(D) The momentum of each object is ½ Mv

41. A 2 kg object initially moving with a constant velocity is subjected

to a force of magnitude F in the direction of motion. A graph of F
as a function of time t is shown. What is the increase, if any, in the
velocity of the object during the time the force is applied?
(A) 0 m/s (B) 3.0 m/s (C) 4.0 m/s (D) 6.0 m/s

42. A ball of mass m with speed v strikes a wall at an angle θ with the normal, as shown. It
then rebounds with the same speed and at the same angle. The impulse delivered by the ball
to the wall is
(A) mv sin θ (B) mv cos θ (C) 2mv sin θ (D) 2mv cos θ

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AP Physics Free Response Practice – Momentum and Impulse

1976B2.
A bullet of mass m and velocity vo is fired toward a block of mass 4m. The block is initially at rest on a
vo
frictionless horizontal surface. The bullet penetrates the block and emerges with a velocity of
3
(a) Determine the final speed of the block.
(b) Determine the loss in kinetic energy of the bullet.
(c) Determine the gain in the kinetic energy of the block.

1978B2. A block of mass M1 travels horizontally with a constant speed vo on a plateau of height H until it comes to
a cliff. A toboggan of mass M 2 is positioned on level ground below the cliff as shown above. The center of the
toboggan is a distance D from the base of the cliff.

(a) Determine D in terms of vo, H, and g so that the block lands in the center of the toboggan.
(b) The block sticks to the toboggan which is free to slide without friction. Determine the resulting velocity of
the block and toboggan.

1981B2. A massless spring is between a 1-kilogram mass and a 3-kilogram mass as shown above, but is not
attached to either mass. Both masses are on a horizontal frictionless table.

In an experiment, the 1-kilogram mass is held in place and the spring is compressed by pushing on the 3-kilogram
mass. The 3-kilogram mass is then released and moves off with a speed of 10 meters per second.
a. Determine the minimum work needed to compress the spring in this experiment.

In a different experiment, the spring is compressed again exactly as above, but this time both masses are released
simultaneously and each mass moves off separately at unknown speeds.
b. Determine the final velocity of each mass relative to the cable after the masses are released.

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1983B2. A block of mass M is resting on a horizontal, frictionless table and is attached as shown above to a relaxed
spring of spring constant k. A second block of mass 2M and initial speed v o collides with and sticks to the first
block. Develop expressions for the following quantities in terms of M, k, and vo
a. v, the speed of the blocks immediately after impact
b. x, the maximum distance the spring is compressed

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1984B2. Two objects of masses Ml = 1 kilogram and M2 = 4 kilograms are free to slide on a horizontal frictionless
surface. The objects collide and the magnitudes and directions of the velocities of the two objects before and after
the collision are shown on the diagram above. (sin 37° = 0.6, cos 37° = 0.8, tan 37º = 0.75)
a. Calculate the x and y components (px and py, respectively) of the momenta of the two objects before and after
the collision, and write your results in the proper places in the following table.

b. Show, using the data that you listed in the table, that linear momentum is conserved in this collision.
c. Calculate the kinetic energy of the two-object system before and after the collision.
d. Is kinetic energy conserved in the collision?

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1985B1. A 2-kilogram block initially hangs at rest at the end of two 1-meter strings of negligible mass as shown on
the left diagram above. A 0.003-kilogram bullet, moving horizontally with a speed of 1000 meters per second,
strikes the block and becomes embedded in it. After the collision, the bullet/ block combination swings upward, but
does not rotate.
a. Calculate the speed v of the bullet/ block combination just after the collision.
b. Calculate the ratio of the initial kinetic energy of the bullet to the kinetic energy of the bullet/ block combination
immediately after the collision.
c. Calculate the maximum vertical height above the initial rest position reached by the bullet/block combination.

1990B1. A bullet of mass m is moving horizontally with speed vo when it hits a block of mass 100m that is at rest
on a horizontal frictionless table, as shown above. The surface of the table is a height h above the floor. After the
impact, the bullet and the block slide off the table and hit the floor a distance x from the edge of the table. Derive
expressions for the following quantities in terms of m, h, vo, and appropriate constants:
a. the speed of the block as it leaves the table
b. the change in kinetic energy of the bullet-block system during impact
c. the distance x

Suppose that the bullet passes through the block instead of remaining in it.
d. State whether the time required for the block to reach the floor from the edge of the table would now be greater,
less, or the same. Justify your answer.
e. State whether the distance x for the block would now be greater, less, or the same. Justify your answer.

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1992B2. A 30-kilogram child moving at 4.0 meters per second jumps onto a 50-kilogram sled that is initially at rest
on a long, frictionless, horizontal sheet of ice.
a. Determine the speed of the child-sled system after the child jumps onto the sled.
b. Determine the kinetic energy of the child-sled system after the child jumps onto the sled.

After coasting at constant speed for a short time, the child jumps off the sled in such a way that she is at rest with
respect to the ice.
c. Determine the speed of the sled after the child jumps off it.
d. Determine the kinetic energy of the child-sled system when the child is at rest on the ice.
e. Compare the kinetic energies that were determined in parts (b) and (d). If the energy is greater in (d) than it is
in (b), where did the increase come from? If the energy is less in (d) than it is in (b), where did the energy go?

1994B2. A track consists of a frictionless arc XY, which is a quarter-circle of radius R, and a rough horizontal
section YZ. Block A of mass M is released from rest at point X, slides down the curved section of the track, and
collides instantaneously and inelastically with identical block B at point Y. The two blocks move together to the
right, sliding past point P, which is a distance L from point Y. The coefficient of kinetic friction between the blocks
and the horizontal part of the track is  Express your answers in terms of M, L, , R, and g.
a. Determine the speed of block A just before it hits block B.
b. Determine the speed of the combined blocks immediately after the collision.
c. Assuming that no energy is transferred to the track or to the air surrounding the blocks. Determine the amount
of internal energy transferred in the collision
d. Determine the additional thermal energy that is generated as the blocks move from Y to P

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1995B1. As shown above, a 0.20-kilogram mass is sliding on a horizontal, frictionless air track with a speed of 3.0
meters per second when it instantaneously hits and sticks to a 1.3-kilogram mass initially at rest on the track. The
1.3-kilogram mass is connected to one end of a massless spring, which has a spring
constant of 100 newtons per meter. The other end of the spring is fixed.
a. Determine the following for the 0.20-kilogram mass immediately before the impact.
i. Its linear momentum ii. Its kinetic energy
b. Determine the following for the combined masses immediately after the impact.
i. The linear momentum ii. The kinetic energy

After the collision, the two masses compress the spring as shown.
c. Determine the maximum compression distance of the spring.

1996B1. Two identical objects A and B of mass M move on a one-dimensional, horizontal air track. Object B
initially moves to the right with speed vo. Object A initially moves to the right with speed 3v o, so that it collides
with object B. Friction is negligible. Express your answers to the following in terms of M and vo.
a. Determine the total momentum of the system of the two objects.
b. A student predicts that the collision will be totally inelastic (the objects stick together on collision). Assuming
this is true, determine the following for the two objects immediately after the collision.
i. The speed
ii. The direction of motion (left or right)

When the experiment is performed, the student is surprised to observe that the objects separate after the collision and
that object B subsequently moves to the right with a speed 2.5vo.
c. Determine the following for object A immediately after the collision.
i. The speed
ii. The direction of motion (left or right)
d. Determine the kinetic energy dissipated in the actual experiment.

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1997B1. A 0.20 kg object moves along a straight line. The net force acting on the object varies with the object's
displacement as shown in the graph above. The object starts from rest at displacement x = 0 and time t = 0 and is
displaced a distance of 20 m. Determine each of the following.
a. The acceleration of the particle when its displacement x is 6 m.
b. The time taken for the object to be displaced the first 12 m.
c. The amount of work done by the net force in displacing the object the first 12 m.
d. The speed of the object at displacement x = 12 m.
e. The final speed of the object at displacement x = 20 m.
f. The change in the momentum of the object as it is displaced from x = 12 m to x = 20 m

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2001B2. An incident ball A of mass 0.10 kg is sliding at 1.4 m/s on the horizontal tabletop of negligible friction as
shown above. It makes a head-on collision with a target ball B of mass 0.50 kg at rest at the edge of the table. As
a result of the collision, the incident ball rebounds, sliding backwards at 0.70 m/s immediately after the collision.
a. Calculate the speed of the 0.50 kg target ball immediately after the collision.

The tabletop is 1.20 m above a level, horizontal floor. The target ball is projected horizontally and initially
strikes the floor at a horizontal displacement d from the point of collision.
b. Calculate the horizontal displacement

In another experiment on the same table, the target ball B is replaced by target ball C of mass 0.10 kg. The incident
ball A again slides at 1.4 m/s, as shown below left, but this time makes a glancing collision with the target ball C
that is at rest at the edge of the table. The target ball C strikes the floor at point P, which is at a horizontal
displacement of 0.15 m from the point of the collision, and at a horizontal angle of 30° from the +x-axis, as shown
below right.

c. Calculate the speed v of the target ball C immediately after the collision.
d. Calculate the y-component of incident ball A's momentum immediately after the collision.

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2002B1. A model rocket of mass 0.250 kg is launched vertically with an engine that is ignited at time t = 0, as
shown above. The engine provides an impulse of 20.0 N•s by firing for 2.0 s. Upon reaching its maximum height,
the rocket deploys a parachute, and then descends vertically to the ground.

(a) On the figures below, draw and label a free-body diagram for the rocket during each of the following intervals.

(b) Determine the magnitude of the average acceleration of the rocket during the 2 s firing of the engine.

(c) What maximum height will the rocket reach?

(d) At what time after t = 0 will the maximum height be reached?

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2002B1B. A 2.0 kg frictionless cart is moving at a constant speed of 3.0 m/s to the right on a horizontal surface, as
shown above, when it collides with a second cart of undetermined mass m that is initially at rest. The force F of the
collision as a function of time t is shown in the graph below, where t = 0 is the instant of initial contact. As a result
of the collision, the second cart acquires a speed of 1.6 m/s to the right. Assume that friction is negligible before,
during, and after the collision.

(a) Calculate the magnitude and direction of the velocity of the 2.0 kg cart after the collision.

(b) Calculate the mass m of the second cart.

After the collision, the second cart eventually experiences a ramp, which it traverses with no frictional losses. The
graph below shows the speed v of the second cart as a function of time t for the next 5.0 s, where t = 0 is now the
instant at which the carts separate.

(c) Calculate the acceleration of the cart at t = 3.0 s.

(d) Calculate the distance traveled by the second cart during the 5.0 s interval after the collision (0 s < t < 5.0 s).

(e) State whether the ramp goes up or down and calculate the maximum elevation (above or below the initial height)
reached by the second cart on the ramp during the 5.0 s interval after the collision (0 s < t < 5.0 s).

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2006B2B

A small block of mass M is released from rest at the top of the curved frictionless ramp shown above. The block
slides down the ramp and is moving with a speed 3.5vo when it collides with a larger block of mass 1.5M at rest at
the bottom of the incline. The larger block moves to the right at a speed 2 vo immediately after the collision. Express
your answers to the following questions in terms of the given quantities and fundamental constants.

(a) Determine the height h of the ramp from which the small block was released.
(b) Determine the speed of the small block after the collision.
(c) The larger block slides a distance D before coming to rest. Determine the value of the coefficient of kinetic
friction µ between the larger block and the surface on which it slides.
(d) Indicate whether the collision between the two blocks is elastic or inelastic. Justify your answer.

2008B1B

A 70 kg woman and her 35 kg son are standing at rest on an ice rink, as shown above. They push against each other
for a time of 0.60 s, causing them to glide apart. The speed of the woman immediately after they separate is 0.55 m/s.
Assume that during the push, friction is negligible compared with the forces the people exert on each other.

(a) Calculate the initial speed of the son after the push.
(b) Calculate the magnitude of the average force exerted on the son by the mother during the push.
(c) How do the magnitude and direction of the average force exerted on the mother by the son during the push
compare with those of the average force exerted on the son by the mother? Justify your answer.
(d) After the initial push, the friction that the ice exerts cannot be considered negligible, and the mother comes to
rest after moving a distance of 7.0 m across the ice. If their coefficients of friction are the same, how far does the son
move after the push?

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2008B1

Several students are riding in bumper cars at an amusement park. The combined mass of car A and its occupants is
250 kg. The combined mass of car B and its occupants is 200 kg. Car A is 15 m away from car B and moving to the
right at 2.0 m/s, as shown, when the driver decides to bump into car B, which is at rest.

(a) Car A accelerates at 1.5 m/s2 to a speed of 5.0 m/s and then continues at constant velocity until it strikes car B.
Calculate the total time for car A to travel the 15 m.
(b) After the collision, car B moves to the right at a speed of 4.8 m/s .
i. Calculate the speed of car A after the collision.
ii. Indicate the direction of motion of car A after the collision.
____ To the left ____ To the right ____ None; car A is at rest.
(c) Is this an elastic collision?
____ Yes ____ No
Justify your answer.

C1981M2. A swing seat of mass M is connected to a fixed point P by a massless cord of length L. A child also of
mass M sits on the seat and begins to swing with zero velocity at a position at which the cord makes a 60° angle
with the vertical is shown in Figure I. The swing continues down until the cord is exactly vertical at which time the
child jumps off in a horizontal direction. The swing continues in the same direction until its cord makes a 45° angle
with the vertical as shown in Figure II: at that point it begins to swing in the reverse direction.

a) Determine the speed of the child and seat just at the lowest position prior to the child’s dismount from the seat
b) Determine the speed if the seat immediately after the child dismounts
c) Determine the speed of the child immediately after he dismounts from the swing?

194
C1991M1. A small block of mass 2m initially rests on a track at the bottom of the circular, vertical
loop-the-loop shown above, which has a radius r. The surface contact between the block and the loop is
frictionless. A bullet of mass m strikes the block horizontally with initial speed v o and remains embedded
in the block as the block and bullet circle the loop.

Determine each of the following in terms of m, vo, r, and g.

a. The speed of the block and bullet immediately after impact
b. The kinetic energy of the block and bullet when they reach point P on the loop
c. The speed vmin of the block at the top of the loop to remain in contact with track at all times
d The new required entry speed vo’ of the block and bullet at the bottom of the loop such that the conditions in
part c apply.
e. The new initial speed of the bullet to produce the speed from part d above.

195
C1992M1. A ball of mass 9m is dropped from rest from a height H = 5.0 meters above the ground, as shown above
on the left. It undergoes a perfectly elastic collision with the ground and rebounds. At the instant that the ball
rebounds, a small blob of clay of mass m is released from rest from the original height H, directly above the ball, as
shown above on the right. The clay blob, which is descending, collides with the ball 0.5 seconds later, which is
ascending. Assume that g = 10 m/s2, that air resistance is negligible, and that the collision process takes negligible
time.
a. Determine the speed of the ball immediately before it hits the ground.
b. Determine the rebound speed of the ball immediately after it collides with the ground, justify your answer.
c. Determine the height above the ground at which the clay-ball collision takes place.
d. Determine the speeds of the ball and the clay blob immediately before the collision.
e. If the ball and the clay blob stick together on impact, what is the magnitude and direction of their velocity
immediately after the collision?

196
C1993M1. A massless spring with force constant k = 400 newtons per meter is fastened at its left end to a vertical
wall, as shown in Figure 1. Initially, block C (mass mc = 4.0 kilograms) and block D (mass mD = 2.0 kilograms)
rest on a horizontal surface with block C in contact with the spring (but not compressing it) and with block D in
contact with block C. Block C is then moved to the left, compressing the spring a distance of 0.50 meter, and held
in place while block D remains at rest as shown in Figure 11. (Use g = 10 m/s 2.)
a. Determine the elastic energy stored in the compressed spring.

Block C is then released and accelerates to the right, toward block D. The surface is rough and the coefficient of
friction between each block and the surface is  = 0.4. The two blocks collide instantaneously, stick together, and
move to the right. Remember that the spring is not attached to block C. Determine each of the following.
b. The speed vc of block C just before it collides with block D
c. The speed vf of blocks C and D just after they collide
d. The horizontal distance the blocks move before coming to rest

C1994M1. A 2-kilogram block is attached to an ideal spring (for which k = 200 N/m) and initially at rest on a
horizontal frictionless surface, as shown in the diagram above.

In an initial experiment, a 100-gram (0.1 kg) ball of clay is thrown at the 2-kilogram block. The clay is moving
horizontally with speed v when it hits and sticks to the block. The spring is attached to a wall as shown. As a result,
the spring compresses a maximum distance of 0.4 meters.
a. Calculate the energy stored in the spring at maximum compression.
b. Calculate the speed of the clay ball and 2-kilogram block immediately after the clay sticks to the block but
before the spring compresses significantly.
c. Calculate the initial speed v of the clay.

197
C1995M1. A 5-kilogram ball initially rests at the edge of a 2-meter-long, 1.2-meter-high frictionless table, as
shown above. A hard plastic cube of mass 0.5 kilogram slides across the table at a speed of 26 meters per second
and strikes the ball, causing the ball to leave the table in the direction in which the cube was moving. The figure
below shows a graph of the force exerted on the ball by the cube as a function of time.

a. Determine the total impulse given to the ball.

b. Determine the horizontal velocity of the ball immediately after the collision.
c. Determine the following for the cube immediately after the collision.
i. Its speed
ii. Its direction of travel (right or left), if moving
d. Determine the kinetic energy dissipated in the collision.
e. Determine the distance between the two points of impact of the objects with the floor.

198
C1998M1. Two gliders move freely on an air track with negligible friction, as shown above. Glider A has a mass of
0.90 kg and glider B has a mass of 0.60 kg. Initially, glider A moves toward glider B, which is at rest. A spring of
negligible mass is attached to the right side of glider A. Strobe photography is used to record successive positions of
glider A at 0.10 s intervals over a total time of 2.00 s, during which time it collides with glider B.

The following diagram represents the data for the motion of glider A. Positions of glider A at the end of each 0.10s
interval are indicated by the symbol ʌ against a metric ruler. The total elapsed time t after each 0.50 s is also
indicated.

a. Determine the average speed of glider A for the following time intervals.

i. 0.0 s to 0.30 s ii. 0.90 s to 1.10 s iii. 1.70 s to 1.90 s

b. On the axes below, sketch a graph, consistent with the data above, of the speed of glider A as a function of
time t for the 2.00 s interval.

199
c. i. Use the data to calculate the speed of glider B immediately after it separates from the spring.
ii. On the axes below, sketch a graph of the speed of glider B as a function of time t.

A graph of the total kinetic energy K for the two-glider system over the 2.00 s interval has the following shape.
Ko is the total kinetic energy of the system at time t = 0.

d. i. Is the collision elastic? Justify your answer.

ii. Briefly explain why there is a minimum in the kinetic energy curve at t = 1.00 s.

200
C1999M1. In a laboratory experiment, you wish to determine the initial
speed of a dart just after it leaves a dart gun. The dart, of mass m, is fired
with the gun very close to a wooden block of mass M o which hangs from a
cord of length l and negligible mass, as shown. Assume the size of the
block is negligible compared to l, and the dart is moving horizontally
when it hits the left side of the block at its center and becomes embedded
in it. The block swings up to a maximum angle from the vertical. Express
your answers to the following in terms of
m, M0, l, max, and g.
a. Determine the speed vo of the dart immediately before it strikes the
block.
b. The dart and block subsequently swing as a pendulum. Determine the
tension in the cord when it returns to the lowest point of the swing.
c. At your lab table you have only the following additional equipment.

Meter stick Stopwatch Set of known masses Protractor

5 m of string Five more blocks of mass M0 Spring

Without destroying or disassembling any of this equipment, design another practical method for determining the
speed of the dart just after it leaves the gun. Indicate the measurements you would take, and how the speed could be
determined from these measurements.

2001M1. A motion sensor and a force sensor record the motion of a cart along a track, as shown above. The cart is
given a push so that it moves toward the force sensor and then collides with it. The two sensors record the values
shown in the following graphs.
a. Determine the cart's average acceleration between t = 0.33 s and t = 0.37 s.
b. Determine the magnitude of the change in the cart's momentum during the collision.
c. Determine the mass of the cart.
d. Determine the energy lost in the collision between the force sensor and the cart

201
C2003M2.

An ideal massless spring is hung from the ceiling and a pan

suspension of total mass M is suspended from the end of the spring.
A piece of clay, also of mass M, is then dropped from a height H
onto the pan and sticks to it. Express all algebraic answers in terms
of the given quantities and fundamental constants.

(a) Determine the speed of the clay at the instant it hits the pan.
(b) Determine the speed of the pan just after the clay strikes it.
(c) After the collision, the apparatus comes to rest at a distance H/2
below the current position. Determine the spring constant of the
attached spring.

C2004M1.

A rope of length L is attached to a support at point C. A

person of mass m1 sits on a ledge at position A holding
the other end of the rope so that it is horizontal and taut,
as shown. The person then drops off the ledge
and swings down on the rope toward position B on a
lower ledge where an object of mass m2 is at rest. At
position B the person grabs hold of the object and
simultaneously lets go of the rope. The person and
object then land together in the lake at point D, which is
a vertical distance L below position B. Air resistance
and the mass of the rope are negligible. Derive
expressions for each of the following in terms of
m1, m2, L, and g.

(a) The speed of the person just before the collision with the object
(b) The tension in the rope just before the collision with the object
(c) The speed of the person and object just after the collision
(d) The total horizontal displacement x of the person from position A until the person and object land in the
water at point D.

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ANSWERS - AP Physics Multiple Choice Practice – Momentum and Impulse

Solution Answer
1. Based on Ft = m∆v, doubling the mass would require twice the time for same momentum change D

2. Two step problem.

I) find velocity after collision with arrow. II) now use energy conservation. Ki = Usp(f) D
mavai = (ma+mb) vf vf = mv / (m+M) ½ (m+M)vf2 = ½ k ∆x2, sub in vf from I

3. Since the momentum is the same, that means the quantity m1v1 = m2v2. This means that the mass C
and velocity change proportionally to each other so if you double m 1 you would have to
double m2 or v2 on the other side as well to maintain the same momentum. Now we consider
the energy formula KE= ½ mv2 since the v is squared, it is the more important term to
increase in order to make more energy. So if you double the mass of 1, then double the
velocity of 2, you have the same momentum but the velocity of 2 when squared will make a
greater energy, hence we want more velocity in object 2 to have more energy.

4. Due to momentum conservation, the total before is zero therefore the total after must also be zero D

5. Perfect inelastic collision. m1v1i + m2v2i = mtot(vf) … (75)(6) + (100)(–8) = (175) vf A

6. Perfect inelastic collision. m1v1i = mtot(vf) … (5000)(4) = (13000)vf C

7. Energy is conserved during fall and since the collision is elastic, energy is also conserved during A
the collision and always has the same total value throughout.

8. To conserve momentum, the change in momentum of each mass must be the same so each must B
receive the same impulse. Since the spring is in contact with each mass for the same
expansion time, the applied force must be the same to produce the same impulse.

9. Use J=∆p J = mvf – mvi J = (0.5)(– 4) – (0.5)(6) B

10. Perfect inelastic collision. m1v1i = mtot(vf) … (2m)(v) = (5m) vf B

11. First of all, if the kinetic energies are the same, then when brought to rest, the non conservative A,C
work done on each would have to be the same based on work-energy principle. Also, since
both have the same kinetic energies we have ½ m1v12 = ½ m2v22 … since the velocity is
squared an increase in mass would need a proportionally smaller decrease in velocity to keep
the terms the same and thus make the quantity mv be higher for the larger mass. This can be
seen through example: If mass m1 was double mass m2 its velocity would be v / √2 times in
comparison to mass m2’s velocity. So you get double the mass but less than half of the
velocity which makes a larger mv term.

12. Perfect inelastic collision. m1v1i = mtot(vf) … (m)(v) = (3m) vf A

13. Explosion. pbefore = 0 = pafter … 0 = m1v1f + m2v2f … 0 = (50)(v1f) + (2)(10) B

14. Explosion, momentum before is zero and after must also be zero. To have equal momentum the C
heavier student must have a much smaller velocity and since that smaller velocity is squared
it has the effect of making the heavier object have less energy than the smaller one

203
15. Based on momentum conservation both carts have the same magnitude of momentum “mv” but B
based on K = ½ m v2 the one with the larger mass would have a directly proportional smaller
velocity that then gets squared. So by squaring the smaller velocity term it has the effect of
making the bigger mass have less energy. This can be shown with an example of one object
of mass m and speed v compared to a second object of mass 2m and speed v/2. The larger
mass ends up with less energy even through the momenta are the same.

16. A 2d collision must be looked at in both x-y directions always. Since the angle is the same and D
the v is the same, vy is the same both before and after therefore there is no momentum
change in the y direction. All of the momentum change comes from the x direction.
vix = v cos θ and vfx = –v cos θ. ∆p = mvfx – mvix … – mv cos θ – mv cos θ

17. Explosion. pbefore = 0 = pafter … 0 = m1v1f + m2v2f … 0 = (7)(v1f) + (5)(0.2) B

18. In a circle at constant speed, work is zero since the force is parallel to the incremental distance B,C
moved during revolution. Angular momentum is given by mvr and since none of those
quantities are changing it is constant. However the net force is NOT = MR, its Mv 2/R

19. Since the momentum before is zero, the momentum after must also be zero. Each mass must D
have equal and opposite momentum to maintain zero total momentum.

20. In a perfect inelastic collision with one of the objects at rest, the speed after will always be less C
no matter what the masses. The ‘increase’ of mass in ‘mv’ is offset by a decrease in velocity

21. Since the total momentum before and after is zero, momentum conservation is not violated,
however the objects gain energy in the collision which is not possible unless there was some B
energy input which could come in the form of inputting stored potential energy in some way.

22. The plastic ball is clearly lighter so anything involving mass is out, this leaves speed which B
makes sense based on free-fall

23. Perfect inelastic collision. m1v1i = mtot(vf) … (m)(v) = (m+M) vf D

24. As the cart moves forward it gains mass due to the rain but in the x direction the rain does not B
provide any impulse to speed up the car so its speed must decrease to conserve momentum

25. Momentum increases if velocity increases. In a d-t graph, III shows increasing slope (velocity) B

26. The net force is zero if velocity (slope) does not change, this is graphs I and II C

27. Since the initial object was stationary and the total momentum was zero it must also have zero D
total momentum after. To cancel the momentum shown of the other two pieces, the 3m
piece would need an x component of momentum p x = mV and a y component of momentum
py = mV giving it a total momentum of √2 mV using Pythagorean theorem. Then set this
total momentum equal to the mass * velocity of the 3rd particle.
√2 mV = (3m) Vm3 and solve for Vm3

28. Its does not matter what order to masses are dropped in. Adding mass reduces momentum C
proportionally. All that matters is the total mass that was added. This can be provided by
finding the velocity after the first drop, then continuing to find the velocity after the second
drop. Then repeating the problem in reverse to find the final velocity which will come out
the same

29. Increase in momentum is momentum change which is the area under the curve C

204
30. Basic principle of impulse. Increased time lessens the force of impact. D

31. Explosion. pbefore = 0 = pafter … 0 = m1v1f + m2v2f … 0 = m1(5) + m2(–2) B

32. Perfect inelastic collision. m1v1i + m2v2i = mtot(vf) … Mv + (– 2Mv) = (3M) vf gives vf = v/3. C
Then to find the energy loss subtract the total energy before – the total energy after
[ ½ Mv2 + ½ (2M)v2 ] – ½ (3M) (v/3)2 = 3/6 Mv2 + 6/6 Mv2 – 1/6 Mv2

33. 2D collision. The y momentums are equal and opposite and will cancel out leaving only the x B
momentums which are also equal and will add together to give a total momentum equal to
twice the x component momentum before hand. p before = pafter 2movocos60 = (2mo) vf

34. Since there is no y momentum before, there cannot be any net y momentum after. The balls have C
equal masses so you need the y velocities of each ball to be equal after to cancel out the
momenta. By inspection, looking at the given velocities and angles and without doing any
math, the only one that could possibly make equal y velocities is choice D

35. The area of the Ft graph is the impulse which determines the momentum change. Since the net C
impulse is zero, there will be zero total momentum change.

36. Perfect inelastic collision. m1v1i + m2v2i = mtot(vf) … (m)(v) + (2m)(v / 2) = (3m)vf C

37. Since the angle and speed are the same, the x component velocity has been unchanged which D
means there could not have been any x direction momentum change. The y direction
velocity was reversed so there must have been an upwards y impulse to change and reverse
the velocity.

38. Just as linear momentum must be conserved, angular momentum must similarly be conserved. A
Angular momentum is given by L = mvr, so to conserve angular momentum, these terms
must all change proportionally. In this example, as the radius decreases the velocity
increases to conserve momentum.

39. Each child does work by pushing to produce the resulting energy. This kinetic energy is input D
through the stored energy in their muscles. To transfer this energy to each child, work is
done. The amount of work done to transfer the energy must be equal to the amount of
kinetic energy gained. Before hand, there was zero energy so if we find the total kinetic
energy of the two students, that will give us the total work done. First, we need to find the
speed of the boy using momentum conservation, explosion:
pbefore = 0 = pafter 0 = mbvb + mgvg 0 = (m)(vb) = (2m)(vg) so vb = 2v
Now we find the total energy Ktot = Kb + Kg = ½ m(2v)2 + ½ 2m(v)2 = 2mv2 + mv2 = 3mv2

40. Since it is an elastic collision, the energy after must equal the energy before, and in all collisions A
momentum before equals momentum after. So if we simply find both the energy before and
the momentum before, these have the same values after as well. p = Mv, K = ½ Mv 2

41. The area under the F-t graph will give the impulse which is equal to the momentum change. B
With the momentum change we can find the velocity change.
J = area = 6 Then J = ∆p = m∆v 6 = (2)∆v ∆v = 3 m/s

42. This is the same as question 16 except oriented vertically instead of horizontally. D

205
AP Physics Free Response Practice – Momentum and Impulse – ANSWERS

1976B2.
a) Apply momentum conservation. pbefore = pafter mvo = (m)(vo/3) + (4m)(vf2) vf2 = vo / 6

b) KEf – KEi = ½ mvo2 – ½ m (vo / 3)2 = 4/9 mvo2

c) KE = ½ (4m)(vo / 6)2 = 1/18 mvo2

1978B1.

2H
a) Projectile methods. Find t in y direction. d y = viyt + ½ a t2 t=
g
2H
D is found with vx = dx / t D = vot vo
g

b) Apply momentum conservation in the x direction. p before(x) = pafter(x) M1vo = (M1+M2)vf vf = M1v0 / (M1+M2)

1981B2.

a) The work to compress the spring would be equal to the amount of spring energy it possessed after compression.
After releasing the mass, energy is conserved and the spring energy totally becomes kinetic energy so the
kinetic energy of the mass when leaving the spring equals the amount of work done to compress the spring
W = ½ m v2 = ½ (3) (10)2 = 150 J

b) Apply momentum conservation to the explosion

pbefore = 0 = pafter 0 = m1v1f + m2v2f 0 = (1)v1f + (3)v2f v1f = 3 v2f

Apply energy conservation … all of the spring energy is converted into the kinetic energy of the masses
150 J = K1 + K2 150 = ½ m v1f2 + ½ m v2f2 sub in above for v2f
2 2
150 = ½ (1)(3v2f) + ½ (3)(v2f)
v2f = 5 m/s v1f = 15 m/s

1983B2.

a) Apply momentum conservation perfect inelastic. p before = pafter 2Mvo = (3M)vf vf = 2/3 vo

2
2 2
4 Mvo
b) Apply energy conservation. K = Usp ½ (3M)(2/3 vo) = ½ k ∆x
3k

206
1984B2.

a) Before the collision there is only an x direction momentum of mass M 1 … px = m1v1x = 16, all the rest are 0
After the collision, M1 has y direction momentum = m1v1fy = 12 and M2 has x and y direction momentums.
Using trig to find the x and y velocities of mass M 2 … vx = 5 cos 37 = 3, and vy = 5 sin 37 = 3.75.
Then plug into mv to get each x and y momentum after.

M1 = 1 kg M2 = 4 kg
px (kg m /s) py (kg m /s) px (kg m /s) py (kg m /s)

Before 16 0 0 0

After 0 -12 16 12

b) SUM = 16 -12 16 12
When adding x’s before they = x’s after 16=16, when adding y’s before they equal y’s after |-12|=12

c) Kinetic Energy Before Kinetic Energy After

K = ½ m1v1ix2 K = ½ m1v1fy2 + ½ m2v22
K = ½ (1)(16)2 = 128 J K = ½ (1)(12)2 + ½ (4)(5)2 = 122 J

d) From above, K is not conserved.

1985B1.

a) Apply momentum conservation perfect inelastic. p before = pafter m1v1i = (m+M)vf vf = 1.5 m/s

b) KEi / KEf ½ m v1i2 / ½ (m+M)vf2 = 667

c) Apply conservation of energy of combined masses K=U ½ (m+M)v2 = (m+M)gh h = 0.11 m

1990B1.

a) Apply momentum conservation perfect inelastic. p before = pafter m1vo = (101m)vf vf = vo / 101

b) ∆K = Kf – Ki = ½ (101m)vf2 – ½ mvo2 = ½ (101m)(vo/101)2 – ½ mvo2 = – (50/101) mvo2

2h
c) Using projectile methods. Find t in y direction. d y = viyt + ½ a t2 t=
g
v 0 2h
D is found with vx = dx / t D = vxt
101 g

d) The velocity of the block would be different but the change in the x velocity has no impact on the time in the y
direction due to independence of motion. viy is still zero so t is unchanged.

e) In the initial problem, all of the bullets momentum was transferred to the block. In the new scenario, there is less
momentum transferred to the block so the block will be going slower. Based on D = vxt with the same time as
before but smaller velocity the distance x will be smaller.

207
1992 B2.

a) Apply momentum conservation perfect inelastic. p before = pafter

m1v1i = (m1+m2)vf (30)(4) = (80)vf vf = 1.5 m/s

b) K= ½ (m1+m2) vf2 = ½ (80)(1.5)2 = 90 J

c) Apply momentum conservation explosion.

pbefore = pafter (m1+m2)v = m1v1f + m2v2f (80)(1.5) = 0 + (50)v2f v2f = 2.4 m/s

d) K = ½ m2v2f2 = ½ (50)(2.4)2 = 144 J

e) By inspection the energy in d is greater. The energy increased due to an energy input from the work of the child’s
muscles in pushing on the sled.

1994 B2.

a) Apply energy conservation top to bottom. U=K mgh = ½ mv2 (gR) = ½ v2 v  2 gR

b) Apply momentum conservation

2gR
pbefore = pafter mavai = (ma+mb)vf M( 2 gR ) = 2Mvf vf =
2
c) The loss of the kinetic energy is equal to the amount of internal energy transferred
2gR 2
∆K = Kf – Ki = ½ 2M ( ) – ½ M ( 2 gR )2 = – MgR / 2 lost  MgR / 2 internal energy gain.
2
d) Find the remaining kinetic energy loss using work-energy theorem which will be equal the internal energy gain.
Wnc = ∆K – fkd = – μFnd = – μ(2m)gL = –2 μMgL, kinetic loss = internal E gain  2μMgL

1995 B1.

a) i) p = mv = (0.2)(3) = 0.6 kg m/s

ii) K = ½ mv2 = ½ (0.2)(3)2 = 0.9 J

b) i.) Apply momentum conservation pbefore = pafter = 0.6 kg m/s

ii) First find the velocity after using the momentum above
0.6 = (1.3+0.2) vf vf = 0.4 m/s K = ½ (m1+m2) vf2 = ½ (1.3+0.2)(0.4)2 = 0.12 J

c) Apply energy conservation K = Usp 0.12 J = ½ k∆x2 = ½ (100) ∆x2 ∆x = 0.05 m

208
1996 B1.

a) ptot = M(3vo) + (M)(vo) = 4mvo

b) i) Apply momentum conservation perfect inelastic. p before = pafter

4Mvo = (m1+m2)vf 4Mvo = (2M) vf vf = 2vo
ii) Since they are both moving right they would have to be moving right after

c) i) Apply momentum conservation pbefore = pafter

4Mvo = m1v1f + m2v2i 4Mvo = Mvaf + M(2.5vo) vaf = 1.5 vo
ii) As before, the would have to be moving right.

d) ∆K = Kf – Ki = (½ mavaf2 + ½ mbvbf2) – ( ½ mavai2 + ½ mbvbi2) = 4.25 Mvo2 – 5 Mvo2 = – 0.75 Mvo2

1997 B1.

a) The force is constant, so simple Fnet = ma is sufficient. (4) = (0.2) a a = 20 m/s2

b) Use d = vit + ½ a t2 12 = (0) + ½ (20) t2 t = 1.1 sec

c) W = Fd W = (4 N) (12 m) = 48 J

d) Using work energy theorem W = ∆K (Ki = 0) W = Kf – Ki

W = ½ m vf2
Alternatively, use vf 2 = vi2 + 2 a d 48J = ½ (0.2) (vf2) vf = 21.9 m/s

e) The area under the triangle will give the extra work for the last 8 m
½ (8)(4) = 16J + work for first 12 m (48J) = total work done over 20 m = 64 J

Again using work energy theorem W = ½ m vf2 64 J = ½ (0.2) vf2 vf = 25.3 m/s

Note: if using F = ma and kinematics equations, the acceleration in the last 8 m would need to be found using
the average force over that interval.

f) The momentum change can simply be found with ∆p = m∆v = m(vf – vi) = 0.2 (25.3 – 21.9) = 0.68 kg m/s

2001B2.

a) Apply momentum conservation pbefore = pafter

mavai = mavaf + mbvbf (0.1)(1.4) = (0.1)(–0.7) + (0.5)vbf vbf = 0.42 m/s

b) Using projectile methods. Find t in y direction. dy = viyt + ½ a t2 – 1.2m = 0 + ½ (–9.8) t2 t = 0.49

D is found with vx = dx / t D = vxt (0.42)(0.49) D = 0.2 m

c) The time of fall is the same as before since it’s the same vertical distance. t = 0.49 s
The velocity of ball C leaving the table can be found using projectile methods. v x = d / t = 0.15/0.49 = 0.31 m/s

d) Looking that the y direction. p y(before) = py(after)

0 = pay – pcy 0 = pay – mcvcy 0 = pay – (0.1)(0.31)sin30 pay = 0.015 kg m/s

209
2002B1.

a)

b) Jengine = Feng t (20) = Feng (2) Feng = 10 N

Fnet = ma (Feng–mg)=ma (10 – 0.25(9.8))=(0.25)a a = 30 m/s2

c) Find distance traveled in part (i) d 1 =vit + ½ a t2 = 0 + ½ (30)(2)2 = 60 m

Find distance in part (ii) free fall.
first find velocity at end of part (i) = vi for part ii then find distance traveled in part ii
v1f = v1i + a1t1 = (0) + (30)(2) = 60 m/s v2f2 = v2i2+2gd2 = (60)2 + 2(–9.8)(d2) d2 = 184 m

dtotal = 244 m

d) Find time in part ii. v2f = v2i + gt 0 = 60 + –9.8 t t = 6.1 s

then add it to the part I time (2 s) total time  8.1 sec

2002B1B

a) The graph of force vs time uses area to represent the Impulse and the impulse equals change in momentum.
Area = 2 x ½ bh = (0.5 ms)(10kN). Milli and kilo cancel each other out. Area = 5 Ns = J

VERY IMPORTANT – Based on the problem, the force given and therefore impulse is actually negative
because the graph is for the 2 kg cart and clearly the force would act opposite the motion of the cart.

J = ∆p = mvf – mvi (–5) = (2)(vf) – 2(3) vf = 0.5 m/s (for the 2 kg cart)

b) Apply momentum conservation pbefore = pafter

mavai = mavaf + mbvbf (2)(3) = (2)(0.5) + (mb)(1.6) mb = 3.125 kg

c) slope = acceleration = ∆y / ∆x = (0.5 – 1.6) / (3.5 – 3) = – 0.73 m/s2

d) distance = area under line, using four shapes.

0-2 rectangle, 2-3.5 triangle top + rectangle bottom, 3.5-5, rectangle  5.5 m

e) Since the acceleration is negative the cart is slowing so it must be going up the ramp. Use energy conservation to
find the max height. Kbot = Utop ½ mv2 = mgh ½ (1.6)2 = (9.8) h h = 0.13 m

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2006B2B.

a) Apply energy conservation

Utop = Kbottom
mgh = ½ m v2 Mgh = ½ (M) (3.5vo) 2 h = 6.125 vo2 / g

b) Apply momentum conservation pbefore = pafter

mavai = mavaf + mbvbf (M)(3.5vo) = (M)vaf + (1.5M)(2vo) vaf = ½ vo

c) WNC = ∆K (Kf-Ki) Kf = 0
– fk d = 0 – ½ (1.5M)(2vo)2
μk (1.5 M) g (d) = 3Mvo2 μk = 2vo2 / gD

d) Compare the kinetic energies before and after

Before After
K = ½ M (3.5vo)2 ½ M( ½ vo)2 + ½ (1.5M)(2vo)2 there are not equal so its inelastic

2008B1B.

a) Apply momentum conservation to the explosion pbefore = 0 = pafter

0 = mavaf + mbvbf 0 = (70)(– 0.55) + (35)(vbf) vbf = 1.1 m/s

b) Json = ∆pson Fon-son t = m(vf – vi) F (0.6) = (35)(0 – 1.1) = F = – 64 N

c) Based on newtons third law action/reaction, the force on the son must be the same but in the opposite direction as
the force on the mother.

d) On the son Wfk = ∆K – fkd = ½ mvf2 – ½ mvi2 – μmg d = ½ m (0–vi2) d = vi2 / (2μ)

This would be the same formula for the mother’s motion with a different initial velocity. Since the mass
cancels out we see the distance traveled is proportional to the velocity squared. The boy moves at twice the
speed of the mother, so based on this relationship should travel 4 x the distance. The mother traveled 7 m so the
son would have a sliding distance of 28 m.
(Alternatively, you could plug in the numbers for the mother to solve for μ and then plug in again using the
same value of μ and the sons velocity to find the distance. μ is the same for both people.)

2008B1.

a) First determine the time to travel while the car accelerates. v 1f = v1i + a1t1 (5) = (2) + (1.5) t1 t1 = 2 sec
Also determine the distance traveled while accelerating d1 = v1it1 + ½ a1t12 d1 = (2)(2) + ½ (1.5)(2)2 = 7 m

This leaves 8 m left for the constant speed portion of the trip.
The velocity at the end of the 7m is the average constant velocity for the second part of the trip
v2 = d2 / t2 5 = 8 / t2 t2 = 1.6 sec  total time = t1 + t2 = 3.6 seconds

b) i) Apply momentum conservation pbefore = pafter

mavai = mavaf + mbvbf (250)(5) = (250)vaf + (200)(4.8) vaf = 1.2 m/s
ii) Since the velocity is + the car is moving right

c) Check kinetic energy before vs after

Ki = ½ (250)(5)2 = 3125 J Kf = ½ (250) (1.2)2 + ½ (200)(4.8)2 = 2484 J

Since the energies are not the same, it is inelastic

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C1981M2.

θ
L L cos θ
L
L sin θ
P
L – L cos θ

a) Utop = Kbot b) Use the max rise height on the opposite site to find the seats speed
mgh = ½ mv2 Kbot = Utop ½ mv2 = mgh

v  2 g ( L  L cos 60) v  2 g ( L  L cos 45)

L 2L
v  2g (L  ) v  2g (L  )
2 2
v  gL 2
v  2 gL (1  ) v  gL (2  2 )
2

c) Apply momentum conservation pbefore = pafter

mavai = mavaf + mbvbf (2m) gL  m v af  m( gL (2  2 )  gL  2  (2  2 ) 

 

C1991M1.

(a) Apply momentum conservation perfect inelastic pbefore = pafter

mvo = (m+2m) vf vf = vo / 3

(b) Apply energy conservation.

Kbottom = Up + Kp ½ mvbot2 = mghp + Kp
½ 3m (vo/3)2 = 3mg(r) + Kp Kp = mvo2/6 – 3mgr

(c) The minimum speed to stay in contact is the limit point at the top where F n just becomes zero. So set Fn=0 at the
top of the loop so that only mg is acting down on the block. The apply F net(C)

Fnet(C) = mv2 / r 3mg = 3m v2 /r v = √rg

(d) Energy conservation top of loop to bottom of loop

Utop + Ktop = Kbot

mgh + ½ m vtop2 = ½ m vbot2 g(2r) + ½ (√rg)2 = ½ (vo’)2 vo  5 gr

(e) Apply momentum conservation, perfect inelastic with vf as the speed found above and vi unknown

pbefore = pafter mvb’ = (m+2m) vf vb’ = 3vf = vo  3 5 gr

212
C1992M1.

a) Utop = Kbot mgh = ½ mv2 (10)(5) = ½ v2 v = 10 m/s

b) Since the ball hits the ground elastically, it would rebound with a speed equal to that it hit with 10 m/s

c) Free fall of clay d = vit + ½ gt2 = 0 + ½ (–10)(0.5)2

d = –1.25 m displaced down, so height from ground would be 3.75 m

d) Clay free fall (down) vf = vi + gt = 0 +(–10)(0.5) = –5 m/s speed = 5 m/s

Ball free fall (up) vf = vi + gt = 10 + (–10)(0.5) = 5 m/s speed = 5 m/s

e) Apply momentum conservation perfect inelastic pbefore = pafter

mavai + mbvbi = (ma+mb) vf (9m)(5) + (m)(–5) = (10m) vf vf = 4 m/s, up (since +)

C1993M1. - since there is friction on the surface the whole time, energy conservation cannot be used

a) Usp = ½ k ∆x2 = ½ (400)(0.5)2 = 50 J

b) Using work-energy Wnc = ∆Usp + ∆K = (Usp(f)–Usp(i)) + (Kf – Ki)

– fkd = ( 0 – 50J ) + ( ½ m vf2 – 0)
– μ mg d = ½ mvf2 – 50
– (0.4)(4)(9.8)(0.5) = ½ (4)(vc2) – 50 vc = 4.59 m/s

c) Apply momentum conservation perfect inelastic pbefore = pafter

mavci= (mc+md) vf (4)(4.59) = (4+2) vf vf = 3.06 m/s

d) Wnc = (Kf – Ki)

– fkd = (0 – ½ m vi2 ) – μ mg d = – ½ m vi2 (0.4)(6)(9.8) d = ½ (6)(3.06)2 d = 1.19 m

C1994M1.

a) Usp = ½ k ∆x2 = ½ (200)(0.4)2 = 16 J

b) Apply energy conservation Kbefore compression = Usp-after compression

½ (ma+mb) v2 = Usp ½ (0.1+2) v2 = 16 v = 3.9 m/s

c) Apply momentum conservation perfect inelastic pbefore = pafter

mavai= (ma+mb) vf (0.1) vai = (0.1+2) (3.9) vai = 81.9 m/s

213
C1995M1.

a) In the F vs t curve the impulse is the area under the curve. Area of triangle + rectangle + triangle = 12 Ns

b) Jon-ball = ∆pball J = m(vbf – vbi) 12 = 5(vbf – 0) vbf = 2.4 m/s

c) i) Due to action reaction, the force on the cube is the same as that on the ball but in the opposite direction so the
impulse applied to it is –12 Ns. Jon-cube = ∆pcube J = m(vcf – vci) –12 = 0.5(vcf – 26) vcf = 2 m/s

ii) since +, moving right

d) ½ mvcf2 + ½ mvbf2 – ½ mvci2 = 154 J

e) Using projectiles … both take same time to fall since v iy = 0 for both and distance of fall same for both
dy = viyt + ½ g t2 – 1.2 = 0 + ½ (–9.8) t2 t = 0.5 sec

Each dx is found using dx = vxt for each respetive speed of cube and ball.
Gives dx(cube) = 1m dx(ball) = 1.2 m so they are spaced by 0.2 m when they hit.

214
C1998M1.

a) use v = d / t for each interval i) 1 m/s ii) 0.6 m/s iii) 0.2 m/s

b) Based on the pattern of the ʌ shapes of the ruler we can see the glider moves at a constant speed up until 0.70 s
where the spacings start to change and it decelerates up until around the 1.3 second time where the speed
becomes constant again. So the first constant speed is the initial velocity of the glider (1 m/s) and the second
constant speed is the final velocity of the glider after the collision (0.2 m/s)

c) ) i) Apply momentum conservation pbefore = pafter

mavai = mavaf + mbvbf (0.9)(1) = (0.9)(0.2) + (0.6)(vbf ) vbf = 1.2 m/s

ii) Glider B is at rest up until 0.7 seconds where the collision accelerates to a final constant speed of 1.2 m/s

d) i) The collision is elastic because the kinetic energy before and after is the same
ii) The kinetic energy becomes a minimum because the energy is momentarily transferred to the spring

215
C1991M1. - The geometry of this problem is similar to C1981M2 in this document.

a) First determine the speed of the combined dart and block using energy conservation.
Kbot = Utop
½ mv2 = mgh Then apply momentum conservation bullet to block collision

v  2 g ( L  L cos  )
perfect inelastic …pbefore = pafter
v  2 gL(1  cos  )
(m  M o )
mvo= (m+Mo) v v0  2 gL(1  cos  )
m
b) Apply Fnet(c) = mv2 / r, at the lowest point (tension acts upwards weight acts down)
Ft – mg = mv2/r Ft = m(g+v2/r) substitute v from above

Ft = (m+Mo) (g + 2gL(1 – cos θ) / L) = (m+Mo) (g + 2g – 2g cos θ) = (m+Mo) g (3 – 2 cos θ )

c) One way would be to hang the spring vertically, attach the five known masses, measure the spring stretch, and use
these results to find the spring constant based on F=k∆x. Then attach the block to the spring and measure the
spring stretch again. Fire the dart vertically at the block and measure the maximum distance traveled. Similar
to the problem above, use energy conservation to find the initial speed of the block+dart then use momentum
conservation in the collision to find the darts initial speed.

C2001M1.

a) Pick velocity from the graph and use a = (vf – vi ) /t a = – 10 m/s2

b) The area of the force time graph gives the impulse which equals the momentum change. You can break the graph
into three triangles and 1 rectangle and find the area = 0.6 Ns = 0.6 kg m/s of momentum change

c) Using the value above. ∆p = m ( vf – vi ) – 0.6 = m (–0.22 – 0.18) m = 1.5 kg.

The force sensor applies a – momentum since it would push in the negative direction as the cart collides with it.

d) ∆K = Kf – Ki = ½ mvf2 – ½ mvi2 = ½ (1.5) (0.182 – 0.222) = – 0.012 J

C2003M2.
a) Apply energy conservation Utop = Kbot mgh = ½ mv2 v  2 gH

b) Apply momentum conservation perfect inelastic pbefore = pafter

1
Mvai= (M+M) vf M( 2 gH ) = 2Mvf vf = 2 gH
2
c) Even though the position shown has an unknown initial stretch and contains spring energy, we can set this as the
zero spring energy position and use the additional stretch distance H/2 given to equate the conversion of kinetic
and gravitational energy after the collision into the additional spring energy gained at the end of stretch.

Apply energy conservation K + U = Usp (gained) ½ mv2 + mgh = ½ k ∆x2

Plug in mass (2m), h = H/2 and ∆x = H/2  ½ (2m)v2 + (2m)g(H/2) = ½ k(H/2)2
plug in vf from part b m(2gH/4) + mgH = kH2/8 ….

Both sides * (1/H)  mg/2 + mg = kH/8  3/2 mg = kH/8 k = 12mg / H

216
C2004M1.

a) Energy conservation with position B set as h=0. U a = Kb vb  2 gL

b) Forces at B, Ft pointing up and mg pointing down. Apply Fnet(c)

Fnet(C) = m1vb2 / r Ft – m1g = m1(2gL) / L Ft = 3m1g

c) Apply momentum conservation perfect inelastic pbefore = pafter

m1
m1v1i= (m1+m2) vf vf = 2 gL
(m1  m2 )

d) Projectile. First find time to travel from B to D using the y direction equations
dy = viyt + ½ g t2 L = 0 + gt2 / 2
2L m1 2L m1
t Then use vx = dx / t dx  2 gL  2L
g (m1  m2 ) g (m1  m2 )

The dx found is measured from the edge of the second lower cliff so the total horizontal distance would have to
include the initial x displacement (L) starting from the first cliff.

m1  2m1 
 2L  L  L   1
(m1  m2 )  (m1  m2 ) 

217