Edexcel IAL M1 Momentum and Impulse Questions
Momentum, impulse = change in momentum, conservation of momentum in direct collisions.
- M1 · Mechanics 1
- Calculator allowed
- 30 practice questions
What the questions test
The 30 M1 momentum and impulse practice questions cover:
Worked example 1
A ball of mass $0.5 \text{ kg}$ is dropped from rest from a height of $19.6 \text{ m}$ above horizontal ground. It rebounds to a height of $4.9 \text{ m}$. Calculate the magnitude of the impulse exerted by the ground on the ball. (Take $g = 9.8 \text{ m s}^{-2}$)
Mark scheme
- M1 for finding the velocity just before impact using $v^2 = u^2 + 2as$: $v_1^2 = 0 + 2(9.8)(19.6) = 19.6^2 \implies v_1 = 19.6 \text{ m s}^{-1}$ downwards.
- M1 for finding the velocity just after impact using $v^2 = u^2 + 2as$: $0 = v_2^2 - 2(9.8)(4.9) \implies v_2^2 = 9.8^2 \implies v_2 = 9.8 \text{ m s}^{-1}$ upwards.
- M1 for calculating the impulse: $I = m(v_2 - v_1) = 0.5(9.8 - (-19.6))$.
- A1 for evaluating $I = 0.5(29.4) = 14.7 \text{ N s}$.
Worked example 2
Two particles A and B, of masses $m$ and $km$ respectively, collide on a smooth horizontal surface. Before the collision, A is moving with speed $3u$ and B is at rest. After the collision, A rebounds with speed $u$ and B moves with speed $u$. Find the value of $k$.
Mark scheme
- M1 for applying conservation of momentum, taking A's initial direction as positive.
- M1 for the equation: $m(3u) + km(0) = m(-u) + km(u)$.
- A1 for simplifying: $3mu = -mu + kmu \implies 4mu = kmu$.
- A1 for finding $k = 4$.
FAQ
What momentum and impulse is in Edexcel IAL M1?
Momentum, impulse = change in momentum, conservation of momentum in direct collisions.
Is M1 a calculator paper?
Yes, a calculator is allowed in M1, but method marks are only given for working you write down.
How are M1 momentum and impulse questions marked?
With M marks for a correct method, A marks for accurate answers that depend on the M mark before them, and B marks for independent results, as in the worked examples on this page.