PHYSICS CONNECTION
Velocity changes connect to momentum conservation
Momentum conservation connects the velocities before and after a collision. The forces during the collision redistribute momentum between the objects.
Σmbefore vbefore = Σmafter vafter
Follow the reasoning
- Choose one positive direction for both objects.
- Calculate total momentum before and after the interaction.
- Use their equality to find an unknown velocity.
OFFICIAL OCR QUESTIONS
Try it in a past paper 3
Open the question, then use its mark scheme to check your work.
Question 14
Identify the velocities after an elastic collision between identical particles.
Question 6
Use light-gate speeds, momentum and kinetic energy to analyse an air-track collision.
Question 2
Find impulse and force, then analyse a head-on elastic puck collision.
A curated collection checked against the question papers and mark schemes; not a complete past-paper catalogue. Links open official OCR PDFs in a new tab.
ORIGINAL PHYSICSUK QUESTIONS
Put the ideas to work
More practice is on its way
No PhysicsUK question linked yet. New eligible questions appear here as the bank grows.
Specification outcomes (4)
- 3.5.1(b) Define linear momentum, p = mv, and understand its vector nature.
- 3.5.1(c) Relate net force to rate of change of momentum, F = Δp / Δt, and recognise F = ma as a special case.
- 3.5.2(a) State and apply the principle of conservation of momentum.
- 3.5.2(c) Distinguish between perfectly elastic and inelastic collisions.