Physical

Sciences
GRAD E
12

SELF STUDY GUIDE

MOMENTUM AND IMPULSE
TABLE OF CONTENTS Page

1. Introduction 2

2. How to use this self-study guide 3

3. Momentum and Impulse

3.1 Summary sheets 4–8

3.2 Study and examination tips 9 – 12

3.3 Answering questions in the examination 13 – 28

4. Exercises

4.1 Multiple choice questions 29 - 34

4.2 Structured questions 35 - 41

5. Solutions to exercises 42 – 53

6. Message to grade 12 learners 54

7. Aclnowledgements 54

8. References 54

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1. Introduction
The declaration of COVID-19 as a global pandemic by the World Health Organisation led to the
disruption of effective teaching and learning in many schools in South Africa. The majority of learners
in various grades spent less time in class due to the phased-in approach and rotational/ alternate
attendance system that was implemented by various provinces. Consequently, the majority of schools
were not able to complete all the relevant content designed for specific grades in accordance with the
Curriculum and Assessment Policy Statements in most subjects.

As part of mitigating against the impact of COVID-19 on the current Grade 12, the Department of
Basic Education (DBE) worked in collaboration with subject specialists from various Provincial
Education Departments (PEDs) developed this Self-Study Guide. The Study Guide covers those
topics, skills and concepts that are located in Grade 12, that are critical to lay the foundation for Grade
12. The main aim is to close the pre-existing content gaps in order to strengthen the mastery of
subject knowledge in Grade 12. More importantly, the Study Guide will engender the attitudes in the
learners to learning independently while mastering the core cross-cutting concepts

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2. How to use this Self Study Guide?
The intention of this booklet is to guide you through the topic of momentum and impulse.

It should be used in conjunction with the CAPS document as well as the examination guidelines.

Other resources should be used to reinforce content knowledge and understanding, e.g. textbooks,
previous question papers and other study materials.

The intent of this booklet is to make sure you understand the basics and fundamentals of the topic
momentum and impulse.

Read through the glossary of terms, make sure you understand these terms.

Know your definitions.

Work through the worked examples to get comfortable with same type of questions.

Work through the exercises given on your own, before looking at the answers. Only when you are
done, then compare your answer to the memorandum.

If your answer is incorrect study the memorandum to see where you made a mistake.

Be in possession of the formula sheet, there is no need to study the formulae off by heart. – Formulae
for momentum and impulse will be provided in this guide.

Extracts from the examination guidelines will be included before exercises are given, use these
guidelines to make sure you know what is expected of you to study for the examination.

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Definition: The product of an object’s mass and its velocity.
Momentum is a vector
Formula:
Vector: A vector is a physical quantity with
Momentum is directly
proportional to both the mass magnitude and direction.
and velocity of an object.
Units for momentum:
If the mass is constant, then , in the momentum formula velocity is
the greater the velocity the a vector.
greater the momentum.

We have to consider direction when

substituting velocity or momentum.

Linear momentum is a vector with

EXAMPLES: CALCULATIONS:
the same direction as the velocity of
1. A dog with mass 30 kg runs at a velocity of Always convert mass to kg and the object.

. Calculate the momentum of the dog. velocity to Always choose a direction as positive
Remember to indicate direction in your questions.
using “+” and “-“ signs. All movements in the opposite
in the direction of motion. Provide your answer with a unit direction may then be substituted as
and direction. negative (–) for vectors!
Magnitude units Direction If you obtain a negative answer for Remember momentum will always
2. A car is travelling at 60 , if the mass of the a vector it only means the have magnitude and direction

car is 250 kg, calculate the momentum of the car. direction is opposite to what you because it is a vector.
chose as positive. Vector diagrams can be used to
represent the magnitude and
MOMENTUM direction of a vector, e.g.
in the direction of motion.
Formula: East

4
Hint: to convert to ;
Units:
 Remember the initial momentum, Newton’s second law states that when a net / resultant force
CHANGE IN MOMENTUM: acts on an object, the object will accelerate in the direction of
final momentum and change in
the net / resultant force, at an acceleration directly proportional
momentum are vector quantities. Formula: to the force and inversely proportional to the mass of the
Direction is very important and object.
Units:
should be included in your
So whenever a net / resultant force acts on an object the object
substitutions. Hence choose a will move faster or slower.
direction as “+” e.g. take to the
Formula: - This means the velocity will change.
right as “+”, the opposite direction
- When the velocity changes the momentum will
will then be “-“.
also change since it is dependent on velocity.

Can momentum be zero?

Yes, the object will have zero

momentum when the velocity of
the object is zero. The velocity of
an object will be zero when the Take note of the following notations:
object is at rest.
Momentum changes by relates to
An object that is not moving is Momentum changes to relates to
said to be: at rest or stationery.

EXAMPLE: EXAMPLE:

1. A tennis player serves a tennis ball towards his opponent, the ball 2. An arrow is shot with an initial momentum of towards a

moves through the air with momentum of east. The target. It penetrates the target and its momentum changes by

opponent hits the ball back in the opposite direction and the in the opposite direction. Calculate the final momentum

momentum of the ball changes to west. of the arrow.

Take towards the
a) Calculate the change in momentum of the tennis ball. a) target as “+”

Take east as “+”

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towards the target.
 Law of Conservation of Momentum: The total linear momentum in an isolated
system remains constant (in magnitude and direction.)
POSSIBILITY 1:
Formula:
Two separate objects move towards each other and
collide, after the collision they bounce off each other
and move away.
Think of snooker balls colliding.

POSSIBILITY 2:

Conservation of linear momentum Two separate objects move towards each other
and collide, after the collision they combine and
Should be an Isolated system
move as one system.
Isolated system is when the
resultant (or net) external forces Think of cars colliding and sticking together.
A girl with mass 30 kg runs at 5 and acting on the system is zero. There can only be one velocity for objects that
jumps on a 2 kg skateboard that is at rest. are joined. For this scenario it will be .

Calculate the velocity of the skateboard and the

girl after she jumps on it.
POSSIBILITY 3:
Solution: Take direction of motion as (+)
Where there are 2 objects that start as one
(connected) system, after an explosion they
move apart and are now two separate objects.
(30)(5) + (2)(0) = (30 + 2)
Think of a trailer connected to a car.
150 + 0 = (32) There can only be one velocity for objects that
are joined. For this scenario it will be .

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= 4,69 in the direction of motion.
 Impulse: The product of the resultant / net force acting on an object and the time Impulse:
the resultant / net force acts on the object. Newton’s second law expressed in terms
Like momentum, impulse is a
of momentum.
Formula: vector quantity, and the
direction of the impulse is the
Units for impulse: same as the direction of the Definition: The resultant / net force acting on an

net force that causes it. object is equal to the rate of change of
(Contact time)
momentum of the object in the direction of the
resultant / net force.

Newton’s second law states that

when a net force acts on an object, it
EXAMPLES: IMPULSE:
will cause the object to accelerate in
1. A 300 g soccer ball is kicked against the goal post. Formula: the direction of the net force at an
It hits the post with a velocity of 15 , and acceleration directly proportional to
bounces off the post after 0.2 seconds with a the net force and inversely
velocity of 10 . Units:
proportional to the mass of the object.
a) Calculate the impulse that the post exerts on the GRAPH: Net force vs time We can now conclude that the net
ball. force acting on an object is changing
Direction towards goal post is + Any collision that takes place between two objects
will cause the net force to change from 0 N to a the velocity of the object and hence
maximum value and then return back to 0 N after the the momentum will change.
(Remember collision. The contact time between the two objects is
referred to as .

Direction Maximum force

b) Calculate the average force acting on the ball during collision.
during the collision with the post. Area under the
graph which is
shaded represents

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the impulse of the
Net force (N)

object.

away from the goal post.

 ELASTIC AND INELASTIC COLLISIONS: Kinetic energy :

Elastic collision: A collision in which the total linear momentum and kinetic energy is Kinetic energy is the energy that an object possess because it is in
conserved. motion.
Total kinetic energy before the collision is EQUAL to the total kinetic energy after the
collision. Formula: ; Units: (Joules)
Inelastic collision: A collision during which the total linear momentum is conserved, but
kinetic energy is NOT conserved.

Total kinetic energy before the collision is NOT EQUAL to the total kinetic energy after
the collision.

Elastic collisions: Inelastic collisions:

Objects can combine after collisions, and be considered as
Objects cannot combine together after collisions. one system.
We accept no energy is lost to the environment or transferred to other Kinetic Energy is not conserved and may be lost to other
forms e.g. heat or sound.
forms of energy e.g. energy transferred to heat or sound during a collision.
The answers for these 2
Kinetic energy of an isolated system is conserved: calculations will NOT be
equal!!
The answers for these 2
calculations will be equal!!

Think of two cars that are part of a collision and they

A ball that bounces to the same height from which it was dropped has an combine after they collided.
NOTE: Always do the calculation for separate from the
almost elastic collision with the ground.
one for .

It does not matter whether EXAMPLE: ANSWER:

it is an elastic or inelastic
A truck travelling at 40 east, with a mass
collision, the total linear of 950 kg crashes into a car with a mass of 300
momentum remains kg that is travelling at 60 west.
conserved in an isolated Immediately after the collision, the truck travels at
system. 10 in its original direction of motion, and
the car travels at 35 in the direction east.

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(Ignore all effects of friction)
Was this an elastic or inelastic collision?
3.2. Study and examination tips
3.2.1. Format of the question paper:
Momentum and impulse are part of paper 1.
It falls under the topic mechanics.
It can be examined in the multiple choice questions, as well as the structured
questions.
Remember momentum can be integrated with topics such as vertical projectile
motion and work, energy and power.
3.2.2. Resources in the examination:
Every question paper will be accompanied by a formula and data sheet at the end
of the paper.
It is of utmost importance that you are comfortable with the formula sheet, and that
you know which formulae are applicable to momentum and impulse.
Formulae labeled under FORCE in the formula sheet bears reference to
momentum and impulse.
The kinetic energy formula can be found under work, energy and power.

3.2.3. Table 2: Formulae

FORCE

Momentum and Impulse

WORK, ENERGY AND POWER

Kinetic energy, used in
OR calculations for elastic and
inelastic collisions.

3.2.4. Laws, definitions and principals.

Study the definitions from the examination guidelines.
Pay careful attention to keywords. – Definitions used in this booklet are taken
from the examination guidelines.
Try to memorise the definitions with understanding.
Most of the times the definition can be remembered by looking at the formula. e.g.
; Linear momentum is the product of an object’s
mass and its velocity.

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3.2.5. Glossary of terms:
Momentum The product of an object’s mass and its velocity.
Linear momentum Linear momentum is the product of an object’s mass and its
velocity.
A vector quantity with the same direction as the velocity of the
object.
Contact forces Contact forces arise from the physical contact between two
objects (e.g. a soccer player kicking a ball.) or e.g. Tension.
Non-contact forces Non-contact forces arise even if two objects do not touch each
other (e.g. the force of attraction of the earth on a parachutist
even when the earth is not in direct contact with the
parachutist.) e.g.
Newton’s second law of The resultant/net force acting on an object is equal to the rate of
motion in terms of momentum change of momentum of the object in the direction of the
resultant/net force.
Principle of conservation of The TOTAL linear momentum of an isolated system remains
linear momentum constant (is conserved).
Closed system / Isolated A system in which the resultant/net external force acting on the
system (in Physics) system is zero.
Impulse The product of the resultant/net force acting on an object and
the time the resultant/net force acts on the object.
Elastic collision A collision in which both total linear momentum and total kinetic
energy are conserved.
Inelastic collision A collision during which total linear momentum is conserved but
total kinetic energy is not conserved.
System A system is a part of space that has been chosen for studying
the changes that takes place within it.
Environment Everything outside the system is called the environment.
Internal forces Forces that objects exert on each other within a system, e.g.
contact forces.
External forces Forces that are outside the system, but acts on the objects
within the system, e.g. frictional force.

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3.2.6. Extract from examination guidelines:
(Examiners will follow these guidelines when the NSC exam is set).
Momentum and Impulse
(This section must be read in conjunction with the CAPS, p. 99–101.)
Momentum
• Define momentum as the product of an object's mass and its velocity.
• Describe the linear momentum of an object as a vector quantity with the same direction
as the velocity of the object.
• Calculate the momentum of a moving object using p = mv.
• Describe the vector nature of momentum and illustrate it with some simple examples.
• Draw vector diagrams to illustrate the relationship between the initial momentum, the
final momentum and the change in momentum for each of the above examples.
Newton's second law of motion in terms of momentum
• State Newton's second law of motion in terms of momentum: The resultant/net force
acting on an object is equal to the rate of change of momentum of the object in the
direction of the resultant/net force.

• Express Newton's second law of motion in symbols:

• Calculate the change in momentum when a resultant/net force acts on an object and its
velocity:
nd
o Increases in the direction of motion, e.g. 2 stage rocket engine fires.
o Decreases, e.g. brakes are applied.
o Reverses its direction of motion, e.g. a soccer ball kicked back in the direction it came
from.
Impulse
• Define impulse as the product of the resultant/net force acting on an object and the time
the resultant/net force acts on the object.
• Deduce the impulse-momentum theorem: Fnet Δt = mΔv.

• Use the impulse-momentum theorem to calculate the force exerted, the time for which
the force is applied and the change in momentum for a variety of situations involving the
motion of an object in one dimension.
• Explain how the concept of impulse applies to safety considerations in everyday life, e.g.
airbags, seatbelts and arrestor beds.

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Conservation of momentum and elastic and inelastic collisions
• Explain what is meant by a closed/an isolated system (in Physics), i.e. a system on
which the resultant/net external force is zero.
A closed/an isolated system excludes external forces that originate outside the colliding
bodies, e.g. friction. Only internal forces, e.g. contact forces between the colliding
objects, are considered.
• State the principle of conservation of linear momentum: The total linear momentum of a
closed system remains constant (is conserved).
• Apply the conservation of momentum to the collision of two objects moving in one
dimension (along a straight line) with the aid of an appropriate sign convention.
• Distinguish between elastic collisions and inelastic collisions by calculation.

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3.3. Answering questions in the examination.
3.3.1. Momentum:
Remember momentum is a vector quantity.
Make use of sign conventions, preferably choose one direction of motion to be
positive.
Indicate this direction at the top, next to your solution so that you will remember.
All motions for vectors that occur in the opposite direction to what you chose as
positive will be substituted as negative.
Make use of this sign convention throughout the question, do not change it at sub-
questions, i.e., the sign convention chosen at 2.1 should be used in 2.2 etc.
Make sure you copy formulae from the formula sheet, do not write it from
memory.
Write down the formula as it is from the formula sheet. Do NOT manipulate the
formula.
Always attempt substitution, you will not be awarded a mark for the formula if
substitution is not attempted.
Substitute into the original formula, then solve or calculate the unknown value.
Remember direction is very important when vectors are being substituted.
We use “+” and “-“ sign conventions to indicate direction.
SI-units for mass and velocity are kg and respectively.
SI-units should always be used when substituting, meaning when substituting
mass it must be measured in kg, and when substituting velocity it must be
measured in .
If the SI-units in the question differs, make use of conversions to obtain the correct
SI-unit.
To convert grams to kg: .

To convert to :

Your final answers should consist of magnitude, units and direction.

Remember momentum is a vector, however if the magnitude of a vector is only
required then you don’t have to give direction.
Try to use un-rounded off values in your question – it will assist in the final
answer being more accurate, e.g. if given 0,1768 do not substitute 0,18. Use it as
it is.

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 Round off your final answer to a minimum of two decimal places.

Worked examples:

a) What will the momentum of an object moving at 15 to the east be, if the object
has a mass of 2 kg?
Solution:
Step 1: With the use of sign conventions, choose a positive direction.

East =
Step 2: Determine what information is given, and write it
down. Always make sure you are working with the correct SI-
units.

15

Step 3: Choose a suitable formula from the formula sheet.

Step 4: Substitute the values from step 2 into the formula and do the calculations. Remember
to write down the units and direction for the answer.

b) The momentum of a truck with mass 1.5 ton is 19 590 . At what velocity is
the truck travelling?
Step 1: With the use of sign conventions, choose a positive direction.

Motion of truck =
“+”
Step 2: Determine what information is given, and write it down. Always make sure
you are working with the correct SI-units.
.

Convert to kg:
Step 3: Choose a suitable formula from the formula sheet.

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 Step 4: Substitute the values from step 2 into the formula and do the calculations. Remember
to write down the units and direction for the answer.

c) In a cricket match the bowler bowls a 150 g cricket ball towards the batsman. The
velocity of the ball is 135 . Calculate the momentum of the ball.
Step 1: With the use of sign conventions, choose a positive direction.

Towards the batsman is taken

as “+”

(Siyavula textbook)

Step 2: Determine what information is given, and write it down. Always make sure
you are working with the correct SI-units.

135 Convert to :

Convert to kg:

Step 3: Choose a suitable formula from the formula sheet.

Step 4: Substitute the values from step 2 into the formula and do the calculations. Remember
to write down the units and direction for the answer.

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3.3.2. Change in momentum.
Momentum and velocity are vectors.
Make use of sign conventions, meaning always choose one direction of motion to
be positive.
All motions for vectors that occur in the opposite direction to what you chose as
positive will be substituted as negative.

SI-units should always be used when substituting, meaning when substituting

mass it must be measured in kg, and when substituting velocity it must be
measured in .
Change in momentum:

Worked examples:
a) At the US open a tennis player serves a tennis ball with mass of 100 g towards his
opponent with a velocity of east. The serve is returned by the opponent
at in the opposite direction.
Calculate the change in momentum of the ball.
Step 1: With the use of sign conventions, choose a positive
direction.

East =
“+”

Step 2: Determine what information is given, and write it down. Always make sure you
are working with the correct SI-units.

220 Convert to :
Negative sign only indicates that
Convert to :
the direction of the ball is now
West.
Convert to kg:

Step 3: Choose a suitable formula from the formula sheet.

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 Step 4: Substitute the values from step 2 into the formula and do the calculations. Remember
to write down the units and direction for the answer.

Note: Velocity is substituted as a positive

value because it is in the same
direction of motion chosen as “+”
East. (East)

Velocity is substituted as a negative

value because it is in the opposite
direction of motion chosen as “+”,
(West)

West.
NOTE:

You don’t have to use separate calculations

in the examination like we did in this example.
You can do it as one calculation as shown in
option 2.

We only wanted to emphasize the

importance of direction and how it will
West. influence the initial momentum , final
momentum ( and change in momentum
( .

Graphical representation: Graphical representation for an object where the

momentum changes to the opposite direction.
= Negative values only
indicates that the direction
of motion is in the opposite
direction.
=

Option 2:

This is the preferred

method to use in the
examination.

West.

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 b) Graphical representation for an object where the momentum decrease
in the same direction.

At the US open a tennis player serves a tennis ball with mass 100 g towards his opponent with
a velocity of east. The tennis ball hits the net and continues to move towards the
opponent with a velocity of 120
must be converted
to
You will notice that even though the
initial momentum and final
momentum of the tennis ball remains
in the same direction, the change in
momentum is in the opposite
direction because the magnitude of
the final momentum is less than the
magnitude of the initial momentum.

3.3.3. Conservation of linear momentum.

Linear Momentum will always be conserved when the collision occurs in a closed
or isolated system.
Linear Momentum is conserved when the resultant or net external forces acting
on the system is zero.
Always start the questions with the following equation.

Remember the above formula is not given on the formula sheet.

All the information substituted before the “=” sign refers to ‘before the collision’
(initial), all the information substituted after the “=” sign refers to ‘after the
collision’ (final).

The following three scenarios are most frequently asked. Remember conservation of
momentum only occurs in closed or isolated systems.

1. Two separate objects which are initially not in contact, collide and bounce of each
other remain two separate objects, each with its own velocity.

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2. Two separate objects which are initially not in contact, collide and are now joined
together moving with only one final velocity.

3. Two objects that are joined, with one initial velocity experience a collision and
separate into two different objects, each with its own velocity.

Remember direction is important when substituting velocity in the above

equations. – make use of sign conventions.
You must be able to manipulate the equations to solve any of the variables in that
equation when a final answer is calculated. Do not manipulate the formula before
substitution.

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Worked examples:

a) The diagram below shows two trolleys, P and Q, held together by means of a
compressed spring on a flat, frictionless horizontal track. The masses of P and Q are
400 g and 600 g respectively. Ignore the effects of friction.

When the spring unwinds Trolley Q moves to the right at 4

Calculate the Velocity of trolley P after the trolleys are released.

Step 1: With the use of sign conventions, choose a positive direction.

Motion towards the right =

“+”
Step 2: Determine what information is given, and write it down. Always make sure you are
working with the correct SI-units.
Convert to kg:

Convert to kg:

Because P and Q are initially

combined they will have the same
initial velocity!

Step 3: Choose a suitable formula. Conservation of momentum should always be started

with the following formula: , it can then be expanded to 1 of the 3 scenarios.

(Scenario 3 will work best- 2 objects that starts of as one

system, and after the spring is released are now two separate objects.)

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Step 4: Substitute the values from step 2 into the formula and do the calculations. Remember to write
down the units and direction of the answer.

We have changed the subscript to suit our

scenario. Using P and Q as stated in the
question. This will help us to easily relate
to our information.

Remember velocity is a vector, the

negative answer for indicates that the
motion of direction will be opposite to what
we chose as positive. Hence the direction
of P is towards the left because we chose
towards the right to be positive.

We always write our final answer as a positive value.

If the answer is negative like in the example above, we re-write it as positive with the correct
indication of direction represented by the negative sign.

a) In the illustration below, ball A and ball B both with the SAME mass are moving towards
each other at 15 and 8 respectively. They collide and after the collision ball
A is moving at 5 towards the right. Calculate the velocity of ball B after the
collision. Ignore the effects of friction.

Step 1: With the use of sign conventions, choose a positive direction.

Motion towards the right =

“+”

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Step 2: Determine what information is given, and write it down. Always make sure you are
working with the correct SI-units.

(The negative sign indicates that ball B is travelling towards the left)

Step 3: Choose a suitable formula. Conservation of momentum can always be started with
the following formula: , it can then be expanded to 1 of the 3 scenarios.

Exam tip:
1 mark is awarded for the formula, but only if substitution is attempted.

Marks are awarded for correct substitutions.

A mark is awarded for the answer, but only if it has units.

If the answer is a vector quantity direction should be included in the answer to obtain the
mark, unless magnitude only is required.

(Scenario 1 will work best- 2 separate objects colliding

and remain two separate objects after the collision)
Step 4: Substitute the values from step 2 into the formula and do the calculations. Remember to write
down the units and direction of the answer.

We have changed the subscript to suit our

scenario. Using A and B as stated in the
question. This will help us to easily relate to our
information.

Always remember to make use of your sign

conventions. The velocity of B is substituted
as a negative “-“ value because it is moving
towards the left.

A and B have the same mass as stated in the

question, we can use a maths technique and
factorise mass on both sides.

Our direction is towards the This will allow us to eliminate mass, hence we
right because our answer is did not need a value for mass to solve the
positive. And we chose in question.
step 1, that motion towards the
right is positive. 22
3.3.4. Impulse and momentum theorem.
Formula:
The SI-unit for impulse is
Impulse = change in momentum.
Impulse is a vector quantity, hence direction is important.
When writing the answer always include the units and direction.
If the question only asks for the magnitude of the impulse, you don’t have to
include direction in the answer.
, is the time interval that the net force is acting on the object. The focus will be
during the collision.
We can accept that the net force will remain constant for this time interval.
The change in momentum will always be in the direction of the net force.
When using the formula for impulse, only apply it to one object because both
objects will experience equal forces (magnitude) but in opposite directions.
(Newton’s 3rd law). The contact time for both objects will always be the same.
Therefore the impulse experienced by both objects will be the same, but in
opposite directions.

Impulse can be used to explain why safety belts, airbags, arrestor beds,
crumple zones etc. are so vital in ensuring our safety.
The net force is directly proportional to the change in momentum, and

inversely proportional to the contact time. , hence when the change

in momentum remains constant and the contact time increases the net force
experienced will decrease.

Worked examples:
b) At the US open a tennis player serves a tennis ball with mass 100 g towards his
opponent with a velocity of 220 km.h-1 west. The serve is returned by the opponent
at 154,8 km.h-1 .
Calculate the impulse of the ball.

23
Step 1: With the use of sign conventions, choose a positive direction.
West = “+”

Step 2: Determine what information is given, and write it down. Always make sure you are
working with the correct SI-units.

Convert to kg:

Convert to :

Convert to :

Step 3: Choose a suitable formula from the formula sheet. HINT: If asked to calculate impulse,
substitute “ ” with the word impulse.
This will prevent you from using time and
thus calculating the net force instead of
the impulse.

Step 4: Substitute the values from step 2 into the formula and do the calculations. Remember to write
down the units and direction of the answer.

We also know that:

The final velocity of the ball is substituted as a

negative value because it is travelling in the
opposite direction.

Always make sure to substitute SI-units. Mass

should be in kg and velocity in

Re-write your answer as a positive value, the

negative value indicates direction.

We chose west = “+”, therefore a negative value will

indicate that the motion is in the direction east.

c) A cricket ball of mass 156 g is thrown horizontally towards a player at 37 . It is hit

back in the opposite direction with a velocity of 45 . The ball is in contact with the
bat for a period of .
Calculate the average force exerted on the ball by the bat.

24
Step 1: With the use of sign conventions, choose a positive direction.
Initial motion of ball = “+”

Step 2: Determine what information is given, and write it down. Always make sure you are
working with the correct SI-units.

Convert to kg:

(The negative sign indicates that the ball is travelling in the opposite
direction)
(Contact time)

Step 3: Choose a suitable formula from the formula sheet.

Step 4: Substitute the values from step 2 into the formula and do the calculations.
Remember to write down the units and direction of the answer.

The final velocity of the ball is substituted as a

negative value because it is travelling in the
opposite direction.

Always make sure to substitute SI-units. Mass

should be in kg and velocity in

Re-write your answer as a positive value, the

in the opposite direction. negative value indicates direction.

We chose initial direction of motion = “+”, therefore a

negative value will indicate that the motion is in the
opposite direction.

25
What will the average force exerted by the ball on the bat be?

in the direction of motion. Newton’s 3rd law

Only one object should be used when calculating the impulse, do not mix the
information of both objects for .

When calculating impulse always use the information for the object ON which
you want the impulse.

The impulse will be the same for both objects, only in opposite directions.

3.3.5. Elastic and inelastic collisions:

Remember to calculate the kinetic energy of every object before the collision
and add the energies together.
Remember to calculate the kinetic energy of every object after the collision and
add the energies together.
Remember to do these calculations separately !
If the answers are equal for the above bullets it indicates an elastic collision.
If there is a difference in the answers for the above bullets it indicates an
inelastic collision.

a) In the illustration below, a car of mass 1000 kg travelling at , collides head-on

with a truck of mass 5000 kg moving at . After the collision, the car and truck
move together at towards the left. Ignore the effects of friction.

The car experiences a force of 100 000 N towards the left. Calculate the
contact time of the collision.
Step 1: With the use of sign conventions, choose a positive direction.

Motion towards the right =

“+”
26
Step 2: Determine what information is given, and write it down. Always make sure you are
working with the correct SI-units.

(The negative sign indicates that the truck is travelling towards the left)
(The negative sign indicates that the truck and the car are travelling as
one system towards the left after the collision)
(Remember force is a vector. The negative sign indicates that the
force experienced by the car is towards the left)

Step 3: Choose a suitable formula from the formula sheet.

Step 4: Substitute the values from step 2 into the formula and do the calculations. Remember to
write down the units and direction of your answer.

Remember when working with impulse you Remember when working with impulse you
should only use the data of one object. In should only use the data of one object. In
this example we are using the data given for this example we are using the data given for
the CAR. the TRUCK.

Note that the average force Note that the average force experienced
experienced by the car is to the left, by the truck is to the right, hence a
hence a negative “-“ value for . positive “+“ value for .

FNET car on truck = - FNET truck on car

27
 Is the above collision elastic or inelastic? Show all your calculations .
Step 1: Remember energy is a scalar quantity, hence direction is not needed.
Step 2: Determine what information is given, and write it down. Always make sure you are working
with the correct SI-units.

This will be the final velocity for both the car and truck, because
they are combined after the collision and moving as one system.

Step 3: Choose a suitable formula from the formula sheet.

To determine if the collision was elastic or inelastic we have to calculate the kinetic energy of all
objects before the collision, and the kinetic energy of all objects after the collision. That is why we
use the phrase “the sum of” kinetic energy. It means we add all the kinetic energy of the objects
before the collision, and we add all the kinetic energy of the objects after the collision. If these
answers are equal it indicates an elastic collision, if the answers differ it will indicate an inelastic
collision.

Sum of the initial kinetic

Initial kinetic energy Initial kinetic energy
energy of the car and
of the car before the of the truck before
the truck before the
collision. the collision.
collision.

- This is the total kinetic energy of the car and truck before the
collision.

Final kinetic energy of the car and truck after the collision.
Sum of the final kinetic
energy of the car and We wrote it as one term because they are moving together
the truck after the as one system. – They are having the same final velocity.
collision.

28
 – This is the total kinetic energy of the car and truck after the
collision.

>

4. Exercises
4.1. Multiple-choice questions.
These questions will have 4 possible answers.
Only one answer will be correct, the other three answers are only distractors.
It is advisable to answer these questions at the end. If the distractors confuse you,
it will show in the content questions as well.
Read the question and cover the answers, decide for yourself what you think the
correct answer is.
Now uncover the options and see if one corresponds to your answer.
Choose the option that corresponds best to your answer.
Read all the options to make sure there is not a better answer than the one you
have selected.
Elimination can also be used as a method – out of the four answers, eliminate
those that you know cannot be correct. Then by using laws and principles of the
relevant topic reason out which one is the correct answer.

Multiple-choice questions: Various options are provided as possible answers to the following
questions. Each question has only ONE correct answer.

29
1. Two trolleys, X and Y, of masses m and 2m respectively, are held together by a
compressed spring between them. Initially they are stationary on a horizontal
floor, as shown below. Ignore the effects of friction

The spring is now released and falls to the floor while the trolleys move apart.

The magnitude of the MOMENTUM of trolley X while it moves away is…

A zero.

B half the magnitude of the momentum of trolley Y.

C twice the magnitude of the momentum of trolley Y.

D the same as the magnitude of the momentum of trolley Y. (2)

2. An object is dropped from rest and after falling a distance x, its momentum is p.
Ignore the effects of air friction.
The momentum of the object, after it has fallen a distance 2x, is…
A p.
B

D 2p (2)

3. When the velocity of a moving object is doubled, and mass is kept constant, the
A Net work done by the object is doubled.
B Kinetic energy of the object is doubled.
C Potential energy of the object is doubled.
D Linear momentum of the object is doubled. (2)

4. A ball, moving horizontally, hits a wall with speed 2v. The ball then bounces
back horizontally with a speed v, as shown in the diagram below. Ignore all
forms of friction.

30
Which ONE of the following combinations regarding the linear momentum and
the total kinetic energy of the ball for the collision above is CORRECT?

LINEAR MOMENTUM TOTAL KINETIC ENERGY

A Conserved Not conserved
B Conserved Conserved
C Not conserved Not conserved
(2)
D Not conserved Conserved

31
5 A person drops a glass bottle onto a concrete floor from a certain height and the
bottle breaks. The person then drops a second, identical glass bottle from the
same height onto a thick, woolen carpet, but the bottle does not break.
Which ONE of the following is CORRECT for the second bottle compared to the
first bottle for the same momentum change?
AVERAGE FORCE ON SECOND TIME OF CONTACT WITH
BOTTLE CARPET
A Larger Smaller
B Smaller Smaller
C Larger Larger
D Smaller Larger
(2)

6 Which of the following physical quantities is equal to the product of net force and
change in time?
A Power

B Impulse

C Energy

D Work (2)

7 Two bodies undergo an INELASTIC collision in the absence of friction. Which

ONE of the following combinations of momentum and kinetic energy of the
system is CORRECT?
MOMENTUM KINETIC ENERGY

A Not conserved Conserved

B Conserved Not conserved
C Not conserved Not conserved
D Conserved Conserved
(2)
8 Airbags in modern cars provide more safety during an accident.
The statements below are made by a learner to explain how airbags can ensure
better safety in a collision.
(i) The time of impact increases
(ii) The impact force decreases
(iii) The impulse increases

32
 Which of the statements above are CORRECT?
A (i) only
B (ii) only
C (ii) and (iii) only
D (i) and (ii) only (2)

9 The net (resultant) force acting on an object is equal to the… of the object in the
direction of the net force.
A change in momentum
B change in kinetic energy
C rate of change of momentum
D rate of change of kinetic energy (2)

10 If the total momentum of a system is changing...

A particles of the system must be exerting forces on each other.
B the system must be under the influence of gravity.
C the system must move at constant velocity.
D a net external force must be acting on the system. (2)

11 The linear momentum of an object is a….

A vector quantity with the same direction as the velocity of the object.
B scalar quantity with the same direction as the velocity of the object.
C vector quantity with direction opposite to that of the velocity of the object.
D scalar quantity with direction opposite to that of the velocity of the object.
(2)

12 Ball M, moving at speed v to the right, collides with a stationary ball N on a

smooth horizontal surface. Immediately after the collision, ball M comes to rest
and ball N moves to the right with speed v.
Which ONE of the following statements about the collision of the balls is
CORRECT?
A Total momentum is conserved and the masses of the balls are unequal.
B Total kinetic energy is conserved and the masses of the balls are unequal.
C Total momentum and total kinetic energy are conserved and the masses
of the balls are equal.
D Total momentum is conserved but total kinetic energy is not conserved
and the masses of the balls are equal. (2)

33
13 Learners perform an experiment using identical trolleys, each of mass m. The
trolleys are arranged, as shown in the diagram below. They are initially at rest on
a frictionless surface and are connected with a compressed, massless spring.

When the spring is released it falls vertically down and the single trolley moves
with momentum p to the left.
The magnitude of the momentum of the two trolleys moving to the right will be:
A
B
C

D
(2)

14 An object X, mass m, is moving at constant velocity v along a smooth, horizontal

surface. An identical object Y is dropped onto object X and stays there. Which
one of the following represents the velocity of the combination X + Y?
A Zero
B

C
D (2)

15 Three separate, identical blocks are in contact with each other in a straight line.
They are at rest on a smooth, horizontal surface. Each of these blocks has a
mass m. Another block with the same dimensions, but with mass 2m, moving at
a velocity v, collides ELASTICALLY and in the same straight line with the three
stationary blocks.

Which one of the following diagrams represents the situation immediately after
the collision?

34
A

(2)

35
4.2. Structured questions.
Question 1
A 400 g ball is moving horizontally towards a cricketer at a velocity of .
Then it is hit away by the cricketer in the opposite direction it had come from with
a net force of 400 N. The bat makes contact with the ball for . Ignore the
vertical motion of the ball.

1.1 Define impulse. (2)

1.2 Calculate the initial momentum of the ball before it hits the bat. (3)
1.3 Calculate the magnitude of the final velocity of the cricket ball. (4)
1.4 When cars are equipped with flexible bumpers, they will bounce off each
other during low-speed collisions, thus causing less damage. In one such
accident, car A with mass 1 750 kg, traveling to the right at ,
collides with car B of mass 1 450 kg going to the left at .
Measurements show that the speed of car A just after the collision has
been in its original direction. Ignore the effects of friction
during the collision.

1.4.1 Calculate the velocity of car B immediately after the collision. (5)
1.4.2 “When cars are equipped with flexible bumpers, they will bounce
off each other during low-speed collisions, thus causing less
damage.” Explain how flexible bumpers reduce damages during
low speed collisions. (3)
[17]
Question 2

36
In a Physics laboratory, a trolley of unknown mass, m, moves along a track at a
constant velocity of . A wooden block, mass 500 g, is released directly
above and it lands on top of the trolley. The trolley, along with the block, continues
moving at in the same direction, as the diagram below illustrates.

2.1 Define, in words, the term momentum as used in Physics. (2)

2.2 Is the collision between the wooden block and the trolley ELASTIC or
INELASTIC? Use a suitable calculation to justify the answer. (7)
2.3 Draw a velocity versus time sketch graph to illustrate the motion of the
trolley BEFORE and AFTER the block lands on it. (No values required). (2)
[11]
Question 3
The graph below represents the NET FORCE F (versus time) on a 58 g ball that
collides with a wall. The initial speed of the ball is , perpendicular to the
wall. The ball re-bounds at the same speed, perpendicular to the wall. Disregard
the effect of friction.

3.1 Define the term impulse in words. (2)

3.2 For how long was the ball in contact with the wall? (1)
3.3 Calculate the magnitude of the maximum net force, , on the ball during
the collision. (4)

37
3.4 A bullet, moving horizontally to the right at a velocity of ,
strikes a stationary block with mass of 1150 g. The velocity of the
block immediately after the bullet has passed through it is to
the right. The bullet proceeds and strikes another stationary block with
mass of 1 530 g. THE BULLET REMAINS EMBEDDED IN THE
SECOND BLOCK. Ignore the effects of friction.

3.4.1 State the principal of the conservation of linear momentum in words. (2)
3.4.2 Calculate the magnitude of the velocity of the second block after the
bullet has been embedded in the block. (6)
[15]
Question 4
A bullet is fired from a stationary gun. Assume that the bullet moves horizontally.
Immediately after firing, the gun recoils (moves back) with a velocity of .
The momentum of the gun after firing the bullet is observed to be . It
is calculated that the gun is 150 times heavier than the bullet. Ignore all effects of
friction.

4.1 Would you consider this to be a closed or isolated system? Give a reason
for your answer. (2)
4.2 State Newton’s second law expressed in terms of momentum in words. (2)
4.3 How does the force that the bullet experience compares to the force that
the gun experience? Choose from: GREATER; SMALLER OR THE
SAME AS. (1)
4.4 A learner observes that the speed of the bullet is much greater than the
speed at which the gun recoils. Give a reason to explain this observation. (2)
4.5 Calculate the velocity of the bullet just after it has been fired. (7)
[14]

38
Question 5
A sample of xenon gas (Xe) is sealed in a closed container. The xenon atoms are
all moving at high velocities and constantly colliding with each other as well as the
container walls. A single xenon atom has a mass of
Consider a single collision between two of the atoms. Just before the collision,
Atom 1 is moving with a velocity of to the left and Atom 2 is moving
with a velocity of to the left.

1 2

BEFORE
Immediately after the two atoms collide, Atom 1 has a velocity of
to the left.

1 2

IMMEDIATELY AFTER

5.1 State the principle of conservation of linear momentum in words. (2)

5.2 Determine the momentum of Atom 2 immediately after the collision. (5)
5.3 According to kinetic molecular theory, this collision should be elastic.
Perform a suitable calculation to show that the collision between the two
atoms is perfectly elastic. (4)
5.4 Determine the magnitude of the impulse experienced by Atom 1 during
the collision. (3)
[13]

39
Question 6
A boy on roller blades with his hands on a fully loaded trolley, mass 18 kg, moves
west at over a frictionless surface as shown in the sketch. The boy now
pushes the trolley so that he moves at east after this push. The mass of
the boy and his roller blades is 45 kg.

6.1 State the conservation principle that is applicable during the interaction
between the boy and the trolley. (2)
6.2 Calculate the velocity of the trolley directly after the boy pushed it. (4)
6.3 During the pushing motion of the boy on the trolley, the trolley
experiences an impulse. How does the magnitude of the impulse that the
boy experiences compare to that of the trolley? Write down INCREASES,
DECREASES or REMAINS THE SAME and explain your answer. (3)
6.4 If the force exerted on the trolley lasts , calculate the force that the
boy exerts on the trolley. (4)
[13]

40
Question 7
A 2 kg block is sliding to the right on a frictionless horizontal surface at .A
force of 2 500 N is now exerted on the block for a short period of time as indicated
in the graph below.

7.1 Define the term impulse. (2)

7.2 Calculate the magnitude of the impulse on the block. (3)
7.3 Calculate the velocity of the block immediately after the force stops acting
on the block if the force was exerted to:
7.3.1 The right (4)
7.3.2 The left (3)
[12]

Question 8
Percy, mass 75 kg, rides at on a quad bike (motorcycle with four
wheels) with a mass of 100 kg. He suddenly applies the brakes when he
approaches a red traffic light on a wet and slippery road. The wheels of the quad
bike lock and the bike slides forward in a straight line. The force of friction causes
the bike to stop in 8 s.
8.1 Define the concept momentum in words. (2)
8.2 Calculate the change in momentum of Percy and the bike, from the
moment the brakes lock until the bike comes to a stop. (4)
8.3 Calculate the average frictional force exerted by the road on the wheels
to stop the bike. (4)
[10]

41
Question 9
The graph below shows how the momentum of car A changes with time just
before and just after a head-on collision with car B.
Car A has a mass of 1 500 kg, while the mass of car B is 900 kg.
Car B was travelling at a constant velocity of west before the collision.
Take east as positive and consider the system as isolated.

9.1 What do you understand by the term isolated system as used in physics? (1)
Use the information in the graph to answer the following questions.
9.2 Calculate the:
9.2.1 Magnitude of the velocity of car A just before the collision. (3)
9.2.2 Velocity of car B just after the collision. (5)
9.2.3 Magnitude of the net average force acting on car A during the
collision. (4)
[13]

42
5. Answers
5.1. Answers to multiple-choice questions.

1 D 6 B 11 A

2 B 7 B 12 C

3 D 8 D 13 B

4 A 9 C 14 B

5 D 10 D 15 D

5.2. Answers to structured questions.

Question 1
1.1 The product of the resultant/net force acting on an object and the time
the resultant/net force acts on the object. (2)
Option 1 Option 2
Towards the cricketer = “+” Away from cricketer = “+”
1.2

Towards the
cricketer Towards the
cricketer (3)
1.3 Option 1 Option 2
Towards the cricketer = “+” Away from cricketer = “+”

(4)
We don’t have to indicate direction in the answer for 1.3 because the
question only asked for MAGNITUDE.

43
1.4.1 Option 1: Towards the right as positive

(5)
to the right.

Option 2: Towards the left as positive

(5)

to the right.
1.4.2 Flexible bumpers reduce the net force by increasing the time required
to bring about the same change in momentum.
OR

According to ; For the same change in momentum

(3)
increasing decreases the net force.
[17]

44
Question 2
2.1 The product of an object’s mass and its velocity. (2)
2.2 We have to calculate the mass of the trolley first. – We need this value to
calculate the kinetic energy, which will tell us if the collision was elastic or
inelastic. Hints:

The motion of the trolley is taken

as the positive direction.

The mass of the block must be

converted to kg.

The block has a velocity of 0

before it is dropped.
.

(Before the block is dropped.)

(After the block is dropped on the trolley)

OR is greater than
(7)

2.3
GRAPH OF VELOCITY VS
TIME

(2)

[11]

45
Question 3
3.1 The product of the resultant/net force acting on an object and the time
the resultant/net force acts on the object. (2)
3.2 OR (1)
3.3 Hint: Remember the question asks to calculate the maximum force. If
you only calculate it will represent the average force between the
ball and the wall during the contact time.
Option 1:

Area of Trapezium

Option 2:
Impulse = area under the graph
Impulse =

Option 3: If you don’t feel comfortable working with the area of a

trapezium, divide the graph up into easier shapes. For this graph we will
use 2 triangles and 1 rectangle.
Impulse = area under the graph
Impulse =

46
 1 1
0,058 34 - 0,058 -34 = 2×10-3 FNET MAX + 2×10-3 FNET MAX + 2×10-3 FNET MAX
2 2

(4)

3.4.1 The TOTAL linear momentum in an isolated system remains constant (is
conserved). (2)
3.4.2 Option 1: (Right positive) +

(This will be the velocity of the bullet after it

passes through block 1).
Hint: The question states we should ignore friction, hence we can accept
that the velocity with which the bullet leaves block 1 will be the same
velocity with which the bullet strikes block 2.

No direction is needed with the answer since the

question only asked for magnitude.

47
 Option 2: Left positive +

(This will be the velocity of the bullet after it

passes through block 1).

No direction is needed with the answer since the

question only asked for magnitude.
(6)
[15]

Question 4
4.1 Yes , all effects of friction can be ignored. (No external forces acting
on the system) (2)
OR
The net external force acting on the system is equal to zero.
4.2 The resultant/net force acting on an object is equal to the rate of change of
momentum of the object in the direction of the resultant/net force. (2)
4.3 THE SAME AS (1)
4.4 The mass of the bullet is much smaller than the mass of the gun, both
the gun and bullet will experience the same change in momentum ,
hence the velocity of the bullet should be greater than the recoil speed of
the gun. (2)

48
4.5 Consider the motion towards the right as “+”

(This is the mass of the Gun)

We know the ratio of bullet mass to gun mass: 1 : 150

(using the ratio)

(7)

Towards the right.

[14]

Question 5
5.1 The TOTAL linear momentum in an isolated system remains constant (is
conserved).
(2)
5.2 Take right as positive.
+

49
 OR
Take left as positive. +

(5)

5.3 (Before the collision.)

(After the collision.)

(4)

Remember atoms are

5.4 moving towards the left,
because we chose right as
positive in this option, we
should substitute the
velocities as negative.

(3)

We can determine the velocity

It is allowed to use
of Atom 2 after the collision in [13]
the unit the following manner.

We do not need to
include direction, the
question only asked for
magnitude.

50
Question 6
6.1 The TOTAL linear momentum in an isolated system remains constant (is
conserved). You may note how many times in questions this
definition is asked, just an indication of its importance
– make sure to study it for the exam.
(2)
6.2 Option 1: West taken as “+”

Option 2: East taken as “+”

(4)

6.3 Remains the same, The force experienced by both the boy and the
trolley is the same – Newton’s 3rd law. The change in momentum
remains constant.
OR ; (3)

(NOTE: Always answer the question first!)

6.4 Option 1: Information of trolley is used. Take West as “+”

OR

Option 2: Information of trolley is used. Take East as “+”

51
 Option 3: Information of boy is used. Take West as “+”

Remember the question asked the force

exerted on the trolley. Because of
Newton’s 3rd law we know that the force
experienced by the boy will be the same
as the force experienced by the trolley but
in the opposite direction. For this option
we will have to write a conclusion answer
stating the force of the trolley. (4)

[13]
Question 7
7.1 The product of the resultant/net force acting on an object and the time
the resultant/net force acts on the object. (2)
7.2 Option 1:

Hint: The difference in time

from 10 to 11 is s.
(x-axis of graph)

Option 2:

We don’t need to indicate

the direction, the question
only asks for the magnitude.

(3)
7.3.1 Option 1: Right as positive

Remember!!

You calculated the impulse in 7.2

Option 2: Left as positive

(4)
7.3.2 Option 1: Right as positive

52
 Option 2: Left as positive

(3)
[12]
Question 8
8.1 Momentum is the product of an object’s mass and its velocity. (2)
8.2 Option 1: Direction of motion is taken as positive.
Always write your final answer as a positive
value, the negative sign only indicates that
the motion was in the opposite direction.

Option 2: Direction of motion is taken as negative.

(4)

8.3 Option 1: Direction of motion is taken as positive.

Option 2: Direction of motion is taken as negative.

(4)
[10]
Question 9
9.1 A system on which the resultant/net external force is zero (1)
9.2.1 Option 1: Option 2:

(3)

53
9.2.2 Option 1: Remember the instruction was that east must be taken as positive.

East.

Option 2: Remember the instruction was that east must be taken as positive.

East. (4)

9.2.3 Option 1:

Option 2:
Remember: There is no
need to show direction
because the question only
asked for the magnitude.

Option 3:

54
6. MESSAGE TO GRADE 12 LEARNERS
Allow me this opportunity to wish you the best of luck during the upcoming exams. There will be times
where you are stressed and confused, it may feel like a hopeless situation and that you will not be
able to get the job done – we understand that, but keep going. Nothing in life that is worth having will
come easy. We are behind you, cheering you on to the finish line. Remember the following quotes
from two brilliant scientists.

Nothing in life is to be feared, it is only to be understood. Now is the time to understand more, so
that we may fear less. ― Marie Curie

Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance you must keep moving. – Albert Einstein

We know you can do this, good luck!

7. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The Department of Basic Education (DBE) gratefully acknowledges the following officials for giving up
their valuable time and families and for contributing their knowledge and expertise to develop this
resource booklet for the children of our country, under very stringent conditions of COVID-19:

Writer: Mr Danie du Toit (Subject Specialist, PED: Limpopo).

Reviewers: Mr SN Nkosi, Ms N September, Ms Z Letile, Mr SJ Sibanyoni and Ms A Smit

DBE Subject Specialist: Ms JSK Maharaj (Veena)

The development of the Study Guide was managed and coordinated by Ms Cheryl Weston and Dr
Sandy Malapile

8. Reference
Examination guidelines 2014

Siyavula Gr.12 textbook

Mind the gap Gr. 12 textbook

CAPS document

Previous question papers from DBE

Previous question papers from Provincial departments

Phet simulations.

Science clinic DBE v3.1

55