NSC PHYSICAL SCIENCES

EXAMINATION PREPARATIONS 2024

PHYSICAL SCIENCES -PAPER1

GRADE 12

QUESTION 4

MOMENTUM AND IMPULSE

Definitions and Key Concepts

❖ Momentum is the product of an object's mass and its velocity.

❖ Linear momentum is a vector quantity with the same direction as the velocity of the object.
❖ State the principle of conservation of linear momentum: The total linear momentum of an
isolated system remains constant (is conserved)
❖ State Newton's second law of motion in terms of momentum: The net (or resultant)
force acting on an object is equal to the rate of change of momentum of the object in the
direction of the net force.
❖ Impulse is the product of the resultant/net force acting on an object and the time the net
force acts on the object.
❖ An isolated system (in Physics), i.e. a system on which the net external force is zero.
❖ Elastic collision is a collision where both total momentum and total kinetic energy are
conserved.

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❖ Inelastic Collision is a collision where only total momentum is conserved but not kinetic
energy.

Summary of notes

Calculate the momentum of a moving object using. p = mv

• S.I units for momentum (kg.m.s-1) and it is a vector quantity(both magnitude and direction)
• Describe the vector nature of momentum and draw vector diagrams.
• State Newton’s Second Law in terms of momentum:

∆𝒑
Fnet = ∆𝒕

• Use Momentum-Impulse theorem: Fnet .∆t= ∆p

• Impulse S.I unit (N.s)/ kg.m.s -1

• Explain how the concept of impulse applies to safety considerations in everyday life, e.g.
airbags, seatbelts and arrestor beds.
• 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.
Σpi = Σpf

m1vi + m2vi = m1vf + m2vf (two objects collide and then separate)
m1vi + m2vi = (m1 + m2)vf (two objects collide and stick together)

(m1 + m2 )vi= m1vf + m2vf (two moving objects initially joined then separated)

• Distinguish between elastic collisions and inelastic collisions by calculation.

ELASTIC & INELASTIC COLLISION.

o If the collision is Elastic ΣEk = ΣEk (Total kinetic Energy before =Total kinetic
i f

Energy after).
o If the collision is Inelastic ∴ ΣEk ≠ ΣEk (Total kinetic Energy before≠ Total
i f

kinetic Energy after).

ΣEk = 12m
i
2 1
AVi + mBvi
2
2
ΣEk = 12m v
f A f
2 1
+ 2mBvf2

(total kinetic energy before) (total kinetic energy after)

S.I unit :Joule(J) S.I unit :Joule(J)

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Worked Examples

1. The cricket ball of mass 500g is bowled towards a batsman at a speed of 40m.s-
The batsman misses the ball and the wicket keeper catches the ball.

1.1 Calculate the average force exerted by the wicket keeper on the ball, if he
stops the ball in 0.8s.
(4)

Solution:
Fnet .∆t= ∆p ✓

Fnet(0,8)✓= 0,5(0-40) ✓
Fnet= -25 N

Fnet= 25N ✓

1.2 ∆p
Use the equation Fnet= to explain why the wicket keeper should pull his
∆𝑡
hands back when catching a fast moving ball.
Solution: (3)
As the wicket keeper pulls his hand back, the contact time increases, the
Fnet decreases and the change in momentum decreases.

2. A wooden trolley of mass 2,7 kg moves to the left with a constant velocity of 3
m∙s-1. A bullet of mass 0,03 kg is fired horizontally from the left towards the
trolley. (See DIAGRAM 1.)
The bullet strikes the trolley and comes to rest inside the trolley in 0,02 s. The
average net force exerted by the trolley on the bullet during this time is 591 N.
The bullet-trolley combination now moves to the right. (See DIAGRAM 2.)

Ignore all frictional and rotational effects.

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2.1 Write down the magnitude and direction of the average net force that the bullet
exerts on the trolley. (1)

2.2 Calculate the magnitude of the velocity with which the bullet strikes the trolley. (4)

2.3 State the principle of conservation of linear momentum in words.

(2)

Calculate the magnitude of the velocity of the bullet-trolley combination after the (4)
2.4
collision.

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SOLUTIONS

591 N to the right/original direction of bullet/Accept East ✓ (1)

2.1

Marking criteria
2.2
• Any correct formula for conservation of momentum.✓
• Correct substitutions✓✓
• Correct final answer✓ :395,58m.s-1
Range(394 to 395,58 m·s-1)

Fnet ∆t= ∆p =m vf – vi )
(591)(0,02) = 2,7[v f – (–3)] (4)
vf = 1,38 m·s-1

Σpi = Σpf ✓
mbvbi + mtvti = (mb + mt)vf
(0,03)vbi+(2,7)(-3)✓=(0,03+2,7)(1,38)✓
(0,03)vbi = 11,86
vi = 395,58 m·s-1✓

The total (linear) momentum in an isolated system is conserved/remains

2.3
constant.✓✓
(2)
2.4 RIGHT AS POSITIVE

∑pi = ∑pf✓
mxvix + myviy = mxvfx + myvfy

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 0,03)(395,58) + (2,7)( –3)✓ = vf (0,03 + 2,7)✓ (4)
vf = 1,38 m·s-1 ✓

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MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTIONS

QUESTION 1
1. A ball is dropped from height h and strikes the floor with momentum p. The ball is
then dropped from height ½h.

Ignore the effects of air friction.

Which ONE of the following represents the momentum of the ball when it strikes
the floor after being dropped from height ½h?

A p

B 1
p
√2

C 1
p
2

D 2p (2)
The simplified diagram below shows a rocket that has been fired horizontally,
accelerating to the west.
2.

Which ONE of the statements below best explains why the rocket accelerates?

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 A. The speed of the exhaust gases is smaller than the speed of the rocket.

B The pressure of the atmosphere at the back of the rocket is less than at
the front.

C The air outside the rocket exerts a greater force on the back of the
rocket than at the front.

D The rocket pushes the exhaust gases to the east and the exhaust (2)
gases push the rocket to the west.
3.
An object of mass m moving at velocity v collides head-on with an object of mass
2m moving in the opposite direction at velocity v. Immediately after the collision
the smaller mass moves at velocity v in the opposite direction and the larger mass
is brought to rest. Refer to the diagram below.

(2)

Ignore the effects of friction. Which ONE of the following is CORRECT?

Momentum Kinetic energy

A Conserved Conserved

B Not conserved Conserved

C Conserved Not conserved

D Not conserved Not conserved

If the momentum of an object is doubled, then its kinetic energy is…

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4.

A Halved.

B Doubled.

C Three times greater.

(2)
D Four time greater.

A person drops a glass bottle onto a concrete floor from a certain height and the
5.
bottle breaks. The person then drops a second, identical glass bottle from the
same height onto a thick, woollen 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

BOTTLE WITH CARPET
A Larger Smaller
B Smaller Smaller
C Larger Larger
D Smaller Larger

(2)
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LONG QUESTIONS

QUESTION 2
Car A of mass 1 085 kg travelling east at a speed of 33 m.s-1, collides head on with car B of
mass 3 450 kg travelling west at a speed of 28 m.s-1 . Immediately after the collision, car A
moves west at a speed of 5 m.s-1. Ignore
friction.

2.1 State Newton's second law of motion in terms of momentum in words. (2)

2.2 Calculate the:

(5)
2.2.1 Velocity of car B after collision

2.2.2 Magnitude of the impulse on car B during the collision (3)

2.3
Airbags serves as a safety feature during collision.
Use the relevant laws of physics to explain the purpose of air bags in
2.3.1 cars. (3)
Which driver sustains more injuries during above collision? Choose from
2.3.2 CAR A or CAR B (1)

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QUESTION 3

A trolley of mass 1,5 kg is held stationary at point A at the top of a frictionless track. When the
1,5 kg trolley is released, it moves down the track. It passes point P at the bottom of the incline
and collides with a stationary 2 kg trolley at point B. Refer to the diagram below. Ignore air
resistance and rotational effects.

3.1 Use the principle of conservation of mechanical energy to calculate the speed of
the 1,5 kg trolley at point P. (4)
When the two trolleys collide, they stick together and continue moving with constant velocity.

The principle of conservation of linear momentum is given by the incomplete

3.2 statement below.

In a/an … system, the … linear momentum is conserved. Rewrite the complete (2)
statement and fill in the missing words or phrases.

3.3 Calculate the speed of the combined trolleys immediately after the collision. (4)

3.4 Calculate the distance travelled by the combined trolleys in 3 s after the collision. (3)

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QUESTION 4

A boy on ice skates is stationary on a frozen lake (no friction). He throws a package of mass 5
kg at 4 m·s-1 horizontally east as shown below. The mass of the boy is 60 kg.

At the instant the package leaves the boy's hand, the boy starts moving.

4.1 In which direction does the boy move? Write down only EAST or WEST. (1)
Which ONE of Newton's laws of motion explains the direction in which the boy
4.2 experiences a force when he throws the package? Name and state this law in (3)
words.
Calculate the magnitude of the velocity of the boy immediately after the package
4.3 leaves his hand. Ignore the effects of friction. (5)

4.4 How will the answer to QUESTION 4.3 be affected if:

(Write down INCREASES, DECREASES or REMAINS THE SAME.)

The boy throws the same package at a higher velocity in the same
4.4.1 direction (1)
The boy throws a package of double the mass at the same velocity as in
4.4.2 QUESTION 4.3. Explain the answer. (3)

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QUESTION 5

The momentum versus time graph of object A, originally moving horizontally EAST, is shown
below.

5.1 Write down the definition of momentum in words.

The net force acting on object A is zero between t = 10 s and t = 20 s.

5.2 (2)
Use the graph and a relevant equation to explain why this statement is TRUE.
Calculate the magnitude of the impulse that object A experiences between t = 20
5.3 s and t = 50 s. (2)
At t = 50 s, object A collides with another object, B, which has a momentum of 70
kg∙m∙s-1 EAST.

5.4 Use the information from the graph and the relevant principle to calculate the (5)
momentum of object B after the collision.

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QUESTION 6
The bounce of a cricket ball is tested before it is used. The standard test is to drop a ball from
a certain height onto a hard surface and then measure how high it bounces.

During such a test, a cricket ball of mass 0,15 kg is dropped from rest from a certain height and
it strikes the floor at a speed of 6,2 m·s-1. The ball bounces straight upwards at a velocity of
3,62 m·s-1 to a height of 0,65 m, as shown in the diagram below. The effects of air friction may
be ignored.

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6.1 Define the term impulse in words. (2)

Calculate the magnitude of the impulse of the net force applied to the ball during
6.2 its collision with the floor. (3)

6.3 To meet the requirements, a cricket ball must bounce to one third of the height
that it is initially dropped from.

Use ENERGY PRINCIPLES to determine whether this ball meets the minimum
requirements. (5)

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QUESTION 7

A soccer player kicks a ball of mass 0,45 kg to the east. The ball travels horizontally at a
velocity of 9 ms -1 along a straight line, without touching the ground, and enters a container
lying at rest on its side, as shown in the diagram below. The mass of the container is 0,20 kg.

The ball is stuck in the container after the collision. The ball and container now move together
along a straight line towards the east. Ignore friction and rotational effects.

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 (2)
7.1 State the principle of conservation of linear momentum in words.
7.2 Calculate the magnitude of the velocity of the ball-container system immediately (4)
after the collision.
7.3 Determine, by means of a suitable calculation, whether the collision between the (5)
ball and container is elastic or inelastic.
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MULTIPLE CHOICE : SOLUTIONS

1. B✓✓ (2)

2. D✓✓ (2)

3. C ✓✓ (2)

4. D✓✓ (2)

5. D✓✓ (2)

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LONG QUESTIONS : SOLUTIONS

QUESTION 2

The resultant/net force acting on an object is equal to the rate of change of (2)
2.1
momentum of the object in the direction of the net/resultant force. ✓ ✓
(2 or 0)

OPTION: 1 Motion to the East(+)

2.2.1 Σpi = Σpf
Any one✓
m1v1i + m2v2i=m1v1f + m2v2f

1085(+33) + 3450(-28)✓= 1085(-5) + 3450v2f✓

v 2f = - 15, 05 m.s-1 (5)

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 v2f = 15,05 m.s-1✓ west/ forward✓

OPTION:2

Σpi = Σpf any one✓

m1v1i + m2v2i=m1v1f + m2v2f

1085(-33) + 3450(+28)✓= 1085(+5) + 3450v2f✓

v 2f = + 15, 05 m.s-1
v2f = 15,05 m.s-1✓ west/ forward✓

2.2.2 POSITIVE MARKING FROM QUESTION 2.2.1

OPTION 1: CAR B OPTION 2: CAR OPTION 2:

B Motion to the west(+) Motion to the west(-)

Impulse= ∆p=m∆v Impulse= ∆p=m∆v

= 3450(16,05 - 28)✓ = 3450(-16,05 - ( - 28))✓
= - 41227,5 = 41227,5 N·s ✓
41 227,5 N.s✓

OPTION 3: CAR A PTION 4: CAR A (3)

Motion to the west(+) Motion to the west(-)
Impulse= ∆p=m∆v Impulse= ∆p=m∆v✓
= 1085(5 -( - 33))✓ = 3450(-5 - (+ 33))✓
= 412 30 N.s✓ = - 41230
= 412 30 N.s ✓

2.3.1 ∆p (3)
According to Newton's second law✓/Fnet = Air bag causes an increase in
∆t
collision time ✓ which results in a lesser / smaller force ( for the
driver/passenger)✓
2.3.2 Car A✓ (1)

[14]

QUESTION 3
3.1 E(mech top) = E(mech bottom) ✓

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 (Ep + Ek)top = (Ep + Ek)bottom
(mgh + ½ mv2 )top= (mgh + ½ mv2 )bottom
(1,5)(9,8)(2) + 0✓ = 0 + ½ (1,5)v2 ✓ (4)
v = 6,26 m∙s-1✓

3.2 In a/an closed/isolated ✓ system, the total linear momentum is conserved ✓

(2)
3.3
POSITIVE MARKING FROM 3.1
4Σpi = Σpf ✓
m1v1i + m2v2i = m1v1f + m 2v2f
m1v1i + m2v2i = (m1+ m2)Vf ✓
(1,5)(6,26) + 0 = (1,5 + 2)vf ✓ (4)
vf = 2,68 m∙s-1 ✓

3.4
POSITIVE MARKING FROM 3.3
OPTION 1
Δx = v X Δt ✓
= (2,68)(3) ✓
= 8,04 m ✓
OPTION 2
Δx = viΔt + ½ aΔt2 ✓
= (2,68)(3) + ½ (0)(3) 2 ✓ (3)
= 8,04 m ✓

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QUESTION 4
4.1 West ✓ (1)

4.2 (Newton's) Third Law (of Motion) ✓

(3)
When object A exerts a force on object B, object B exerts a force equal in
magnitude on object A ✓, but opposite in direction. ✓
4.3 Σpi = Σpf ✓
0 ✓= (60)vf + (5)(4) ✓
∴ vf = - 0,33 ✓ (5)
∴ vf = 0,33 m·s-1✓

4.4.1 Increases✓ (1)

4.4.2 Increases✓, ∆p package increases, thus ∆p boy increases✓.

(3)

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 • For the same mass of the, v will be greater. ✓

[13]

QUESTION 5
5.1
Momentum is the product of the mass and velocity of an object. ✓✓ (2)
∆p = 0 ✓

5.2 ∆𝒑
Fnet = = 0✓
∆𝒕
(2)
OR ∆p = 0✓ ∆v = 0

∴a = 0 ∴ Fnet = ma ✓

5.3

OPTION 1 OPTION 2
Fnet∆t = ∆p ✓ Fnet =
∆𝒑
✓
∆𝒕
-120-50
= -120 – 50 ✓ = (3)
50-20
= -170
∴Fnet = -5,67
Fnet∆t = (-5,67)(30) ✓
∴ Fnet∆t = 170 N∙s / kg∙m∙s-1 ✓
= -170
∴ Fnet∆t = 170 N∙s / kg∙m∙s-1 ✓
5.4

OPTION 1 OPTION 2
1 Σpi = Σpf ✓ ∆pA = -∆pB ✓
50 – (-120) ✓ = -(pBf – 70) ✓
-120 + 70 ✓ = 50 + pBf ✓ ∴ pBf = -100
∴ pBf = 100 kg∙m·s-1 west✓
∴ pBf = -100

∴ pBf = 100 kg∙m·s-1✓west✓

(5)

[12]

QUESTION 6

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6.1 Impulse is the product of the (net/average) force and the time during which the
force acts. ✓ ✓ (2)
6.2
Fnet∆t = ∆p ✓ (3)
= m(vf – vi)
= 0,15(3,62 - (-6,2)) ✓
= 1,473 N∙s / kg∙m∙s-1 ✓ upward

6.3
(U + K)top = (U + K)bottom ✓
mghf + ½ m 2 vf = mghi + ½ m 2 v i (0,15)(9,8)h + 0 ✓
= 0 + ½(0,15)(6,2)2 ✓

∴ h = 1,96 m✓ (5)
1.96
= 0,65 m Yes/Meets requirements ✓
3

[10]

QUESTION 7

7.1 The total (linear) momentum in a isolated/closed system remains constant./ is (2)
conserved ✓ ✓
7.2
OPTION 1 ∑pi = ∑pf ✓
m1v1i + m2v2i = (m1 +m2)vf
{0,45(9) + 0,20(0)} ✓ = (0,45 + 0,20)v ✓
v = 6,23 m⋅s-1 ✓
OPTION 2 (4)
∆pball = - ∆pcont ✓
0,45(v – 9) ✓= - 0,2(v – 0) ✓
v = 6,23 m⋅s-1 ✓

7.3 EK = ½ mv2 ✓
Total kinetic energy before collision:
½ (0,45)(9)2 + 0 ✓= 18,225J
Total kinetic energy after collision: ½ (0,45 + 0,20)(6,23) 2 ✓ = 12,614J
(5)

∑Kbeforr ≠ ∑Kafter ✓
Collision is inelastic. ✓

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