Define the term momentum in words - NSC Technical Sciences - Question 3 - 2023 - Paper 1

To calculate the final velocity ( $v_f$ ) after the players collide, we can use the principle of conservation of momentum.

Using the formula:
$m_1 v_1 + m_2 v_2 = (m_1 + m_2) v_f$

Where:

• $m_1 = 100 kg$ (mass of Player A)
• $v_1 = 5 m/s$ (velocity of Player A)
• $m_2 = 75 kg$ (mass of Player B)
• $v_2 = -4 m/s$ (velocity of Player B; negative as it is in the opposite direction)

Calculating:
$100(5) + 75(-4) = (100 + 75) v_f$
$500 - 300 = 175 v_f$
$200 = 175 v_f$
v_f = rac{200}{175} = 1.14 m/s

Thus, the velocity of the players after making contact is approximately $1.14 m/s$.

The principle of conservation of linear momentum has been applied, which states that in an isolated system, the total linear momentum before a collision is equal to the total linear momentum after the collision in both magnitude and direction.

Newton's Second Law of Motion states that the net (resultant) force acting on an object is equal to the rate of change of its momentum in the direction of the net force.

To find the area under graph A, we recognize it forms a right triangle. The area (A) can be calculated using the formula:
A = rac{1}{2} ext{base} imes ext{height}
Where the base = 2 seconds and the height = 200 N.
Thus:
A = rac{1}{2} imes 2 imes 200 = 200 ext{ Ns}

The area under the net force versus time graph represents impulse, which is the change in momentum of an object.

Graph B will be similar to Graph A but with a lower magnitude of force due to the softer squash ball experiencing less force upon impact. It should maintain the same shape but be scaled down in height.

1. Crumple zones which deform during a collision to absorb energy.
2. Airbags that deploy to slow down the passenger’s motion more gradually.

Crumple zones increase the time taken for the vehicle to come to a stop during a collision. This extended time reduces the net force experienced by passengers, according to the impulse-momentum theorem:
$F imes t = ext{change in momentum}$
By increasing the time (t), the force (F) acting on the passengers is decreased, thus reducing the extent of injuries.