Dynamics Pg 1

Does the principle of conservation of momentum applies where two colliding objects lose kinetic
energy as a result of sticking to one another at the point of collision ? Explain your answer with
reference to Newtons third law.
Yes. By Newtons 3
rd
law, when two objects collide and stick to one another, the forces that the
objects exert on each other form an action-reaction pair. These two forces are not external forces
on the system of the two objects. the principle of conservation of momentum can apply.
A sub-atomic particle of mass 0.113u collides head-on and elastically with a stationary neutron.
The neutron moves off with a speed of 3.810
6
ms
1
. By using both the law of conservation of
momentum and energy, it can be deduced that the initial speed and final speed of the sub-atomic
particle are 1.8910
7
ms
1
and 1.5010
7
ms
1
.
Suggest why the equation used in the law of conservation of momentum and energy would not
necessarily apply if the subatomic particle had a much greater initial speed.
If the initial speed is much higher, then we must take in the relativistic effects for speeds approaching
speed of light. Hence both laws may not apply.
Explain why the interaction of gas molecules with each other and with walls of the containing vessel
must, on average, be elastic.
If the interaction were not elastic on average, there will be time when the K.E of the molecules
decrease to 0 after many collisions. The molecules would stop colliding with the walls of the
container. This is impossible because the pressure exerted by a gas does not fall to 0 spontaneously,
unless some work is done on it.
Explain why very light particles, such as electrons, or massive particles, such as uranium nuclei, are
unsuitable for slowing down neutrons.
When the neutron collides with an electron, it would retain almost all its kinetic energy and hence its
velocity. When it collides with a massive uranium atom, it would rebound with most of its speed.
In either way, the speed and kinetic energy of neutron is not reduced much.
Note that fast neutrons are also absorbed by uranium and therefore lost.
Explain why the terminal velocity of falling spheres of the same density increases with mass.
Spheres with larger masses have greater weights. Hence the drag force has to be larger in order to
balance the weight. Larger drag force occur at greater velocity. Hence, spheres of the larger masses
have higher terminal velocities.
Dynamics Pg 2
Two bodies of masses A (mass m) and B (mass 3m) are in contact
and placed on a frictionless surface.
A horizontal force, F, of 12N is applied to body A which in turn
pushes body B. What is the force that body A acts on body B ?
Apply Newtons 2
nd
law to the combined system A & B : F = (m + 3m) a a =
m 4
F
For body A, F F
BA
= ma F F
BA
= m (
m 4
F
) = (
4
F
)
F
BA
=
4
3
F =
4
3
(12) = 9N.
Or For body B, F
BA
= 3ma = m (
m 4
F
) =
4
3
F =
4
3
(12) = 9N.
By Newtons 3
rd
law, F
BA
= F
AB
= 9N.
What if the horizontal force F is acting on body B instead of body A ?
Apply Newtons 2
nd
law to the combined system A & B :
F = (m + 3m) a a =
m 4
F
For body B, F F
AB
= 3ma = 3m (
m 4
F
) =
4
3
F =
4
3

F
BA
=
4
1
F =
4
1
(12) = 3N.
Or, For body A, F
BA
= ma = m (
m 4
F
) =
4
1
F
=
4
1
(12) = 3N.
By Newtons 3
rd
law, F
AB
= F
BA
= 3N.
Note that F
AB
has reduce from 9N to 3N when F apply in opposite direction.

A spring balance carrying a mass of 20.0 kg in a lift registered 250 N.
What was the acceleration of the lift ?
Calculate the balance readings during (a) free fall, (b) motion at constant velocity.
ma = F mg F = m (g + a) 250 = 20 (9.81 + a) a = 2.69 ms
2
(a) O N (b) const. v a = 0 F = m (g + 0) = mg = 20 (9.81) = 196.2N
Dynamics Pg 3
An 80 kg man is parachuting and experiencing a downward acceleration of 2.5 ms
2
.
The mass of the parachute is 5.0 kg.
(a) What is the force exerted on the parachute by the air ?
(b) What is the force exerted by the man on the parachute ?
(a) Let M be the mass of man, i.e. M = 80 kg.
Let m be the mass of parachute, i.e. m = 5.0 kg.
(M + m) a = (M + m) g R R = (M + m)(g a) = (80 + 5)(9.81 2.5 ) = 621.35N
(b) Ma = Mg R R = M(g a) = 80 (9.81 2.5) = 584.8N
A 10 kg monkey is climbing a massless rope attached to a 15 kg mass over a (frictionless) tree Limb.
(a) Explain quantitatively how the monkey can climb up the rope so that he can raise the 15 kg mass
off the ground.
(b) If, after the mass has been raised off the ground, the monkey stops climbing and holds on to the
rope, what will its acceleration and the tension on the rope now be ? (Take g = 10ms
2
)
(a) mg + ma > Mg 100 + (10) a > 150 a > 5ms
2
(b) (M + m) a = 150 100 (10 + 15) a = 50 a = 2 ms
2

(c) Consider the 15 kg mass, Ma = 150 T T = 150 (15)(2) = 120 N
Or Consider the monkey, ma = T 100 T = (10)(2) + 100 = 120 N
A chain consisting of 5 links, each of mass 1.00 10
1
kg, is lifted vertically with a constant
acceleration of 2.50 ms
2
, by external force F. Taking g as 10 ms
2
, find
(a) the forces acting between adjacent links,
(b) the lifting force F exerted on the top of the chain,
(c) the net force acting on each link.
(a) ma = F mg F = m (a + g)
For L
1
: F = (4 1.00 10
1
)(2.5 + 10) = 5 N
L
2
: F = (3 1.00 10
1
)(2.5 + 10) = 3.75 N
L
3
: F = (2 1.00 10
1
)(2.5 + 10) = 2.50 N
L
4
: F = (1 1.00 10
1
)(2.5 + 10) = 1.25 N
(b) F = m (a + g) = (5 1.00 10
1
)(2.5 + 10) = 6.25 N
(c) Net force = ma = (1.00 10
1
)(2.50) = 0.25 N
Dynamics Pg 4
A motorist travelling at 13 ms
1
approaches traffic lights, which turn red when he is 25 m away from
the stop line. His reaction time (i.e. the interval between seeing the red light and applying the brakes)
is 0.7s and the condition of the road and his tyres is such that the car cannot slow down at a rate of
more than 4.5 ms
2
. If he brakes fully, how far from the stop line will he stop, and on which side of it ?
Distance travelled during the reaction time = (13)(0.7) = 9.1m
During the application of brake, v
2
= u
2
+ 2as
2 2
v u
2a

=
2 2
0 13
2( 4.5)

= 18.8 m
Total distance = 9.1 + 18.8 = 27.9 m
He will stop over the stop line by 27.9 25 = 2.9 m
A motorist whose car will not start seeks a tow from a second motorist. The towing vehicles
accelerates slowly from rest with the tow-rope slack; when the rope becomes tight, the towed car starts
to accelerate and the towing vehicle moves with a constant speed of 0.8 ms
1
until the towed car, of
mass 1000 kg, achieves the same speed.
(a) What is the change of momentum of the towed car ?
(b) The average tension in the rope may be assumed to be 4000 N during the acceleration of the towed
car. How far does the towed car travel from rest before it reaches the speed of 0.8 ms
1

(c) How far does the towing vehicle travel in this time ?
(d) The breaking strain of the tow-rope is 0.04. What must be the minimum unstretched length of the
rope if the tow is accomplished without breakage of the rope ?
(a) Change of momentum of the towed car = (1000)(0.8) 0 = 800 Ns
(b) Acceleration, a =
m
F
=
1000
4000
= 4 ms
2
.
v
2
= u
2
+ 2as s =
2 2
v u
2a

=
2 2
( 0.8) 0
2(4)

= 0.08 m
(c) v = u + at t =
a
u v
=
0.8 0
4

= 0.2s
During t = 0.2s, the towing vehicle moves with constant velocity of 0.8 ms
1

Distance travelled by towing car = (0.8)(0.2) = 0.16 m
(d) Distance stretched by the tow-rope = 0.16 0.08 = 0.08 m
=
strain
extension
=
04 . 0
08 . 0
= 2 m
The minimum unstretched length of the rope must be 2 m.
Dynamics Pg 5
A cyclist travel down an inclined road without pedalling. The angle
that the road makes with the horizontal is 6.8. The cyclist and cycle
have a combined weight of 760 N.
(a) Show that the component of the weight of the cyclist and cycle
down the slope 90 N.
(b) The variation with time t of the velocity v of the cyclist down the
slope is illustrate in the diagram. The cyclist reaches a constant
velocity after 30s. Given that the initial acceleration of the cyclist
is 0.725 ms
2
.
(i) Calculate the accelerating force acting on the cycle and cyclist
at time t = 0.
(ii) Hence determine the resistive force acting on the cycle and cyclist at t = 0.
(iii) State the magnitude of resistive force at t = 30s.
(c) The cycle is serviced to reduce friction, state and explain what change will occur in the maximum
velocity of the cycle if the journey is repeated.
(d) After descends, the cyclist travels along a horizontal road at a speed of 7.0 ms
1
. When the brake
are applied, he takes 3.5s to come to rest. Calculate the force opposing motion during the time that
the brakes are applied. Is the brakes able to halt the cycle on the inclined road ?
(a) Component of weight down slope, W
d
= Wsin 6.8
= 760 sin 6.8 = 90 N
(b) (i) F = ma = (
W
9.81
)(0.725 ) = 56.2 N
(ii) F = W
d
R
R = W
d
F = 90 56.2 = 33.8 N
(iii) At t = 30s, velocity = const. F = 0 .
W
d
= 0 + R R = 90 N
(c) Friction is reduced resistive force R take more than 30s to reach max. 90N.
F = W
d
R with W
d
constant.
accelerating force F acting on the cycle is longer than 30s
the cycle will accelerate longer than 30s max. velocity is higher.
(d) a =
a
U V
=
0 7
3.5

= 2 ms
2
Opposing force F = ma = (
760
9.81
)(2) = 155 N
On the inclined road, the max. resultant force, F
max
= W
d
R
min
F
max
= 90 0 = 90 N
The braking force, 155N > 90N The brakes is able to halt the cycle.
Dynamics Pg 6
A space research rocket stands vertically on its launching pad. Prior to ignition, the mass of the rocket
and its fuel is 1.9 10
3
kg. On ignition, gas is ejected from the rocket at a speed of 2.5 10
3
ms
1

relative to the rocket, and fuel is consumed at a constant rate of 7.4 kgs
1
.
Find the thrust of the rocket and hence explain why there is an interval between ignition and lift-off.
Take g = 10 ms
1
.
v = 2.5 10
3
ms
1
,
dt
dm
= 7.4 kgs
1

dt
dP
=
dt
) mv ( d
= v
dt
dm
= (7.4)(2.5 10
3
) = 18.5 10
3
N
Thrust of rocket = 18.5 10
3
N
Weight of rocket and its fuel = (1.9 10
3
) (10) = 19 10
3
N
Initially, thrust < weight of rocket and its fuel. As the fuel is burnt away, the weight of rocket drops.
When the thrust is greater than the weight of rocket, the rocket will take off. This accounts for the time
interval.
Dynamics Pg 7
(a) Explain (i) how the thrust developed by rocket motors depends on the principle of conservation of
momentum,
(ii) why it is that a rocket motor can function in a vacuum,
(iii) why the resultant force on the rocket in a vacuum is larger than in air.
(b) A rocket has mass 1.2 10
4
kg (including fuel) and an acceleration of 3.5 ms
2
just after a vertical
take off. In the question, neglect air resistance.
(i) Draw a diagram showing the forces acting on the rocket.
(ii) What is the thrust of the rocket motors ?
(iii) After 1 minute the rocket is still travelling vertically and the thrust exerted by the motors has
not changed, but the acceleration has increased to 18.7ms
2
.
What is the rate of consumption of fuel ?
(c) Why can variation in the value of the acceleration of free fall be neglected in making these
calculations ?
(a)(i) Momentum of the rocket = momentum of exhaust gas, MV = mu
where negative sign means opposite direction. M > m, but the gas is
jetted at very high velocities so that enough momentum is produced to
give the rocket some velocity V. The rate of momentum MV produced
(i.e.thrust) is proportional to the rate of mu produced by the rocket motors.

(ii) In vacuum, the rocket causes its own oxygen for combustion in its motors.
(iii) Air resistance reduces the thrust of the rocket. In a vacuum, this resistance is absent and
the full thrust of the motors is available.
(b)(i) W : rocket weight
T : engine thrust reaction
A : force of exhaust gas
W & T act on rocket
(ii) ma = T mg T = m (a + g) = (1.2 10
6
)(3.5 + 9.8) = 1.6 10
7
N
(iii) T = m(a + g) m =
g a
T
+
=
7
1.6 10
18.7 9.8

+
= 5.61 10
5
kg (i.e. mass left)
Change in mass, m = (12.0 5.6) 10
5
= 6.4 10
5
kg consume in 1 min.
Rate of fuel consumed = 6.4 10
5
60 = 10600 kgs
1
(c) Average acceleration, a =
2
1
(3.5 + 18.7) = 11.1 ms
2
Distance, S = ut +
2
1
at
2
= 0 +
2
1
(11.1)(60)
2
= 19980m ~ 20km.
20 km << R
E
(= 6400 km) i.e. height is very small compared to the Earths radius
change in g is very small negligible.
Dynamics Pg 8
(a) A toy rocket consists of a plastic bottle which is partially filled
with water. The space above the water contains compressed air.
At one instant during the flight of the rocket, water of density
is forced through the nozzle of radius r at speed v relative to
the nozzle. Determine, in terms of , r and v,
(i) the mass of water ejected per unit time from the nozzle,
(ii) the rate of change of momentum of the water.
Hence show that the accelerating force F acting on the rocket is
given by the expression F = r
2
v
2
mg , where m is the
mass of the rocket and its contents at the instant considered.
(b) The toy manufacturer recommends that the rocket should contain about 550cm
3
of water before
take off. If the initial air pressure is 1.6 10
5
Pa, all of this water will be expelled and the pressure
is just reduced to atmospheric pressure as the last of the water is expelled. However, on one flight,
the initial volume of water was 750 cm
3
but the initial air pressure in the rocket was still 1.6 10
5
Pa. State, without calculation but with a reason, the effect on this increased volume of water on
(i) the initial thrust, (ii) the initial resultant accelerating force,
(iii) the final mass of the rocket and its contents, (iv) the maximum height reached.
(a)(i) Volume of water ejected per unit time,
dt
dV
=
dt
) Ax ( d
= A
dt
dx
= Av.
Mass of water ejected per unit time,
dt
dm
=
dt
) V ( d
=
dt
dV
= (Av) = r
2
v
(ii)
dt
dP
=
dt
) mv ( d
= v
dt
dm
= r
2
v
2
By Newtons 3
rd
law, upthrust on rocket = rate of change of momentum of water r
2
v
2
accelerating force F = upthrust mg = r
2
v
2
mg (Shown)
(b) (i) Initial pressure difference is same rate of change of momentum of water is same
initial upthrust is same.
(ii) From (i), initial uptrust is same but mass is larger. F = uptrust mg.
accelerating force is smaller.

(iii) Not all the water expelled out when the internal and external pressure on air is equal
final mass is larger.

(iv) Larger mass at the peak & from (ii) accelerating force is small
max. height reached is lower
Dynamics Pg 9
When a body moves through a fluid, a retarding force due to turbulence may be experienced.
In the case a sphere of radius r moving with speed v through a stationary fluid of density which is
at rest, this force is given by F = kr
2
v
2
where k is a constant.
(a) By relating the retarding force to the transfer of momentum between the sphere and the fluid,
explain why F is proportional to r
2
v
2
.
(b) When spherical raindrops fall through still air, all but the smallest experience a retarding force
given by the equation above. It is found that drops of a given radius approach the ground with an
approximately constant speed, which is independent of the height of the cloud in which they were
formed. Explain this observation by reference to Newtons laws.
Find an expression for this terminal speed v
1
in terms of the constant k, the radius r of the drop, its
density
w
, the density
A
of the air and the acceleration of free fall g.
(Neglect the buoyancy of air)
(c) The terminal speed of a raindrop of radius 1 mm is approximately 7 ms
1
.
In freak storms, hailstones with radii as large as 20 mm may fall. Estimate the speed with which
such stones strike the ground.
(Take density of water = 1 10
3
kgm
1
& density of ice = 9 10
2
kgm
3
)
(a) When the body moves through the fluid, it displaces fluid in the shape of cylinder.
The mass displaced per sec,
dt
dm
=
time
) density )( volume (
=
time
) length )( density )( area (
= (area)(density)(velocity) = tr
2
v

Force, F = momentum change per sec =
dt
dP
=
dt
) mv ( d
=
dt
dm
v = ( tr
2
v)(v) = tr
2
v
2
F r
2
v
2
(b) By Newtons 1
st
law, the particle move at constant speed unless an external force acts on it.
Since buoyancy of air is negligible, it will fall at constant speed (or terminal velocity) when air
resistance equal to gravity force on it.
F = t r
w
2
2
1
v

A
& F = mg = (
3
4
t r
w
3
w
) g t r
w
2
2
1
v

A
=
3
4
t r
w
3
w
g

1
v
2
=
w w
A
4r g
3

1
v =
w w
A
4r g
3

---------------------(1)
(c) Similarly,
i ce
v =
ice i ce
A
4r g
3

---------------------(2)
(2) (1) :
ice
1
v
v
=
ice i ce
w w
r
r

=
3 2
3 3
(20 10 )(9 10 )
(1 10 )(1 10 )

= 18

i ce
v = 18
1
v = 18 ( 7 ) = 29.7 ms
1
Dynamics Pg 10
A stream of sand falls at a constant rate from a height h on the pan of a direct reading balance.
After a time T, a total mass M has fallen and the delivery of sand ceases.
(a) Draw a sketch graph to show the reading m of the balance as a function of time t, giving the values
of m at t = 0, t = T and t = 2T.
(b) Explain the form of the graph.
(c) How would the graph differ if the sand were allowed to fall from a height 2h, a mass M again
being delivered in time T ? Trace the transformations of energy during such a process.
(a)

v
2
= u
2
+ 2gh = 0 + 2gh v = 2gh
Change of momentum of sand = M 2gh 0 = M 2gh
Force exerted =
change of momentum
time taken
=
M 2gh
T
.

(b)(i) Time interval OA represents the time for the sand to reach the pan of the balance.
(ii) AB represents the time when the sand reaches the pan at a constant rate.
(iii) BC represents the rate of change of momentum when the sand hits the pan. The additional
force,
T
gh 2 M
is acting on the pan as long as the sand continues to fall. Once the supply of
sand is stopped, the additional force will cease acting on the pan.
(iv) CD represents the damped oscillations of the pan when all the sand has fallen.
(v) The final force at E is the total weight Mg of the sand.
(c) If the height is double, the additional force at BC would be
T
gh 4 M
.
The P.E is converted to K.E of the falling sand as the sand falls.
This K.E changes to sound and heat on impact with the pan.
In addition, some energy is used as work to compress the spring of the balance.
Dynamics Pg 11
A conveyor belt is used to transfer luggage at an airport. It consists of a horizontal endless belt running
over driving rollers, moving at a constant speed of 1.5 ms
1
. To keep the belt moving when it is
transporting luggage requires a greater driving force than for an empty belt.
On average, the rate at which baggage is placed on one end of the belt and lifted off at the other end is
20 kg per second. Why is an additional driving force required and what is its value ?
Before the luggage is placed onto the belt, it has no horizontal speed. At the end of the belt, it has a
speed of 1.5 ms
1
. Rate of change of momentum is involved for a load of 20 kg in a second. This
additional driving force is required to provide this change of momentum.
F =
dt
) mv ( d
= v
dt
dm
= (1.5)(20) = 30N.
A conveyer belt travelling at a speed of a speed of 3.0 ms
1
and at an
angle of 20 to the horizontal has 18 kg of sugar dropped on to it
each second as shown in the diagram. Assume that the sugar has
negligible speed before reaching the belt, calculate
(a) the momentum gained in each second by the sugar,
(b) the force which the belt must exert on the sugar to accelerate it to
speed of belt,
(c) the work done per second by the belt on the sugar in exerting this
force.
(d) the potential energy gained in each second by the sugar which is
on the belt.
(a) P = m (v u) = 18 (3.0 0) = 54 kgms
1
(b) F =
t
P
+ mg sin =
0 . 1
4 . 5
+ (18)(9.8) sin 20 = 114.3 N
(c) Work done per second = Power = Fv = (114.3)(3.0) = 343 W
(d)
dt
dh
= v sin = (3.0) sin 20 = 1.03 ms
1
P.E. per second = mg
dt
dh
= (18)(9.8)(1.03) = 181 W
A machine gun fires 50.0g bullets at a speed of 1000 ms
1
. The gunner, holding the machine gun in
his hands, can exert an average force of 180 N against the gun.
Determine the maximum number of bullets he can fire per minute.
<F> t = NP where N is the no. of bullets he can fire.
(180)(60) = N (mV
i
mV
f
) = N [ (50 10
3
)(1000) 0 ] N = 216
Dynamics Pg 12
(a) A projectile of mass 3.2 10
2
kg is fired from a cylindrical
barrel of cross-sectional area 2.8 10
4
m
2
by means of
compressed gas. The variation with time t of the excess pressure
p of the gas in the barrel above atmospheric pressure is shown
in the diagram. Given that the maximum pressure is 55M Pa at
t = 1 ms. Calculate
(i) the maximum force which the gas exerts on the projectile,
(ii) the acceleration of the projectile which would result from the
force calculate in (i).
(b) Given that the area under the graph is 5.5 10
4
Pas, estimate the total change of momentum
due to the compressed gas which is experienced by the projectile.
(c) The speed of the projectile changes from 0 to 270 ms
1
as it leaves the barrel.
What is the change in momentum of the projectile ?
(d) Compare your answers to (b) and (c) and comment.
(a)(i) m = 3.2 10
2
kg , A = 2.8 10
4
m
2
, P
max
= 55 10
6
Nm
2
F
max
= (P
max
)(A) = (55 10
6
)(2.8 10
4
) = 15.4 kN
(ii) a =
m
F
=
2
15400
3.2 10

= 4.81 10
5
ms
2
(b) Total change of momentum = Fdt [ Fdt =
1
2
v
v dt
) mv ( d
dt = m
1
v m
2
v ]
Fdt = PA dt = A Pdt = A Area under (P t) graph
= (2.8 10
4
)(5.5 10
4
) = 15.4 kgms
1
(c) Change of momentum = m
f
v m
i
v

= (3.2 10
2
)(270 0) = 8.64 kgms
1
.
(d)
4 . 15
64 . 8
100% = 56% i.e. the momentum gain by projectile is 56% that produced by the
compressed gas. The balance 44 % is used to overcome the frictional force between the inner wall
of the barrel and the projectile when firing.
Some makes of car have, as a safety feature, regions at the front and rear which are designed to
collapse on impact, but the shell of the passenger compartment is of rigid construction.
Give a brief physical explanation of how this design may help to protect passengers from serious
injury in the event of a collision.
If the car of mass m, is travelling at a velocity v, before impact and comes to rest after impact, then the
change in momentum is m (v 0) = mv.
By Newtons 2
nd
law, the force involved in the impact is F =
t
mv
where t is the time taken during
the impact. The collapsible design would allow the impact to take a longer time, thereby reducing the
force F. The reduced force, F might not be able to break the shell of the passenger compartment which
is rigid. Thus, it works as a safety feature.

Dynamics Pg 13
Calculate the change in momentum suffered when a 70 kg person lands on firm ground after jumping
from a height of 5.0 m. Estimate the average force exerted on the persons leg if the landing is
(a) stiff-legged, (b) with bent knees.
In the former case, assume the centre of mass of the body moves 1.0 cm during impact and in the
second case, 50 cm.
(a) v
2
= u
2
+ 2as v
2
= 0 + 2 (9.81)(5.0) v = 9.9 ms
1
.
Since a = g is a constant, we can use kinematics equation.
S =
2
1
(u + v) t (1.0 10
2
) =
2
1
(0 + 9.9) t t = 2.0 10
3
s.
< F > t = mv < F > (2.0 10
3
) = (70)(9.9)
< F > = 3.47 10
5
N (upwards)
(b) S =
2
1
(u + v) t 5.0 10
2
=
2
1
(0 + 9.9) t t = 0.10s.
< F > (0.10) = (70)(9.9) < F > = 6.93 10
3
N (upwards)
A steady wind of 50 ms
1
blows against a rigid wall, which is in a plane perpendicular to the wind
direction. Estimate the pressure exerted by the wind on the wall. Density of air is 1.25 kgm
3
.
State any assumption you made in your calculations.
F = v |
.
|

\
|
dt
dm
= v |
.
|

\
|
dt
dV
----------------------(1) since m = V, : density , V: volume
But V = Ax,
dt
dV
=
dt
d
(Ax) = A
dt
dx
= Av ---------------------(2)
Subst. (2) into (1) : F = v (Av) = Av
2

A
F
= v
2
P = v
2

P = (1.25)(50)
2
= 3125 Nm
2
.
Assumptions : 1. Wind does not rebound. 2. v = 0 when hit the wall.
3. By Newtons 3
rd
law, F (wall to wind) = F (wind to wall)
A bird of mass 0.50 kg hovers by beating its wings of effective area 0.30 m
2
.
(a) What is the upwards force of the air on the bird ?
(b) What is the downward force of the bird on the air as it beats its wings ?
(c) Estimate the velocity imparted to the air (density of 1.3 kgm
3
) by the beating of the wings.
(d) Which of Newtons laws is applied in each of (a), (b) and (c) ?
(a) Upthrust = mg = (0.5)(9.81) = 4.905 N
(b) The bird beats its wings not moving Downward force = upthrust = 4.905 N
(c) P = v
2

A
F
= v
2

3 . 0
905 . 4

= 1.3 v
2
v = 3.55 ms
1
(d) Newtons 1
st
& 2
nd
laws are applied in (a), 3
rd
law is applied in (b).
Dynamics Pg 14
Use the Newtons 2
nd
and 3
rd
laws to show that the momentum of a system of two colliding bodies
remains constant, provided that no external forces act.
Before impact After impact


Two bodies A and B of masses m
1
& m
2
.
Before impact, their velocities are U
1
& U
2
. After impact, their velocities become V
1
& V
2
.
By Newtons 2
nd
law,
Force on A , F
A
=
taken time
momentum in change
=
1 1 1 1
m V m U
t

. Force on B , F
B
=
2 2 2 2
m V m U
t

F
A
= F
B

1 1 1 1
m V m U
t

= (
2 2 2 2
m V m U
t

) m
1
U
1
+ m
2
U
2
= m
1
V
1
+ m
2
V
2

Total momentum before impact = Total momentum after impact.
A sphere of mass m travelling in a straight line with speed u
collides head-on with a second sphere of same mass which is not
stationary but has speed U
2
. The speed u of the incoming sphere
is greater than U
2
.The incoming sphere of kinetic energy W. The
graph shows how
W
E
, the fractional energy lost by the
incoming sphere, depends on the ratio
2
U
U
.
(a) What happens to the kinetic energy lost by the incoming
sphere ?
(b) Use the graph to suggest why paraffin wax, which has a high
number density of protons, is a good absorber of high speed
neutrons.
(a) The K.E. lost by the incoming sphere is transferred to the second sphere which causes the latter to
travel at travel at higher speed.
(b) Since the mass of a neutron is almost the same as a proton, we can consider their collision to be
same as above situation. As the paraffin wax has high density of protons, the probability of a
neutron collides with protons is very high. In addition, if a high speed neutron (U) collides with a
proton which is virtually fixed in the wax (speed U
2
), then
2
U
U
~ 0.
From the graph,
2
U
U
~ 0
W
E
~ 1 the neutron loses almost all its K.E
to the proton and comes to rest. Hence, this wax is a good absorber of high speed neutrons.
Dynamics Pg 15
The following data concern a tennis ball at a given instant just before it is struck by a tennis racket :
horizontal momentum of tennis ball = 2.4 Ns, kinetic energy of tennis ball = 45 J.
(a) Calculate the mass and the velocity of the tennis ball.
(b) When the racket hits the ball it strikes it with a constant force of 60 N in a direction opposite to its
momentum, bringing it to rest momentarily. Calculate
(i) the time the tennis ball takes to stop,
(ii) the distance the tennis ball travels while stopping.
(c) The force of 60 N then continues to act on the tennis ball for a further 0.060s.
Calculate (i) the new momentum of the ball, (ii) the new velocity of the ball.
(d) Calculate the increase in kinetic energy of the ball for the whole time that the force is applied to it
and hence deduce the mean power being delivered to the ball while it is in contact with the racket.
(e) Suggest why, in practice, it is impossible for a constant force to be applied to the ball.
(a) mv = 2.4 -------------------(1) ;
2
1
mv
2
= 45 -----------------------(2)
(2) (1) :
2
1
v =
4 . 2
45
v = 37.5 ms
1
.
Subst.into (1) : m (37.5) = 2.4 m = 0.064 kg
(b) Deceleration, a =
m
F
=
064 . 0
60
= 937.5 ms
2
(i) v = u + at t =
a
u v
=
37.5 0
937.5

= 0.04 s
(ii) s = ut +
2
1
at
2
= 0 +
2
1
(937.5)(0.04)
2
= 0.75 m
(c)(i) New momentum = F t = (60)(0.06) = 3.6 Ns

(ii) New velocity, v =
Ft
m
=
064 . 0
6 . 3
= 56.25 ms
1
(d)(i) New K.E =
2
1
mv
2
=
2
1
(0.064)(56.25)
2
= 101.25 J
Increase in K.E = 101.25 45 = 56.25 J

Hence, mean power =
taken time
E . K in change
=
56.25
(0.04 0.06) +
= 563W
(e) The stringing on the racket is not rigid, but stretches upon impact with the ball. The stretching
leads a change in the tension of the stringing. Hence the force applied to the ball cannot be
constant in practice. Furthermore, the racket is usually in motion when the ball is hit.
Dynamics Pg 16
(a) A particle A of mass M moving with velocity u in the direction shown
in the diagram collides head-on with a particle B of mass m which
originally at rest. The collision is perfectly elastic.
After collision, A and B move off with velocities V and v.
(i) Write down equations which summarize the application of the
principles of conservation of energy and momentum to this collision.
(ii) What is the ratio
m
M
such that all the kinetic energy of A is
transferred to B during the collision. (i.e. V = 0) ?
(b) Two identical steel spheres suspended so that they are free to move in a
vertical plane. The separation to he pairs of suspension threads is equal
to the diameter of a sphere. Sphere X is displace to the right and then
released. With reference to your answer to (a), discuss the subsequent
motion of the spheres.
(a)(i) Conservation of momentum : Mu = MV + mv -------------------------(1)
Conservation of K.E :
2
1
Mu
2
=
2
1
MV
2
+
2
1
mv
2
-----------------------(2)
(ii) When V = 0 (i.e. total transfer),
Eqn (1) : Mu = mv
m
M
=
v
u
---------------------------------(3)
Eqn (2) : Mu
2
= mv
2

m
M
=
2
2
u
v
-------------------------------(4)
Subst. (3) into (4) :
m
M
=
2
m
M
| |
|
\ .

M
m
|
.
|

\
|
1
M
m
= 0

M
m
= 0 (rejected) ,
M
m
= 1

M
m
= 1 Total transfer only only occurs when A & B are equal in mass.
(b) When sphere X is released, it moves towards the other sphere (let it be Y). Upon colliding with
sphere Y, sphere X transfer all its K.E to it according to the reasoning in (a) since they have the
same mass. Sphere X then stay still while sphere Y start to move to the left.
After swinging to its peak, sphere Y swings back to the right and collides with sphere X
transferring all its K.E to the latter. It then stay still while Sphere X starts to move and repeats the
whole motion again.
Its moves like a pendulum but with each sphere performing half of each oscillation. Due to small
energy loss at each collision and friction with air, the motion loses amplitude and eventually stop.
Dynamics Pg 17

(a) A neutron of mass m and velocity u collides elastically head-on with a stationary carbon atom of
mass M. The velocities of the neutron and the carbon atom after the collision are v and V
respectively.
(i) Write both equations which represent the conservation of momentum and energy.
(ii) Given that eliminating M and m from these equations results in the equation (V v) = u,
find an expression for v in terms of m, M and u.
(b) In a nuclear reactor, carbon atoms are used t slow down neutrons.
(i) assume that m, the mass of a neutron, is 1.0Mu, and M, the mass of a carbon atom, is 12Mu,
what fraction of its kinetic energy does a neutron retain after an elastic head-on collision with a
carbon atom ?
(ii) How many such head-on collisions would be needed to reduce the kinetic energy of the neutron
to one millionth of its original value ?
Discuss qualitatively the effect on your two answers of not restricting the problem to head-on
collisions only.
(a)(i) Conservation of momentum : mu = mv + MV -------------------------(1)
Conservation of K.E :
2
1
mu
2
=
2
1
mv
2
+
2
1
MV
2
------------------------(2)
(ii) V v = u V = u + v & subst. into (1) :
mu = mv + M(v + u) mu = mv + Mv + Mu v = |
.
|

\
|
+

M m
M m
u
(b)(i) K.E of neutron after collision =
2
1
m
u
v
2
=
2
1
m
u
2
m M
m M
| |
|
+
\ .
u
2
=
2
1
m
u
2
u u
u u
m 12m
m 12m
| |
|
+
\ .
u
2


=
2
1
m
u
2
11
13
| |
|
\ .
u
2
=
2
11
13
| |
|
\ .
[
2
1
m
u
u
2
] =
121
169
[
2
1
m
u
u
2
]

169
121
of fraction retain.

(ii)
2n
11
13
| |
|
\ .
>
6
1
10
2n lg |
.
|

\
|
13
11
> lg
6
1
10
n > 41.4 n > 42.
If the collision takes place at an angle, we can resolve the velocity of the neutron into 2
components. One along the line joining the centres of the neutron and the carbon atom.
The other perpendicular to the line. The parallel component will be reduced by a factor of
13
11
while the perpendicular component will be conserved.
The sum of the two components which gives the resultant velocity will be larger than that of
head-on collision. Therefore, larger fraction of the K.E will be preserved by the neutron and
more collisions are collisions are needed to reduce its K.E.
(ii) They have the same velocity at
O
t because body A
cannot compress body B further.
Before
O
t , A is faster than B, so both compress.
After
O
t , A is slower than B, so both separate.
At
O
t
,
V
1
= V
2
from (1), V
1
= u V
1

V
1
= V
2
=
2
u
Dynamics Pg 18
(a) A body A of mass m with velocity u makes a perfectly elastic head-on collision with an identical
body B which is initially at rest. Describe in words the motion of the bodies after the collision.
(b) The elastic collision mentioned in (a) is one in which the bodies become temporarily compressed
and remain in contact for a short time.
(i) On the same axes of velocity against time, sketch labeled graphs of the velocity of A and the
velocity of B. The time axis should extend from a time before the bodies come into contact to a
time after they separate : mark on this the time
C
t at which they first touch, the time to at which
they suffer maximum compression, and the time
S
t at which they separate.
(ii) Explain why bodies have the same velocity at
O
t , ( the time of maximum compression).
What is this velocity ?
(iii) Hence find, in term of m and u, the total energy of the bodies at t
o
and again at a time after they
have completely separated. Account for the difference between these energies.
(a) Conservation of momentum : mu = mV
1
+ mV
2
u = V
1
+ V
2

V
1
= u V
2
--------------------(1)
Conservation of K.E :
2
1
mu
2
=
2
1
mV
1
2
+
2
1
mV
2
2

u
2
= V
1
2
+ V
2
2
-----------------(2)

Subst. (1) into (2) : u
2
= (u V
2
)
2
+ V
2
2
u
2
= u
2
2uV
2
+ V
2
2
+ V
2
2

2V
2
2
2uV
2
= 0 V
2
(V
2
u) = 0 V
2
= 0 (NA) , V
2
= u.
Subst. V
2
= u into (1) : V
1
= u u = 0. V
1
= 0 & V
2
= u
The body A reduces its speed and then come to rest whereas body B moves with a velocity of u.
(b)(i)
(iii)Total K.E at
O
t =
2
1
mV
1
2
+
2
1
mV
2
2
=
2
1
m
2 2
u u
2 2
(
| | | |
+
( | |
\ . \ .
(

=
2
1
m
2
u
2
| |
|
\ .
=
4
1
mu
2
Total K.E at separation = 0 +
2
1
mu
2
=
2
1
mu
2
. Difference in K.E =
2
1
mu
2

4
1
mu
2
=
4
1
mu
2

The loss in K.E during compression from
C
t to
S
t goes into elastic compression energy of both
masses. This energy is returned to translational K.E after separation.
Dynamics Pg 19
A body of mass m makes a head-on, perfectly elastic collision with a body of mass M, initially at rest.
Show that
0
E
E A
=
( )
( )
M
m
2
M
m
4
1 +
where E
0
is the original kinetic energy of the mass m and
E A is the kinetic energy it loses in the collision.
Let u be the initial velocity of body with mass m.
Let V
1
& V
2
be the velocity of the body with mass m and M respectively after collision.
Conservation of momentum : mu = mV
1
+ MV
2
-------------------------(1)
Conservation of K.E :
2
1
mu
2
=
2
1
mV
1
2
+
2
1
MV
2
2
------------------------(2)
E A =
2
1
mu
2

2
1
mV
1
2
=
2
1
m (u
2
V
1
2
).
0
E
E A
=
2 2
1
1
2
2
1
2
m( u V )
mu

=
2 2
1
2
u V
u

= 1
2
1
V
u
| |
|
\ .
We need to find V
1
, u by eliminate V
2
.
From (1) : V
2
=
M
m
(u V
1
) ------------------------(3) Subst. (3) into (2) :
2
1
mu
2
=
2
1
mV
1
2
+
2
1
M
2
1
m
(u V )
M
(

(

m (u
2
V
1
2
) =
2
m
M
(u V
1
)
2

M(u + V
1
)(u V
1
) = m (u V
1
)
2
M(u + V
1
) = m (u V
1
)
(M + m) V
1
= (m M) u
1
V
u
=
m M
M m
+

----------------------(4)
Subst. (4) into
0
E
E A
:
0
E
E A
= 1
2
2
(m M)
(M m)

+
=
2 2
2
(M m) (m M)
(M m)
+
+
=
2 2 2 2
2
M 2Mm m m 2mM M
(M m)
+ + +
+
=
2
4mM
(M m) +
=
( )
( )
M
m
2
M
m
4
1 +
(Shown)
When two strong magnets are held stationary with the north pole of one pushed against the north pole
of the other. On letting go, the magnets spring apart. It is apparent that the kinetic energy of the
magnets has increased. Explain how the law of conservation of momentum applies in this case.
When the north poles are pushed together, energy is stored in the magnetic field and is then converted
into K.E when they are release. Both will move apart in the opposite directions.
Total linear momentum before the release = 0
Total linear momentum after the release =
1 1
m v
2 2
m v (ve : opposite)

1 1
m v
2 2
m v = 0
1 1
m v =
2 2
m v
Dynamics Pg 20
A stationary radon nucleus may decay spontaneously into a polonium nucleus and an -particle
as shown
222
86
Rn
218
84
Po +
4
2
He.
The rest masses of these nuclei are
2 2 2
8 6
Rn , 222.0176u ,
2 1 8
8 4
Po , 218.0090u ,
4
2
He, 4.0026u,
and it may be assumed that no ray is emitted.
(a) Calculate the total kinetic energy of the decay products.
(b) Explain how the principle of conservation of momentum applies to this decay and calculate the
speed of the -particle.
(a) Mass loss in the decay = mass of (Rn Po He) = (222.0176 218.0090 4.0026) u
= 0.0060 u where 1u = 1.66 10
27
kg
K.E =
2
mc A = (0.0060)(1.66 10
27
)(3 10
8
)
2
= 8.96 10
13
J.
(b) Since the Rn nucleus is stationary at the beginning with initial momentum zero, therefore the
momentum of Po and He atoms must be equal and opposite so to add up to zero.
Let M be the mass & u be the speed of Po.
Let m be the mass & v be the speed of He.
Conservation of momentum : Mu mv = 0 u =
M
mv
Total K.E =
2
1
[ Mu
2
+ mv
2
] =
2
1
2
2 mv
M mv
M
(
| |
+
( |
\ .
(

=
2
1
2
2 2
m
v mv
M
(
+
(

=
2
1
v
2
2
m
m
M
(
+
(

8.96 10
13
=
2
1
v
2
2
27
4
4 1.66 10
218

( | |
+
( |
(
\ .
v =1.63 10
7
ms
1
or 0.05c.
In a gas, a hydrogen molecule, mass 2.00u and velocity
1.88 10
3
ms
1
,collides elastically and head on with an
oxygen molecules, mass 32.0u and velocity 405 ms
1
. In
qualitative terms, what can be stated about the subsequent
motion as a result of knowing that the collision is head-on ?
Hence determine the velocity of separation of the two
molecules after the collision.
Head-on implies that velocity of approach of the two molecules is equal to their velocity of
separation and the motion takes place in a straight line.
Velocity separation = velocity of approach
2 1
v v

=
1 2
u u

= 1.88 10
3
( 405) = 2285 ms
1
Dynamics Pg 21
A proton travelling with speed 8.2 10
5
ms
1
collides elastically with a stationary proton in a
hydrogen target. One of the protons is observed to
be scattered at a 60 angle.
At what angle will the second proton be observed ?
What will be the velocity of the two protons after
the collision ?
For glancing elastic collision between 2 equal masses,
+ | = 90 | = 90 60 = 30.
1
v = u cos u = 8.2 10
5
cos 60 = 4.1 10
5
ms
1

2
v = u sinu = 8.2 10
5
sin 60 = 7.1 10
5
ms
1

A radioactive nucleus, initially at rest, decays by emitting an electron and a neutrino at right angles to
one another. The momentum of the electron is 1.2 10
22
kgms
1
and that of the neutrino is
6.4 10
23
kgms
1
. The mass of the residual nucleus is 5.8 10
26
kg.
(a) Find the direction and magnitude of the momentum of the recoiling nucleus.
(b) What is the kinetics energy of the recoiling nucleus ?
(a) By conservation of momentum,
P
r
2
= P
e
2
+ P
n
2
= (1.2 10
22
)
2
+ (6.4 10
23
)
2
P
r
= 1.36 10
22
kgms
1
tan =
n
e
P
p
=
23
22
6.4 10
1.2 10

= 28
Direction is 180 28 = 152 from the electron track
& [ 180 (90 28 ) ] = 118 from the neutrino track.
(b) K.E =
2
1
mv
2
=
2
1
2
(mv)
m
=
2
1
2
r
P
m
=
2
1
22 2
26
(1.36 10 )
5.8 10

(
(


= 1.59 10
19
J
Dynamics Pg 22
Obtain a relation between the linear momentum p of a body of mass m and its kinetic energy T.
Linear momentum is a vector quantity. How do you take this into account when solving problems
involving the conservation of momentum ?
A
106
44
Ru nucleus, originally at rest, undergoes radioactive decay by
emitting a -particle of momentum 5.5 10
24
kgms
1
. It is found
that the residual nucleus recoils with momentum 8.4 10
24
kgms
1
at
an angle of 120 to the direction of emission of the -particle. A
neutrino (a neutral particle of negligible mass, but finite momentum)
is also emitted, and moves in the same plane as the -particle and the
residual nucleus.
(a) Write down the atomic number and the mass number of the residual nucleus.
Calculate its kinetic energy.
(b) Calculate the magnitude and direction of the vector sum of the momentum P
n
of the nucleus and
the momentum P
|
of the -particle.
(c) Deduce the magnitude and direction of the momentum of the neutrino.
Linear momentum p = mv; K.E, T =
2
1
mv
2
=
2 2
m v
2m
=
2
(mv)
2m
=
2
P
2m
P
2
= 2mT p = mT 2
Since linear momentum is a vector quantity, the resultant momentum of the system must remain
unchanged if the conservation of momentum applies.
(a) Atomic no. = 45, Mass no. = 106, T =
2
P
2m
=
24 2
27
(8.4 10 )
2(106 1.66 10 )

= 2.0 10
22
J
(b) From the vector diagram,
P
2
= P
n
2
+ P
|
2
2P
n
P
|
cos 60
= [8.4
2
+ 5.5
2
2 (8.4)(5.5) cos 60 ] (
24
10

)
2

= 7.39
24
10

kgms
1
.

n
P
sin u
=
60 sin
P

sin =
n
P
P
sin 60 =
39 . 7
40 . 8
sin 60 = 0.9844 = 80 to the horizontal.
(c) By law of conservation of momentum, the momentum of neutrino must be equal and opposite to
the resultant of P
n
and P
|
.
momentum of neutrino = 7.39 10
24
kgms
1
at 80 to the horizontal.