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Define the term momentum in words - NSC Technical Sciences - Question 3 - 2023 - Paper 1
Question 3
Define the term momentum in words. Momentum is the product of the mass of an object and its velocity. After making contact with each other, the two players move to... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Define the term momentum in words - NSC Technical Sciences - Question 3 - 2023 - Paper 1
Step 1
Step 2
After making contact with each other, the two players move together. Calculate the velocity of the players after making contact with each other.
Answer
To calculate the final velocity after the collision, we can use the principle of conservation of momentum:
For players A and B:
Substituting in the known values:
Calculating the left side gives:
Thus,
Rearranging gives:
v_f = rac{200}{175} = 1.14 ext{ m/s} ext{ to the right}
Step 3
Name and state the physics law or principle you have applied in the calculation of your answer to QUESTION 3.2.1.
Answer
The principle applied is the Law of Conservation of Linear Momentum. This law states that in an isolated system, the total linear momentum remains constant if no external forces are acting on the system.
Step 4
Step 5
Calculate the area under graph A.
Answer
To calculate the area under graph A, which shows the net force versus time, we can identify the shape of the graph. In this case, it can be broken down into a triangle:
ext{Area} = rac{1}{2} imes ext{base} imes ext{height}
If the maximum force is 200 N and the time interval is 2 seconds,
ext{Area} = rac{1}{2} imes 2 imes 200 = 200 ext{ N s}
Step 6
Step 7
A softer squash ball of the same mass is now used and when it hits the brick wall, it experiences the same change in momentum as the hard squash ball. In your ANSWER BOOK, redraw graph A and on the same set of axes, draw an unscaled sketch graph of the net force versus time for the softer squash ball. Label it graph B.
Answer
This step requires a sketch. The graph would have a similar shape to graph A but may show a different profile that reflects how the softer ball deforms upon impact.
Step 8
Write down TWO design features in modern cars that apply the principle of momentum and impulse to reduce the extent of injuries to passengers during a collision.
Answer
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Crumple zones - designed to absorb energy during a collision, allowing the car to deform and reduce the force transmitted to occupants.
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Airbags - inflate to cushion passengers and slow their deceleration during a collision, thereby reducing the forces involved.
Step 9
Explain how ANY ONE of the design features in QUESTION 3.4 can reduce the extent of injuries. In your explanation, refer to TIME and NET FORCE or FORCE OF IMPACT.
Answer
Crumple zones reduce the extent of injuries by extending the time over which the collision occurs. When a car with crumple zones collides, the zones deform, which increases the time duration of the impact. Since the net force experienced is inversely proportional to the time taken to come to a stop, this extended time decreases the net force acting on the passengers during the collision, thus reducing the force of impact and the risk of injury.