Body A of mass strikes an identical body B that is at rest

PHYSICS · Subjective · A Level · Physics · Mechanics and materials · Mechanics and materials

Problem

Body A of mass mm strikes an identical body B that is at rest. In three independent, perfectly elastic collisions, the magnitude and direction of the final momentum of A are listed below: (I) 2 N s2\,\text{N s} directed 40∘40^\circ north of east (II) 3 N s3\,\text{N s} due east (III) 2.5 N s2.5\,\text{N s} directed 30∘30^\circ south of east The initial momentum of A is 4 N s4\,\text{N s} due east in every case. Without detailed calculations, arrange the collisions (I), (II) and (III) in order of increasing magnitude of B’s final momentum. Give a brief reason for your ordering.

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