Practice Questions: Topic 2– Forces &

Momentum
Subtopic 2.1: Describing Forces

1. Which statement best summarizes Newton's 3. If a moving object is subject to a constant

first law of motion? force, which of the following can be correctly
deduced from Newton’s first law?
Whenever two objects interact the
A. forces they exert on each other are The object continues to move with a
√ A.
opposite changing velocity

A resultant force on an object is equal The object continues to move with a

B. B.
to the rate of change in momentum constant velocity
The object continues to move with a
A body will remain at rest or move C.
changing direction
√ C. with constant velocity unless acted on
by a resultant force The object continues to move in the
D.
same direction
A body will move in a constant
D. velocity only if there is a resultant
force acting upon it 4. When a bus makes a sudden stop, passengers
tend to jerk forward. Which of Newton’s laws
can explain this?
2. Which statement about Newton's Second Law
of Motion is true?
√ A. Newton’s First Law
For bodies of constant mass, the B. Newton’s Second Law
A. resultant force acting on it is inversely
proportional to its acceleration C. Newton’s Third Law

For bodies of a non-constant mass, the D. It cannot be explained by Newton’s laws

B. resultant force acting on it is
proportional to its acceleration
For bodies of constant mass, the
√ C. resultant force acting on it is
proportional to its acceleration
For bodies of a non-constant mass, the
D. resultant force acting on it is inversely
proportional to its acceleration
5. Which statement about drawing free body
diagrams is not correct?
Arrows must be drawn to scale and
A. represent the size of the force
involved
All force arrows must touch the object
B.
applying the force
Force arrows must be drawn as
C.
straight lines with a ruler

√ D. Force arrows don't have to be labelled

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6. Two masses m1 and m2 are connected by a 8. A rectangular object sits at rest on a plane
string over a frictionless pulley of negligible inclined at angle to the horizontal.
mass. The masses are released from rest. Air
resistance is negligible. Mass m2 accelerates
downwards at g/2. What is m1/m2?

√ A. 1/3
B. 1/2
C. 2
R is the normal force, W is the weight and F is
D. 3 friction. Which row correctly labels R and F in
terms of mass m and acceleration due to gravity
g.

7. Two masses m and nm, where n > 1, are joined R F

by a light string which passes over a frictionless
pulley. The acceleration of free fall is g. A. 𝑚𝑔 𝑚𝑔
B. 𝑚𝑔 cos 𝜃 0
C. 𝑚𝑔 sin 𝜃 𝑚𝑔 cos 𝜃
√ D. 𝑚𝑔 cos 𝜃 𝑚𝑔 sin 𝜃

9. A box rests on an inclined plane.

What is the acceleration of the masses a and the

tension in the string T?
Which of the following statements is correct if
𝒂 𝑻 the incline becomes less steep?
𝑛−1 𝑛−1
A. 𝑚𝑔 ) * A. Vector Y decreases
𝑛+1 𝑛+1
𝑛−1 B. Vector Y increases
B. 𝑔(𝑛 + 1) 𝑚𝑔 ) − 1*
𝑛+1 √ C. Vector X increases
𝑔(𝑛 − 1) 𝑛−1 D. Vector Z increases
√ C. 𝑚𝑔 ) + 1*
𝑛+1 𝑛+1
𝑔(𝑛 + 1) 𝑛+1 10. A force of 100.0 N is applied to an object of
D. 𝑚𝑔 ) + 1* mass 85.0 kg. What is the object's acceleration?
𝑛−1 𝑛−1

√ A. 1.18 m/s2
B. 2.49 m/s2
C. 4.91 m/s2
D. 9.81 m/s2

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11. A block of weight W slides down a ramp at 13. Two blocks of weight 5N and 2N are attached
constant velocity. A friction force F acts between to two ropes, X and Y.
the bottom of the block and the surface of the
ramp. A normal reaction N acts between the
ramp and the block. What is the free-body
diagram for the forces that act on the block?

The blocks hang vertically. The mass of the ropes

is negligible. What is the tension in X and the
tension in Y?

Tension in X Tension in Y
A. 7N 7N
√ B. 7N 2N
A. A
C. 5N 2N
B. B
D. 5N 3N
C. C
√ D. D 14. Elaborate chandeliers can be modelled as
layers of hanging bars. The diagram shows one
12. Two stationary objects of mass 1kg and 2 kg such model with a mass 𝑚 suspended from two
are connected by a thread and suspended from bars of negligible mass, connected by five light
a spring. strings. Each layer has 𝑁 number of strings.

The thread is cut. Immediately after the cut,

what are the magnitudes of the accelerations of Which expression gives the tension in any single
the objects in terms of the acceleration due to string?
gravity g ?
𝑚𝑔
Acceleration of Acceleration of √ A.
𝑁
1 kg object 2 kg object
𝑚𝑔
A. 3g 2g B.
𝑁!
B. 2g 2g C. 𝑁𝑚𝑔
C. 3g 1g D. (𝑁 − 1)𝑚𝑔
√ D. 2g 1g

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15. An elevator (lift) and its load have a total
mass of 750kg and accelerate vertically
downwards at 2.0 𝑚/𝑠 ! . What is the tension in
the elevator cable?
18. X and Y are two objects on a frictionless table
connected by a string. The mass of X is 2.0 kg
and the mass of Y is 4.0 kg. The mass of the
string is negligible. A constant horizontal force of
12 N acts on Y.

What are the acceleration of Y and the

magnitude of the tension in the string?

Acceleration of Tension in the

A. 1.5 kN 𝒀/(𝒎/𝒔𝟐 ) string (𝑵)
√ B. 6.0 kN √ A. 2 4

C. 7.5 kN B. 2 6
C. 3 4
D. 9.0 kN
D. 3 6
16. A person with a weight of 600 N stands on a
scale in an elevator. 19. The diagram below shows five wooden
blocks joined by inelastic strings. A constant
force accelerates the blocks to the right on a
frictionless horizontal table.

What is the acceleration of the elevator when the

scale reads 900N?

A. 5.0 𝑚/𝑠 ! downwards

B. 1.5 𝑚/𝑠 ! downwards A. W

C. 1.5 𝑚/𝑠 ! upwards B. X

√ D. 5.0 𝑚/𝑠 ! upwards C. Y

√ D. Z
17. A child of mass m sits in a car seat which is
accelerating horizontally at 0.2g, where g is the
acceleration due to gravity. What is the
magnitude of the total force exerted by the car
seat on the child?

A. 𝑚𝑔
B. ;𝑚𝑔
C. √0.2 𝑚𝑔
√ D. √1.04 𝑚𝑔

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20. Two blocks with mass 5m and 3m are 23. A book is at rest on a table. One of the forces
pushed along a smooth horizontal surface by an acting on the book is its weight. What is the
applied force F. other force that completes the force pair
according to Newton’s third law of motion?

√ A. The pull of the book on Earth

What is the magnitude of the force exerted B. The pull of Earth on the book
between the blocks?
C. The push of the table on the book
A. 𝐹 D. The push of the book on the table
B. 2𝐹/8
24. A book is at rest on a table. What is a pair of
√ C. 3𝐹/8 action–reaction forces for this situation
D. 8𝐹/3 according to Newton’s third law of motion?

21. Two boxes in contact are pushed in a line Force 1 Force 2

along a floor with a force F. The boxes are
moving at a constant speed. Box X has a mass m the force of the the force of the
A.
and box Y has a mass 3 m. book on the table book on the Earth
the force of the the force of the
B.
table on the Earth book on the table
the force of the the force of the
√ C.
Earth on the book book on the table
What is the resultant force acting on Y?
the force of the the force of the
D.
√ A. 0 Earth on the book table on the book

B. 𝐹/3 25. Which row gives the correct Newton’s third

C. 𝐹 law force pair for a book on a table?

D. 3𝐹
Force A Force B
Weight of the Force of book on
22. Two bodies, 𝑋 and 𝑌, having masses 𝑚# A.
book the table
and 𝑚$ respectively, exert forces on each other
Gravitational Gravitational
and have no external forces acting on them. The force of the Earth force of the book
force acting on 𝑋 is 𝐹, which gives 𝑋 an √ B.
pulling on the pulling on the
acceleration 𝑎# . What is the magnitude of the book Earth
force on 𝑌 and its acceleration? Reaction force
Weight of the
C. from the table
Magnitude of Acceleration of book
surface
force on 𝒀 𝒀 Gravitational Gravitational
𝑚$ force of the Earth force of the table
A. 𝐹 𝑎# D.
𝑚# pulling on the pulling on the
book Earth
𝑚$
B. 𝐹 𝑎
𝑚# #
𝑚#
C. 𝐹 𝑎#
𝑚$
𝑚#
√ D. 𝐹 𝑎
𝑚$ #

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26. Which of the following is necessary for an 28. A photo hangs from two strings. It has a
object to be in translational equilibrium? weight W and the two strings have equal tension
T. What is the free–body diagram for this
A. The object must be stationary situation?

The object must move with a constant

B.
speed
The resultant force acting on the
√ C.
object must be zero
D. No forces must act on the object

27. What is the magnitude of the force F in the

figure, given that the block is in equilibrium.

√ A. 3.0 N
A. A
B. 12 N
B. B
C. 15 N
√ C. C
D. 27 N
D. D
28. Three forces act on a body in equilibrium.
Which diagram is a possible vector diagram for 30. Three forces act on a body as shown:
this situation?

Which of the following statements is correct?

A. The body is in equilibrium

The force required to bring the body

√ B. into equilibrium is directed in a north
A. A west direction
√ B. B The force required to bring the body
C. C C. into equilibrium is directed in a south
east direction
D. D
D. There is no resultant force on the body

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31. A small object P is suspended by a vertical
light string. It is then pulled to one side by a
force equal in magnitude to the weight of the
object and held stationary in the position shown
below.

Which of the following is the correct free-body

diagram for the forces acting on 𝑃 in the position
√ A. A
shown above?
B. B
C. C
D. D

Free Response:

1. An incomplete free body force diagram for a painting hanging by special wires in equilibrium is shown.
Three forces act on the painting.

a. Complete the free body force diagram by sketching the additional force vector required for
equilibrium.

b. State the name of the force you have drawn.

Tension (in the wires)

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2. The helicopter below is moving horizontally through still air. The lift force from the helicopter’s blades
is labelled 𝐴.

a. Identify the two forces 𝐵 and 𝐶 that also act on the helicopter.
Force B: Drag/air resistance
Force C: Weight

b. The force B has a value of 25 𝑘𝑁 and acts horizontally and at right angles to the weight 𝐶.
Calculate the horizontal component of force 𝐴 needed to keep the helicopter moving at a constant
velocity.
For the helicopter to move at a constant velocity the resultant horizontal force must be zero.
Horizontal component of force A = force B
Horizontal component of force A = 25 kN

c. The helicopter encounters a problem and accelerates vertically downwards towards the ground. It
has a mass of 50 000 kg. Air resistance is negligible. Calculate the weight of the helicopter.
The resultant force acting on the helicopter is the weight
𝑊 = 𝑚𝑔 = (50 000 𝑘𝑔)(9.8 𝑚/𝑠 ! ) = 490 000 𝑁

3. Two blocks are attached by a light inextensible string that passes over a smooth pulley. They are held
stationary and suddenly released.

a. Determine the acceleration of each block

Treating the two blocks as a single body, because they are joined by a string, the total mass
𝑀 = 𝑚% + 𝑚! = 4.5 + 6.0 = 10.5 𝑘𝑔
Therefore, the resultant force on the entire system:
(𝑚% + 𝑚! )𝑎 = 𝑔(𝑚! − 𝑚% )
𝑔(𝑚! − 𝑚% ) (9.8 𝑚/𝑠 ! )(6.0 𝑘𝑔 − 4.5 𝑘𝑔)
𝑎= = = 1.4 𝑚/𝑠 !
(𝑚% + 𝑚! ) (6.0 𝑘𝑔 + 4.5 𝑘𝑔)

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 b. Calculate the tension in the string.
Applying Newton’s law for mass 𝑚% :
𝑚% 𝑎 = 𝑇 − 𝑚% 𝑔
𝑇 = 𝑚% (𝑎 + 𝑔)
𝑇 = (4.5 𝑘𝑔)(1.4 + 9.8) 𝑚/𝑠 !
𝑇 = 50.4 𝑁

c. The string attaching the blocks over the pulley suddenly snaps. Describe and explain the
subsequent motion of the block of mass 4.5 kg. (Assume it was moving upward at the instant the
string snapped).
At the instant the string snaps, there is no longer a tension force. Therefore the block
decelerates/accelerates downward / is in freefall

4. Two masses are arranged on a frictionless table as shown in the figure.

a. Calculate the acceleration of the mass.

Applying Newtons law to both the masses:
10𝑎 = 𝑇
5𝑎 = 50 − 𝑇
Adding the above equations:
15𝑎 = 50
𝑎 = 3.3 𝑚/𝑠 !

b. Find the tension in the string.

Using the equation for the 10 kg mass:
𝑇 = 10𝑎 = 10(3.3 𝑚/𝑠 ! ) = 33 𝑁

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5. A remote-controlled boat has a mass of 0.600 kg and is accelerating with a resultant force of 1.95 N.
Draw a free body diagram showing and labelling the forces acting on the boat.

a. Draw a free body diagram showing and labelling the forces acting on the boat.

b. Calculate the acceleration on the boat.

𝐹&'( 1.95 𝑁
𝑎= = = 3.25 𝑚/𝑠 !
𝑚 0.600 𝑘𝑔

c. The boat's velocity changes so that it is

travelling at constant speed. Place a tick (✓) next to the statement or statements that are correct
about the motion of the boat.

The sum of the tension, friction and air resistance is larger than the forward force

The sum of the tension, friction and air resistance is equal to the forward force √

The upthrust is larger than the weight of the boat

The upthrust is equal to the weight of the boat √

d. After 1.8 s the motor is switched off and the boat decelerates uniformly until it stops. The
deceleration of the boat is 0.80 m/s2 . The resistive forces, air resistance, tension and friction are
the only forces acting on the boat once the motor is switched off. Calculate the magnitude of these
forces.
𝐹) = (0.60 𝑘𝑔)(−0.80 𝑚/𝑠 ! ) = −0.48 𝑁
𝑀𝑎𝑔𝑛𝑖𝑡𝑢𝑑𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑟𝑒𝑠𝑖𝑠𝑡𝑖𝑣𝑒 𝑓𝑜𝑟𝑐𝑒𝑠 = 𝐹) = 0.48 𝑁

Page 10 of 37
6. Two blocks A and B are joined by a string and rest on a frictionless horizontal table. A force of 200N is
applied horizontally on block B.

a. Draw free–body diagrams for both boxes.

b. Block A has a mass of 3.0 kg and block B has a mass of 7.0 kg. Calculate the acceleration of each
block and the tension in the string.
𝐹&'( 200 𝑁
𝑎= = = 20 𝑚/𝑠 !
𝑚* + 𝑚+ 3.0 𝑘𝑔 + 7.0 𝑘𝑔

Applying Newton’s second law on block A

𝑇 = 𝑚* 𝑎
𝑇 = (3.0 𝑘𝑔)(20 𝑚/𝑠 ! ) = 60 𝑁

7. In the following examples calculate the force F required to balance the forces.

a. Horizontal forces are balanced.

The resultant force is 40 N upward. Therefore, the equilibrant force F is 40 N downwards.

b. The x and y components of the forces:

∑𝐹# = 40 cos 30˚ − 40 cos 30˚ = 0
∑𝐹$ = 40 sin 30˚ + 40 sin 30˚ = 40 𝑁
𝐹&'( = 40 𝑁 𝑢𝑝𝑤𝑎𝑟𝑑
𝐹 = 40 𝑁 𝑑𝑜𝑤𝑛𝑤𝑎𝑟𝑑

Page 11 of 37
8. By resolving the vectors into components, calculate if the following bodies are in translational
equilibrium or not. If not, calculate the resultant force.

a. The net force parallel to the surface:

10 sin 30˚ − 1.0 𝑁 = 4 𝑁 𝑑𝑜𝑤𝑛 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑖𝑛𝑐𝑙𝑖𝑛𝑒
The net force perpendicular to the surface:
10 cos 30˚ − 8.66 𝑁 = 0 𝑁
Therefore, resultant force: 4 𝑁 𝑑𝑜𝑤𝑛 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑖𝑛𝑐𝑙𝑖𝑛𝑒

b. Sum of vertical forces:

∑𝐹$ = 4 cos 30° + 6 cos 60° − 4 𝑁 = 2.5 𝑁 𝑢𝑝𝑤𝑎𝑟𝑑

Sum of horizontal forces:

∑𝐹# = 6 sin 60° − 4 sin 30° = 3.2 𝑁 𝑟𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡

Resultant force:
𝑅 = f𝐹# ! + 𝐹$ !
𝑅 = ;(3.2)! + (2.5)! = 4.1 𝑁
2.5
𝜃 = 𝑡𝑎𝑛,% ) * = 38˚
3.2

9. If the following two examples are in equilibrium, calculate the unknown forces 𝐹% , 𝐹! 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝐹- .

a. Taking components along the line of 𝐹% :

2 × 6 × cos 45˚ = 𝐹%
𝐹% = 8.5 𝑁

b. Horizontally:
𝐹! = 20 × cos 30˚ = 17 𝑁
Vertically:
𝐹- + 20 × sin 30˚ = 60 𝑁
𝐹- = 60 − 10 = 50 𝑁

Page 12 of 37
10. The diagram below shows a ball suspended from a cable. The ball is pulled into the position shown by
a rope that is kept horizontal.

a. In this position, the ball is in equilibrium, state the force and component that balance:

i. The force of the rope on the ball

The horizontal component of the tension in the cable balances the force on the rope:
𝑇% = 𝑇! cos 𝜃

ii. The weight of the ball

The vertical component of the tension in the cable balances the weight:
𝑊 = 𝑇! sin 𝜃

b. If the weight of the ball is 0.80 kg and the angle 𝜃 = 50° , find the tension in the cable (𝑇! )and the
rope (𝑇% ).

𝑊 0.80 𝑘𝑔
𝑇! = = = 1.04 𝑁
sin 𝜃 sin 50°
𝑇% = 𝑇! cos 𝜃 = (1.04 𝑁) cos 50° = 0.67 𝑁

11. A mass is hung from two horizontal strings.

a. Outline why the mass will not remain in equilibrium when attached to the strings in this way.

The mass will not remain in equilibrium because:

• Newton’s first law states that an object will only remain at rest / in equilibrium (or
constant velocity) if there is no net / resultant force
• There is a net / resultant force on the mass downwards (from its weight)
• Because there is no vertical force to balance the weight (of the mass)

Page 13 of 37
b. A flower pot of mass 15 kg hangs from two strings attached to the ceiling with tensions A and B,
where it remains in equilibrium.

i. Derive two equations for A in terms of B. Give any values to an appropriate number of
significant figures.

Equate the horizontal

components: Since the system is
in equilibrium, the horizontal
forces to the right and left are
equal
𝐵 cos 60 ˚ = 𝐴 𝑐𝑜𝑠 40˚
Rearranging for tension A:
cos 60 ˚
𝐴=𝐵 = (0.65)𝐵
cos 40 ˚

Equate the vertical components: Since the system is in equilibrium, the vertical forces up
and down are equal
𝑊 = 𝑚𝑔 = 𝐴 sin 40 ˚ + 𝐵 sin 60 ˚
(15 𝑘𝑔)𝑔 = 𝐴 sin 40 ˚ + 𝐵 sin 60 ˚
(15)(9.8) − 𝐵 sin 60 ˚
𝐴=
sin 40 ˚
𝐴 = 230 − 1.3𝐵

ii. Calculate tensions A and B.

𝐴
𝐴 = 230 − 1.3 ) * = 77 𝑁
0.65
𝐴 77 𝑁
𝐵= = = 118 𝑁
0.65 0.65

c. A gardening enthusiast wants to hang a flower pot from two strings on the ceiling of their balcony.
They have two pieces of string, but they are unfortunately quite old and frayed. Suggest and
explain how they can attach the strings to the flower pot in order for them to stay intact.

The gardening enthusiast can attach the strings to the flower pot by attaching the strings (to the
pot) at a small angle to the horizontal / large angle to the vertical

Explanation:
• In order for the strings not to break, they need the smallest tension possible
• The smaller the angle of the string to the horizontal, the smaller the tension in the
string OR a larger angle from the horizontal will create more tension in the string (and
break it)

Page 14 of 37
12. An object of weight W is at rest on an inclined plane.

a. Using an appropriate parallelogram, draw the components of the weight W along the axes shown.
• Parallelogram drawn using dotted lines (as shown)
• Component drawn perpendicular to the slope with direction into the slope on the axes
• Component drawn parallel to the slope with direction down the slope on the axes;

b. Write an expression for the magnitude of the component of weight acting parallel to the slope.
𝑊# = 𝑊 sin 𝜃

c. Draw the normal reaction force on the object in part (a) and label it R.

d. Identify the third force acting on the object and describe its direction with respect to the slope.
The third force acting on the object is friction. The frictional force acts parallel to the slope and up
the slope.

Page 15 of 37
 Subtopic 2.2: Types of Motion

1. The direction of the normal force is

always ______. 4. The difference in pressure between the top
and bottom of a submerged object produces a
force known as ____ .
A. Parallel to the surface of contact
√ B. Perpendicular to the surface of contact A. weight
Opposite the direction of the B. gravity
C.
gravitational force
C. density
In the same direction of the
D. √ D. buoyancy
gravitational force

2. The figure shows a load suspended from a 5. The buoyant force is in which direction?
spring. The value of the spring constant 𝑘 of the
spring is 0.20N/cm. √ A. Upward
B. Downward
C. Circular
D. Toward higher pressures

6. An object will NOT sink if its weight is ______

the buoyant force.
Calculate the extension of the spring when the
load is 3.0 N. √ A. Less than or equal to
B. Greater than or equal to
A. 0.067 cm
C. Similar to and almost equal
B. 0.60 cm
D. Different from and almost equal
C. 0.90 cm
√ D. 15 cm 7. What is true about the volume of the displaced
fluid for an object that is completely submerged?
3. Two identical springs, each of spring constant
𝑘 are connected in parallel as shown below. The volume of displaced fluid is less
A.
than the object’s volume
The volume of displaced fluid is
B.
greater than the object’s volume
The volume of displaced fluid is equal
√ C.
to the object’s volume
The volume of displaced fluid is not
D.
What is the effective spring constant of the related to the object’s volume
springs?
A. 𝑘/4
B. 𝑘/2
√ C. 2𝑘
D. 4𝑘

Page 16 of 37
8. A block of metal is thrown into a lake. What 13. Which statement is correct about the
happens to the buoyant force as it sinks deeper coefficient of friction, μ?
in the water?
√ A. It is always between 0 and 1
A. Increases
The coefficient of friction can be
B. Decreases B. different for the same material in
√ C. Remains the same different situations
D. Increases and then decreases The coefficient of dynamic and static
C. friction between the same two
9. A 5.0 kg object displaces a volume of water surfaces will be different
with a weight of 20 N. What is the buoyant force The coefficient of dynamic friction is
on the object? D. equal to the frictional force multiplied
by the reaction force
A. 15 𝑁
14. Which of the following statements about
√ B. 20 𝑁
friction is not true?
C. 30 𝑁
D. 70𝑁 Friction always acts in the opposite
A.
direction to the direction of motion
10. What is the buoyant force on a 20 𝑘𝑔 box Static friction occurs when two solid
that displaces 4 𝑚- of water? objects are in contact, and no
B.
movement occurs between the two
A. 8 × 10! 𝑁 objects
For a stationary object, the force due
√ B. 4 × 10. 𝑁 √ C. to the coefficient of dynamic friction is
. at a maximum
C. 5 × 10 𝑁
D. 2 × 10/ 𝑁 For a stationary object, the force due
D. to the coefficient of dynamic friction is
zero
11. A 5.0 N stone is dropped in a lake and it
sinks. Which of the relationships below is true 15. A block of weight 𝑊 rests on a horizontal
for the buoyant force on the stone? surface as shown below.

A. 𝐹012$3&( = 0
B. 𝐹012$3&( = 5𝑁
√ C. 𝐹012$3&( < 5𝑁
A horizontal force 𝐹 acts on the block and is
D. 𝐹012$3&( > 5𝑁 slowly increased from zero until the block begins
to move. The coefficient of static friction is µ4
12. Which of the following equations for static and of kinetic friction is µ6 . Which of the
friction is correct? following is the magnitude of the maximum
frictional force between the block and
A. 𝐹 = 𝑚𝑎 the surface?
A. (µ4 − µ6 )𝑊
√ B. 𝐹 ≤ µ4 𝑅
√ B. µ4 𝑊
C. 𝐹 = µ5 𝑅
C. µ6 𝑊
D. 𝐹 = 𝐼∆𝑡
D. (µ4 + µ6 )𝑊

Page 17 of 37
16. A ladder rests on a rough wall and rough 18. A force F acts on a block at an angle θ with
horizontal ground. Which diagram correctly respect to a horizontal surface.
labels all forces acting on the ladder?

The block is moving with a constant velocity v

along the surface. A resistive force acts on the
block. Which of the following correctly
represents the forces acting on the block?

A.

A. A
√ B. B
C. C B.

D. D

17. A block rests on a rough horizontal plane. A

force P is applied to the block and the block
moves to the right.

C.

There is a coefficient of friction 𝜇5 giving rise to

a frictional force 𝐹 between the block and
the plane. The force 𝑃 is doubled. Will 𝜇5 and 𝐹
be unchanged or greater?

𝜇5 𝐹
√ D.
√ A. Unchanged Unchanged
B. Unchanged Greater
C. Greater Greater
D. Greater Unchanged

Page 18 of 37
19. An object of mass m is connected via a 21. The image shows a block resting on an
frictionless pulley to an object of mass 𝑀, where inclined plane.
𝑀 > 𝑚. The mass 𝑚 rests on a horizontal rough
surface with a frictional force 𝑓.

Which row in the table gives the correct

interpretation of the forces acting on the block,
R, F and W?
What is the acceleration of the system?
𝑅 𝑭 𝑾
A. 0 Static
A. Weight Reaction
𝑚𝑔 + 𝑓 friction
B. Dynamic
(𝑀 + 𝑚) B. Weight Reaction
friction
𝑚𝑔 − 𝑓 Dynamic
√ C. C. Reaction Weight
(𝑀 + 𝑚) friction
D. 𝑔 Static
√ D. Reaction Weight
friction
20. The diagram shows the forces acting on a 22. A wooden block of weight 𝑊 rests on a rough
block resting on an inclined plane. The angle h is
board that produces a friction force 𝐹. The end of
adjusted until the block is just at the point of
the board is then raised up to angle 𝜃 until the
sliding. R is the normal reaction, W the weight of
block slides down the plane of the board at
the block and F the maximum frictional force.
constant velocity 𝑣.

What is the maximum coefficient of static Which row describes the forces acting on the
friction between the block and the plane? block as it slides down the board?

A. sin 𝜃 Frictional force Resultant force

on block on block
B. cos 𝜃
√ A. W sin 𝜃 0
√ C. tan 𝜃
B. W cos 𝜃 W sin 𝜃 − 𝐹
D. 1/tan 𝜃
C. W cos 𝜃 0
D. W sin 𝜃 F − W sin 𝜃

Page 19 of 37
23. An object of mass m rests on a horizontal
plane. The angle 𝜃 that the plane makes with the
horizontal is slowly increased from zero. When
𝜃 = 𝜃7 , the object begins to slide. What are the
coefficient of static friction 𝜇4 and the normal
reaction force N of the plane at 𝜃 = 𝜃7 ?
25. Two forces act along a straight line on an
object that is initially at rest. One force is
constant; the second force is in the opposite
direction and proportional to the velocity of the
object.

𝜇4 𝑵
A. sin 𝜃7 mg cos 𝜃7
B. tan 𝜃7 mg sin 𝜃7 What is correct about the motion of the object?
C. sin 𝜃7 mg sin 𝜃7
The acceleration increases from zero
√ D. tan 𝜃7 mg cos 𝜃7 A.
to a maximum

24. The resistive force 𝐹 acting on a sphere of The acceleration increases from zero
B.
radius 𝑟 travelling with speed 𝑣 through a liquid to a maximum and then decreases
is given by the equation 𝐹 = 6𝜋𝜂𝑟𝑣, where 𝜂 is a The velocity increases from zero to a
constant. What are the SI units of 𝜂? √ C.
maximum

A. 𝑘𝑔/𝑚𝑠 ! The velocity increases from zero to a

D.
maximum and then decreases
B. 𝑘𝑔 𝑚! /𝑠
√ C. 𝑘𝑔/𝑚𝑠
D. 𝑘𝑔/𝑚𝑠 -

Free Response:

1. In the table below, identify the forces as contact or non-contact force.

Force Contact or non-contact?

Friction Contact
Force of gravity Non-contact
Normal Reaction Contact
Tension Contact
Air resistance Contact
Elastic force Contact
Buoyant force Contact
Electric force Non-contact
Magnetic force Non-contact

Page 20 of 37
2. A mass of 125 g is attached to a spring of spring constant 𝑘 = 58 𝑁/𝑚 that is hanging vertically.

a. Find the extension of the spring.

𝐹 𝑚𝑔
𝑥= =
𝑘 𝑘
𝑚
(0.125 𝑘𝑔) {9.8 ! |
𝑥= 𝑠
𝑁
58 𝑚
𝑥 = 0.021 𝑚

b. If the mass and the spring are placed on the Moon, will there be any change in the extension of the
spring?
The extension will be less as the acceleration due to gravity (g) is less on the moon.

3. The student plots a graph of load against extension, as shown in the figure below.

a. Determine the extension produced by a load

of 7.5N.
Extension = 30 cm

b. Determine the load that would produce an

extension of 10.0cm.
Load = 2.5 N

c. Calculate the mass that has a weight of 6.0N.

𝑊 = 𝑚𝑔
6.0 𝑁 = 𝑚(10 𝑁/𝑘𝑔)
𝑚 = 0.60 𝑘𝑔

4. A spring is compressed by a certain distance and a mass is attached to its right end, as shown in the
diagram. The mass rests on a rough table. On a copy of the diagram, draw the forces acting on the mass.

Here, 𝑓 is frictional force, 𝑊 is force due to

gravity, 𝑇 is tension due to compression of the spring and 𝑅 is normal reaction force.

Page 21 of 37
5. A helium balloon causes an upthrust of 0.1 N. If the mass of the balloon and helium is 6.0 g, calculate the
acceleration of the balloon.

𝑈𝑝𝑤𝑎𝑟𝑑 𝑓𝑜𝑟𝑐𝑒 (𝐹) = 𝑢𝑝𝑡ℎ𝑟𝑢𝑠𝑡 − 𝑤𝑒𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡

𝐹 = 0.1 𝑁 − (0.006 𝑘𝑔 × 9.8 𝑚/𝑠 ! ) = 0.041 𝑁
𝐹 0.041 𝑁
𝑎= = = 6.8 𝑚/𝑠 !
𝑚 0.006 𝑘𝑔

6. A 2.5 kg block of metal with a volume of 2 × 10,- 𝑚- is totally submerged in water.

a. Calculate the buoyant force on the block.

𝐹0 = 𝑉𝜌𝑔 = (2 × 10,- 𝑚- )(1000)(10) = 20 𝑁

b. What is the net force acting on the object?

𝐹&'( = 𝐹8 − 𝐹0 = (2.5 × 10) − 20 𝑁 = 25 − 20 = 5 𝑁

c. Explain if the object will sink or float?

It will sink, because the buoyant force is lesser than its weight

7. The diagram below shows a skier being towed at a constant speed whilst sinking into the snow.

a. State the name of each of the forces A - D acting on the skier.

Force A: Air resistance (drag)/ Friction
Force B: Tension
Force C: Weight (force of gravity)
Force D: Normal/ reaction force

b. Place a tick (✓) next to the correct statements in the table below:

Force D > Force C

Force C > Force D √

Force B > Force A

Force A = Force B √

Page 22 of 37
 c. The skier is pulled o the snow onto an area of grass and becomes stuck. State the type of friction
present between the bottom of the skis and the grass when she is stationary.
The type of friction present is static friction.

d. The mass of the skier is 52 kg and the coefficient of friction between the skis and the grass is 0.12.
Calculate the minimum force needed from the rope to get the skier just on the point of moving
again.
𝐹9 = µ4 𝐹: = µ4 (𝑚𝑔)
𝐹9 = (0.12)(52 𝑘𝑔)(9.8 𝑚/𝑠 ! ) = 61 𝑁

8. A force of 5.8 N is applied to the block to move it along the table at a constant speed.

a. Name the forces A and B acting on the block.

Force A: Normal force
Force B: Weight of the block (force of gravity)

b. A force of 5.8 N is applied to the block to move it along the table at a constant speed.

i. Identify the type of friction now present

between the block and the table.
Kinetic Friction

ii. State the magnitude of the frictional force on

the block.

Magnitude of the forward force on the

block, F = 5.8 N. Recall Newton's first law to determine the magnitude of the friction
force on the block:
• An object will remain at rest or move with constant velocity until an external
force acts upon it
• The frictional force is the opposite force to the forward force
• The block is travelling at a constant speed
• So, forward force = frictional force
• Therefore, frictional force, FR = 5.8 N

iii. The block has a mass of 1.5 kg. Calculate the magnitude of the coefficient of friction
between the block and the table.
𝐹9 𝐹9 5.8 𝑁
µ6 = = = = 0.39
𝐹: 𝑚𝑔 (1.5 𝑘𝑔)(9.8 𝑚/𝑠 ! )

Page 23 of 37
9. A stone block is pulled at constant speed up an incline by a cable attached to an electric motor. The
incline makes an angle of 17º with the horizontal. The mass of the block is 180 kg and the tension T in the
cable of 0.9 kN.

a. On the diagram draw and label arrows that represent the forces acting on the block.

b. State the type of friction in this system and calculate the frictional force.
Kinetic (or dynamic) friction as the block is moving up the incline.
Since the block moves at constant speed, the net force is zero or the force of tension up the incline
is equal to the sum of the forces acting down the incline.
𝑇 = 𝑊 sin 𝜃 + 𝑓
𝑓 = 𝑇 − 𝑚𝑔 sin 𝜃
𝑓 = 900 𝑁 − (180 𝑘𝑔)(9.8 𝑚/𝑠 ! ) sin 17˚
𝑓 = 384 𝑁

c. Calculate the appropriate coefficient of friction.

𝑓 𝑓
µ= =
𝐹: 𝑚𝑔 cos 𝜃
384 𝑁
µ= = 0.23
(180 𝑘𝑔)(9.8 𝑚/𝑠 ! ) cos 17˚

d. The cable connecting the block to the electric motor abruptly breaks. Calculate the acceleration of
the block.
𝐹&'( = 𝑚𝑔 sin 𝜃 − 𝑓
𝑚𝑎 = 𝑚𝑔 sin 𝜃 − 𝑓
(180 𝑘𝑔)𝑎 = (180 𝑘𝑔)(9.8 𝑚/𝑠 ! ) sin 17˚ − 384 𝑁
𝑎 = 0.73 𝑚/𝑠 !

Page 24 of 37
10. Consider the situation shown in the figure below. If the forces on the box are
balanced:

a. Write an equation for the components of the forces parallel to the

ramp.
𝐹 = 50 sin 30˚

b. Write an equation for the forces perpendicular to the ramp.

𝑁 = 50 cos 30˚

c. Use your answers to find the coefficient of static friction (µ4 ) between the ramp and the box.
𝐹 50 sin 30˚ 25 𝑁
µ4 = = = = 0.58
𝑁 50 cos 30˚ 43 𝑁

11. Block A of mass 3.0 kg is placed on top of block B of mass 7.0 kg. The coefficient of static friction
between the two blocks is 0.31. The bottom block is pulled with a horizontal force 𝐹.

a. Draw free–body diagrams for both boxes.

b. Calculate the magnitude of the maximum force 𝐹 that will result in both blocks moving together
without slipping.
The friction force f is the resultant force on block A. Both blocks acceleration with the same
acceleration, a.

𝑓 µ𝑚* 𝑔
𝑎= = = (0.31)(9.8 𝑚/𝑠 ! ) = 3.04 𝑚/𝑠 !
𝑚 𝑚*

Applying Newton’s law to block B:

𝐹 = (𝑚* + 𝑚+ )𝑎
𝐹 = (10 𝑘𝑔)(3.04 𝑚/𝑠 ! ) = 30.4 𝑁

Page 25 of 37
12. A steel ball-bearing of mass 3.6 × 10,. 𝑘𝑔 and radius 4.0 𝑚𝑚 is allowed to fall through water until it
reaches terminal velocity.

a. What is the weight of the ball-bearing?

𝐹8 = 𝑚𝑔
𝐹8 = (3.6 × 10,. 𝑘𝑔)(9.8 𝑚/𝑠 ! ) = 3.5 × 10,- 𝑁

b. What is the upthrust on the ball-bearing?

4
𝐹1;(<=14( = 𝑉𝜌𝑔 = 𝜋𝑟 - 𝜌𝑔
3
4
𝐹1;(<=14( = 𝜋(4.0 × 10,- 𝑚)- (1000 𝑘𝑔/𝑚- )(9.8 𝑚/𝑠 ! ) = 2.6 × 10,- 𝑁
3

c. Calculate this terminal velocity if the viscosity of water is 2.2 × 10,- 𝑁𝑠/𝑚! .
At terminal velocity, the forces are balanced.
𝐹8 = 𝐹5=38 + 𝐹1;(<=14( = 6𝜋𝜂𝑟𝑣> + 𝐹1;(<=14(
𝐹8 − 𝐹1;(<=14( 3.5 × 10,- 𝑁 − 2.6 × 10,- 𝑁
𝑣> = = = 5.4 𝑚/𝑠
6𝜋𝜂𝑟 6𝜋(2.2 × 10,- 𝑁𝑠/𝑚! )(4.0 × 10,- 𝑚)

Subtopic 2.3: Linear Momentum and its Conservation

1. In the collision between two bodies, Newton’s 3. The momentum of an object changes by ∆p in
third law ____. a time ∆t. What is the impulse acting on the
object during this change?
only applies if momentum is
A.
conserved in the collision √ A. ∆𝑝
only applies if energy is conserved in B. ∆𝑝∆𝑡
B.
the collision C. ∆𝑝/∆𝑡
only applies if both momentum and D. zero
C.
energy are conserved in the collision

√ D. always applies 4. Which of the following correctly identifies

momentum and impulse as scalar or vector
quantities?
2. A net force of magnitude 𝐹 acts on a body for a
time ∆𝑡 producing an impulse of magnitude 𝐼. Momentum Impulse
Which of the following is the magnitude of the
rate of change of momentum of the body? A. Scalar Vector
B. Scalar Scalar
√ A. 𝐹
B. 𝐹∆𝑡 √ C. Vector Vector

C. 𝐼 D. Vector Scalar

D. 𝐼∆𝑡

Page 26 of 37
5. What is the momentum of a 1.2 g bullet that 9. A ball of mass 0.40 kg travels horizontally and
has a velocity of 800 m/s? strikes a vertical wall with a speed of 5.0 m/s. It
rebounds horizontally with a speed of 3.0 m/s.
A. 0.0015 𝑘𝑔𝑚/𝑠 The ball is in contact with the wall for a time of
0.20 s.
√ B. 0.96 𝑘𝑔𝑚/𝑠
C. 667 𝑘𝑔𝑚/𝑠
D. 960 𝑘𝑔𝑚/𝑠

6. The mass and velocity of three objects are

given in the table below. What is the average magnitude of the force
exerted by the ball on the wall?
Objects Mass velocity
1 25 kg 10 m/s A. 0.16 N

2 5.0 kg 75 m/s B. 0.64 N

3 50 kg 5.0 m/s C. 4N
√ D. 16 N
7. Which object has the greatest momentum?
10. A toy car of mass 0.15 kg accelerates from a
A. Object 1 speed of 10 cm/s to a speed of 15 cm/s. What is
the impulse acting on the car?
√ B. Object 2
C. Object 3 √ A. 7.5 mNs

D. Objects 1 and 3 B. 37.5 mNs

C. 0.75 Ns
8. A ball rolls on the floor towards a wall and D. 3.75 Ns
rebounds with the same speed and at the same
angle to the wall.
11. The force acting on a 4.00 kg object changes
with time according to the graph shown below.

What is the direction of the impulse applied to

the ball by the wall?
What is the velocity of the object at t = 3.00 s if it
A. → starts moving with a velocity of +2.00 m/s?

B. ↑ A. 2.50 m/s

C. ↓ √ B. 4.25 m/s
C. 5.65 m/s
√ D. ← D. 8.50 m/s

Page 27 of 37
12. The graph below shows the force acting on
an object as a function of time. The change in
momentum of the object from time 𝑡 = 0 𝑡𝑜 𝑡 is
__.
A. 2𝐹𝑡
15. A cyclist accelerates in a straight line. At one
instant, when the cyclist is exerting a forward
force of 40 N, the air resistance acting on the
cyclist is 10 N. What is the rate of change of
momentum of the cyclist at this instant?

B. 𝐹𝑡 A. 10 𝑘𝑔𝑚/𝑠 !
1
√ C. 𝐹𝑡 √ B. 30 𝑘𝑔𝑚/𝑠 !
2
1 C. 40 𝑘𝑔𝑚/𝑠 !
D. 𝐹𝑡
4 D. 50 𝑘𝑔𝑚/𝑠 !

13. The graph shows the variation of momentum 16. A 3.0 kg gun fires a 50 g bullet with a velocity
with time for an object. of +500 m/s. What is the recoil velocity 𝑣 of the
gun?

What net force acts on the object for the first √ A. –8.3 m/s
2.0s and for the second 2.0s of the motion?
B. –300 m/s
Force for first Force for second C. 8.3 m/s
2.0 s 2.0 s
D. 300 m/s
√ A. 10 N 0N
B. 20 N 40 N 17. A 1.2 kg block and a 1.8 kg block are initially
C. 10 N 40 N at rest on a frictionless, horizontal surface. When
a compressed spring between the blocks is re-
D. 20 N 0N leased, the 1.8 kilogram block moves to the right
at 2.0 m/s, as shown below.
14. The graph shows how an external force
applied to an object of mass 2.0kg varies with
time. The object is initially at rest.

What is the speed of the 1.2 kg block after the

spring is released?
What is the speed of the object after 0.60s?
A. 1.4 m/s
√ A. 7.0 m/s
B. 2.0 m/s
B. 14 m/s
√ C. 3.0 m/s
C. 18 m/s
D. 3.6 m/s
D. 28 m/s

Page 28 of 37
18. Which of the following statements is true for 21. A rocket is fired vertically into the air. When
an elastic collision? the rocket reaches its maximum height, the
rocket explodes. What change, if any, occurs in
A. Only linear momentum is conserved the momentum and in the kinetic energy of the
rocket during the explosion?
B. Only kinetic energy is conserved
Both linear momentum and kinetic Momentum Kinetic Energy
√ C.
energy are conserved A. increases increases
Both linear momentum and kinetic B. increases constant
D.
energy are not conserved
√ C. constant increases
19. Which of the following statements is/are true D. constant constant
for elastic collisions?
22. Two identical blocks, each of mass 𝑚 and
I. The total linear momentum of the
speed 𝑣, travel towards each other on a
system is conserved
frictionless surface.
II. The total kinetic energy of the system
is conserved
III. The colliding objects move as one
after collision

A. I only The blocks undergo a head-on collision. What is

definitely true immediately after the collision?
B. II only
√ C. I and II only A. The momentum of each block is zero

D. I and III only B. The total momentum is zero

√ C. The momentum of each block is 2𝑚𝑣
20. What is the definition of an inelastic
D. The total momentum is 2𝑚𝑣
collision?

23. Two carts of different mass m and M are

A collision where kinetic energy is connected by a spring. They are pushed together
A.
conserved
such that the spring is compressed.
A collision where the momentum is
B.
not conserved
A collision where both objects are
C.
stationary after the collision
A collision where kinetic energy is not
√ D.
conserved

After the carts are released, the cart of mass 𝑚

moves with velocity 𝑣. The change in the
momentum of mass 𝑀 is ______.

A. 𝑚𝑣
√ B. −𝑚𝑣
C. 𝑀𝑣
D. −𝑀𝑣

Page 29 of 37
24. A ball X is sliding along a horizontal surface. 26. A block rests on a frictionless horizontal
It collides with an identical ball Y that is at rest. surface. An air rifle pellet is fired horizontally
into the block and remains embedded in the
block.

What happens to the total kinetic energy and to

The velocity of ball X just before the collision is the total momentum of the block and pellet
+𝑣. Which of the following is a possible velocity system as a result of the collision?
of X and of Y immediately after the collision?
Total Kinetic Total
Velocity of X Velocity of Y Energy Momentum
A. No change No change
√ A. 0 +𝑣
B. No change Decreases
B. −𝑣 +𝑣
√ C. Decreases No change
C. −𝑣/2 +𝑣/2
D. Decreases Decreases
D. −𝑣 0

27. A table-tennis ball of mass 3g is fired with a

25. Two bodies each of equal mass travelling in
speed of 10 m/s from a stationary toy gun of
opposite directions collide head-on.
mass 0.600kg. The gun and ball are an isolated
system. What is the recoil speed of the toy gun
and the total momentum of the system
immediately after the gun is fired?

What is a possible outcome of the collision? Total

Recoil speed of
momentum of
the toy gun
the system
A. √ A. 0.05 m/s 0 kgm/s
B. 0.05 m/s 0.03 kgm/s
C. 0.5 m/s 0 kgm/s
√ B.
D. 0.5 m/s 0.03 kgm/s

28. An object of mass 2m moving at velocity 3v

C. collides with a stationary object of mass 4m. The
objects stick together after the collision. What is
the final speed and the change in total kinetic
energy immediately after the collision?
D.
Change in Total
Final Speed
Kinetic Energy
A. 𝑣 3𝑚𝑣 !
√ B. 𝑣 6𝑚𝑣 !
C. 2𝑣 3𝑚𝑣 !
D. 2𝑣 6𝑚𝑣 !

Page 30 of 37
29. A ball with mass m moves horizontally with
speed u. The ball hits a vertical wall and
rebounds in the opposite direction with speed
v< u. The duration of the collision is T. What are
the magnitude of the average force exerted by
the wall on the ball and the loss of kinetic energy
of the ball?
Questions 30 and 31
Two pucks moving on a frictionless air table are
about to collide, as shown. The 1.5 kg puck is
moving directly east at 2.0 m/s. The 4.0 kg puck
is moving directly north at 1.0 m/s.

Loss of Kinetic
Average Force
Energy
𝑚(𝑢 + 𝑣) 𝑚(𝑢! − 𝑣 ! )
√ A. 30. What is the total kinetic energy of the two-
𝑇 2
puck system before the collision?
𝑚(𝑢 + 𝑣) 𝑚(𝑢 − 𝑣)!
B.
𝑇 2 √ A. 5.0 J
𝑚(𝑢 − 𝑣) 𝑚(𝑢! − 𝑣!) B. 7.0 J
C.
𝑇 2
C. 10 J
𝑚(𝑢 − 𝑣) 𝑚(𝑢 − 𝑣)!
D. D. 11 J
𝑇 2

31. What is the magnitude of the total

momentum of the two-puck system after the
collision?

A. 1.0 𝑘𝑔. 𝑚/𝑠

B. 3.5 𝑘𝑔. 𝑚/𝑠
√ C. 5.0 𝑘𝑔. 𝑚/𝑠
D. 7.0 𝑘𝑔. 𝑚/𝑠

Free Response

1. In a crash test, a car of mass 1500 kg collides with a wall and rebounds. The initial and final velocities
of the car are 𝑣? = −15.0 𝑚/𝑠 and 𝑣9 = +2.6 𝑚/𝑠, respectively. The collision lasts for 0.150 s.

a. Calculate the impulse delivered to the car during collision.

𝐽 = 𝑚𝑣9 − 𝑚𝑣? = 𝑚•𝑣9 − 𝑣? ‚
𝐽 = 1500 𝑘𝑔[2.6 𝑚/𝑠 − (−15.0 𝑚/𝑠)]
𝐽 = 26400 𝑘𝑔𝑚/𝑠 𝑜𝑟 𝑁𝑠

b. Find the average force exerted on the car during collision.

𝐽 = 𝐹3@' ∆𝑡
26400 𝑁𝑠 = 𝐹3@' (0.150 𝑠)
𝐹3@' = 176,000 𝑁

Page 31 of 37
2. A 0.124 𝑘𝑔 baseball, thrown with a speed of 39.9 𝑚/𝑠 towards the bat, is hit straight back at the pitcher
with a speed of 48.6 𝑚/𝑠.

a. What is the magnitude of the impulse delivered by the bat to the baseball?
𝐽 = ∆𝑝 = 𝑝9 − 𝑝? = 𝑚𝑣9 − 𝑚𝑣?
𝐽 = (0.124)(48.6) − (0.124)(−39.9)
𝐽 = 11.0 𝑘𝑔𝑚/𝑠

b. Find the magnitude of the average force exerted by the bat on the ball if the two are in contact for
1.95 × 10,- 𝑠.
𝐽 = 𝐹3@ 𝑡
11.0 𝑘𝑔𝑚/𝑠
𝐹3@ =
1.95 × 10,- 𝑠
𝐹3@ = 5.64 × 10- 𝑁

3. When a boy hits a 46 𝑔 golf ball with a club, the impact force varies with time as shown in the graph
below.

a. What does the area under the graph represent?

The area represents the impulse or change in momentum.

b. Find the impulse experienced by the ball if the impact time is 0.50 s.
0.5 × 15
𝐽= = 3.8 𝑁𝑠
2

c. Find the speed of the ball when it leaves the club, assuming it was at rest before being hit.
𝐽 = 𝑚(𝑣 − 𝑣7 )
3.75 = 0.046(𝑣 − 0)
𝑣 = 81.5 𝑚/𝑠

d. Find the average force exerted on the ball during impact.

𝐽 3.75
𝐹= = = 7.5 𝑁
∆𝑡 0.50

Page 32 of 37
4. A ball of mass 3.0 𝑘𝑔 collides with a wall and rebounds. The initial and final velocities of the ball are
𝑣? = −20 𝑚/𝑠 and 𝑣9 = +15 𝑚/𝑠 as shown in the diagram below. The collision lasts for 0.20 s.

a. Calculate the impulse delivered to the ball during collision.

𝐽 = 𝑚𝑣9 − 𝑚𝑣? = 𝑚•𝑣9 − 𝑣? ‚

𝐽 = (3.0 𝑘𝑔)(15 𝑚/𝑠 − (−20 𝑚/𝑠))
𝐽 = 105 𝑘𝑔𝑚/𝑠 𝑜𝑟 𝑁𝑠

b. Find the average force exerted on the ball during collision.

𝐽 = 𝐹3@ ∆𝑡
105 𝑁𝑠 = 𝐹3@ (0.20 𝑠)
𝐹3@ = 525 𝑁

5. A 75 𝑘𝑔 fisherman in a 125 𝑘𝑔 boat throws a package of mass 𝑚 = 15 𝑘𝑔 horizontally toward the right
with a speed of 𝑣? = 4.5 𝑚/𝑠 as in Figure below. Neglecting water resistance, and assuming the boat is at
rest before the package is thrown. Find the velocity of the boat after the package is thrown.

𝑚+A = 𝑚+ + 𝑚A = 125 𝑘𝑔 + 75 𝑘𝑔 = 200 𝑘𝑔

𝑚+A 𝑣+A + 𝑚B 𝑣B = 0
𝑚B 𝑣B 15 × 4.5
𝑣+A = − =− = −0.34 𝑚/𝑠
𝑚+A 200

6. A 35.0 g bullet strikes a 5.0 kg stationary piece of lumber and embeds itself in the wood. The piece of
lumber and the bullet fly off together at 8.6 m/s. What was the speed of the bullet before it struck the
lumber?

The bullet and the lumber have the same speed after collision.
𝑚% 𝑣%? + 𝑚! 𝑣!? = (𝑚% + 𝑚! )𝑣9
(0.035 𝑘𝑔)𝑣%? + (5.0 𝑘𝑔)(0 𝑚/𝑠) = (0.035 𝑘𝑔 + 5.0 𝑘𝑔) 8.6 𝑚/𝑠
𝑣%? = 1237 𝑚/𝑠

Page 33 of 37
7. Ball 𝐴 of mass 0.75 𝑘𝑔 moving at 5.0 𝑚/𝑠 to the right collides with a ball 𝐵 of mass 1.8 𝑘𝑔, initially at
rest. After collision, ball 𝐵 moves off with a velocity of 1.0 𝑚/𝑠 to the right.

a. Find the velocity of ball 𝐴 after the collision.

𝑝? = 𝑝9 ⟹ 𝑚* 𝑣*? + 𝑚+ 𝑣+? = 𝑚* 𝑣*9 + 𝑚+ 𝑣+9
(0.75 𝑘𝑔)(5.0 𝑚/𝑠) + (1.8 𝑘𝑔)(0 𝑚/𝑠) = (0.75 𝑘𝑔)𝑣*9 + (1.8 𝑘𝑔)(1.0 𝑚/𝑠)
𝑣*9 = 2.6 𝑚/𝑠

b. Show that the collision is NOT an elastic collision.

1 1
𝐾𝐸0'92=' = (0.75 𝑘𝑔)(5.0 𝑚/𝑠)! + (1.8 𝑘𝑔)(0 𝑚/𝑠)!
2 2
𝐾𝐸0'92=' = 9.4 𝐽
1 1
𝐾𝐸39('= = (0.75 𝑘𝑔)(2.6 𝑚/𝑠)! + (1.8 𝑘𝑔)(1.0 𝑚/𝑠)!
2 2
𝐾𝐸39('= = 3.4 𝐽
Since 𝐾𝐸0'92=' ≠ 𝐾𝐸39('= , the collision is not an elastic collision.

Subtopic 2.4: Circular Motion

1. A car moves at constant speed around a 3. Particle 𝑃 is moving with uniform speed in a
horizontal circular track. The resultant force on horizontal circle. Which of the following shows
the car is always equal to the correct directions of the acceleration 𝑎 and
the velocity 𝑣 of 𝑃 at the position shown?
A. the forward force from the engine
the sideways friction between the
√ B.
tires and the track
C. the weight of the car
D. zero

2. A car travels in a horizontal circle at constant

speed. At any instant the resultant horizontal
force acting on the car is ____.

A. zero
B. in the direction of travel of the car
directed out from the center of the A. A
C.
circle √ B. B
directed towards the center of the
√ D. C. C
circle
D. D

Page 34 of 37
4. A body moves with uniform speed around a 8. The linear speed of a motorcycle of mass 50 kg
circle of radius r. The period of the motion is T. on a circular race track is 10 m/s. The radius of
What is the speed of the body? the race track is 500 m. What is the centripetal
force acting on the motorcycle?
2𝜋𝑟
√ A. √ A. 10 N
𝑇
2𝜋𝑇 B. 50 N
B.
𝑟 C. 100 N
C. 0 D. 150 N

𝜋𝑟 ! 9. An athletic hammer consists of a heavy metal

D.
𝑇 ball on the end of a steel wire which is rotated
around an athlete's head before being released.
5. A model car moves in a horizontal circle of The angular speed obtained by a training
radius 𝑅 at constant speed. The mass of the car is hammer thrown in a competition is 2.0 rad/s.
𝑀 and it makes one complete revolution in time The combined length of the steel rope and the
𝑇. Which of the following is the magnitude of the athlete's arms is 2.0 m. What is the centripetal
net force acting on the car? acceleration of the hammer?

4𝜋 ! 𝑀𝑅 A. 2.0 m/s
√ A.
𝑇! B. 4.0 m/s
! !
B. 4𝜋 𝑀𝑅𝑇 C. 6.0 m/s
2𝜋𝑀𝑅
C. √ D. 8.0 m/s
𝑟
D. 2𝜋𝑀𝑅𝑇 10. A man is running along a circular path with
an angular velocity of 0.05 rad/s. His linear
6. What is an angular displacement of π/6 rad in velocity is 2.5 m/s. What is the radius of the
degrees? path?

√ A. 30˚ A. 20 m
B. 45˚ B. 30 m
C. 60˚ C. 40 m
D. 180˚ √ D. 50 m

7. A child whirls a stone on a string around their
head. The stone moves with uniform circular
motion. The linear speed of the stone is 5 m/s
and the radius of the circle is 0.5 m. Calculate the
angular speed of the stone.
11. An object rotates in a horizontal circle when
acted on by a centripetal force F. What is the
centripetal force acting on the object when the
radius of the circle doubles and the kinetic
energy of the object halves?

A. 0.1 m/s √ A. F/4

B. 2.5 m/s B. F/2
C. 5.5 m/s C. F
√ D. 10 m/s D. 4F

Page 35 of 37
12. A stone of mass 𝑚 is attached to a string. The
stone is made to rotate in a vertical circle of
radius 𝑟, as shown.
13. A mass m attached to a string of length R
moves in a vertical circle with a constant speed.
The tension in the string at the top of the circle is
T. What is the kinetic energy of the mass at
the top of the circle?

𝑅(𝑇 + 𝑚𝑔)
√ A.
2
𝑅(𝑇 − 𝑚𝑔)
B.
2
𝑅𝑚𝑔
C.
2
At the point where the stone is vertically above
the center of the circle, the stone has speed 𝑣. 𝑅(2𝑇 + 𝑚𝑔)
D.
Which of the following expressions gives the 2
tension in the string?

𝑚𝑣 !
A. 𝑚𝑔 −
𝑟
𝑚𝑣 !
B.
𝑟
𝑚𝑣 !
√ C. − 𝑚𝑔
𝑟
𝑚𝑣 !
D. + 𝑚𝑔
𝑟

Free Response:

1. It takes 0.5 s for an object to complete one revolution. The radius of its circular path is 0.75 m.

a. Calculate the angular speed of the object.

𝑣 2𝜋𝑟/𝑇 2𝜋
𝜔= = =
𝑟 𝑟 𝑇
2𝜋
𝜔= = 4𝜋 𝑟𝑎𝑑/𝑠
0.50 𝑠

b. Calculate the linear speed of the object.

𝑣 = 𝑟𝜔
𝑣 = (0.75 𝑚)(4𝜋 𝑟𝑎𝑑/𝑠) = 9.4 𝑚/𝑠

Page 36 of 37
2. A car is moving with uniform circular motion and experiences a centripetal force.

a. Define centripetal force.

It is a force required to keep a body in uniform circular motion. It is the resultant force that acts at
right angles to the velocity and towards the center of the circular path.

b. State the type of force which is responsible for the centripetal force on the car.
Friction between the car tires and the road.

c. The car has a mass of 500 kg and is traveling around a roundabout with a linear speed of 9.0 m/s.
The radius of the roundabout is 12 m. Determine the centripetal force acting on the car.
𝑚𝑣 !
𝐹=
𝑟
(500 𝑘𝑔)(9.0 𝑚/𝑠)!
𝐹= = 3375 𝑁
12 𝑚

Page 37 of 37