9 Forces and momentum

AQA Physics Exam-style questions

1 The graph in Figure 1 shows how the velocity, v, of a car varies with time, t.

Figure 1
a Describe the motion of the car for the 50 s period.

(3 marks)

b The mass of the car is 1200 kg. Calculate for the first 20 s of motion:
i the change in momentum of the car

ii the rate of change of momentum

iii the distance travelled.

(4 marks)
From AQA Physics A PA02 Mechanics and Molecular Kinetic Theory June 2008
(Question 3)

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 9 Forces and momentum
AQA Physics Exam-style questions

2 A steady stream of water strikes a wall horizontally without rebounding and, as a

result, exerts a force on the vertical wall.
a With reference to Newton’s laws of motion,
i state and explain why the momentum of the water changes as it strikes
the wall

ii explain why the water exerts a constant force on the wall.

(5 marks)
b Water arrives at the wall at a rate of 18 kg s–1. It strikes the wall horizontally,
at a speed of 7.2 m s–1 without rebounding. Calculate:
i the change in momentum of the water in one second

ii the force exerted by the water on the wall.

(3 marks)

c State and explain the effect on the magnitude of the force if the water
rebounds after striking the wall.

(2 marks)

From AQA Physics A PA02 Mechanics and Molecular Kinetic Theory January 2008
(Question 3)

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 9 Forces and momentum
AQA Physics Exam-style questions

3 a State, in words, how the force acting on a body is related to the change in
momentum of the body.

(1 mark)

b A football of mass 0.42 kg is moving horizontally at 10 m s–1 towards a

footballer’s boot, which then kicks it. Figure 3 shows how the force between
the boot and the ball varies with time while they are in contact.

Figure 3
i What is the significance of the area enclosed by the line on a force–time
graph and the time axis when a force acts on a body for a short time?

(1 mark)

ii Estimate the impulse that acts on the ball, stating an appropriate unit.

answer =
(4 marks)

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 9 Forces and momentum
AQA Physics Exam-style questions

c Discuss the consequences if the ball had approached the boot at a higher
speed but still received the same impulse.

(3 marks)

From AQA Physics A PHYA4/2 Fields and Further Mechanics January 2011
(Question 2)

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 9 Forces and momentum
AQA Physics Exam-style questions

4 a State one similarity and one difference between an elastic collision and an
inelastic collision.
similarity

difference

(2 marks)
From AQA Physics A PHYA/2 Fields and Further Mechanics January 2013
(Question 1)

b Runners can experience injuries to their leg joints due to jarring when their
feet strike the ground.
Explain how scientists have improved the soles of running shoes to reduce
the risk of these injuries.

(3 marks)

From AQA Physics B PHYB2 Physics Keeps Us Going June 2012 (Question 3)

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 9 Forces and momentum
AQA Physics Exam-style questions

5 Spectacle lenses can be tested by dropping a small steel ball onto the lens,
as shown in Figure 5, and then checking the lens for damage.

Figure 5
a In a test the ball bounced back to a height of 0.85 m.
Calculate the speed of the ball just before impact.

speed = m s−1
(2 marks)
b Calculate the speed of the ball just after impact.

speed = m s−1
(2 marks)
c Calculate the change in momentum of the ball due to the impact.

momentum = kg m s−1
(2 marks)
d The time of contact was 40 ms. Calculate the average force of the ball on the
lens during the impact.

average force = N
(2 marks)

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 9 Forces and momentum
AQA Physics Exam-style questions

e Explain, with reference to momentum, why the test should also specify the
material of the plinth the lens sits on.

(2 marks)

From AQA AS Physics 7407/1 Paper 1 Specimen 2014 (Question 4)

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