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All questions of Impulse, Momentum & Collision for Civil Engineering (CE) Exam

A 1.0 kg ball drops vertically onto the floor with a speed of 25 m/s. It rebounds with an initial speed of 10 m/s. The impulse action on the ball during contact will be
  • a)
    15 N-s
  • b)
    25 N-s
  • c)
    35 N-s
  • d)
    45 N-s
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?

Neha Joshi answered
Impulse (J): 
  • It is defined as the integral of force with respect to time.
  • It is also defined as a change in the linear moment (P) with respect to time.
  • It is a vector quantity.
J = F × dt = ΔP 
Calculation:
Given:
m = 1.0 kg, v1 = 25 m/s, v2 = 10 m/s
Impulse = change in momentum
J = ΔP
J = m(v1 - v2)
J = 1.0 × (25 - (-10))
= 1× (25) - 1 ×(-10) = 35 N - s 
∴ J = 35 N-s

During Perfectly Elastic Collision between two bodies, which of the following quantities always remains conserved?
  • a)
    Total Kinetic Energy
  • b)
    Total Linear Momentum
  • c)
    Both total kinetic energy and linear momentum
  • d)
    Neither Kinetic energy nor linear momentum
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?

Neha Joshi answered
The correct answer is Both total kinetic energy and total linear momentum
  • A perfectly inelastic collision is a hypothetical collision in which two objects collide and energy is not wasted and momentum is conserved.
  • While Perfectly elastic collision happens then the object’s shape remains unchanged or not deformed.
  • Most of the collisions in daily life are inelastic in nature.
Important Points

The impact is said to be inelastic or plastic when the coefficient of restitution is ________.
  • a)
    zero
  • b)
    one
  • c)
    greater than one
  • d)
    0.5
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

Sai Reddy answered
The concept of coefficient of restitution:
The coefficient of restitution (COR) is a measure of the elasticity of a collision between two objects. It is defined as the ratio of the relative velocity of separation after collision to the relative velocity of approach before the collision.

Definition of inelastic or plastic impact:
In an inelastic or plastic impact, the two objects stick together after the collision and move as one. In other words, there is no separation between the objects after the collision, and they have a common final velocity.

Explanation of the impact being inelastic or plastic when the coefficient of restitution is zero:
When the coefficient of restitution is zero, it means that the relative velocity of separation after the collision is zero. This implies that the objects do not separate after the collision and stick together. As a result, the impact is said to be inelastic or plastic.

Example to illustrate the concept:
Consider a ball that is dropped vertically onto a flat surface. When the ball hits the surface, it loses all of its initial velocity and comes to rest momentarily. In this case, the coefficient of restitution is zero because the relative velocity of separation after the collision is zero. The ball and the surface stick together, and the impact is inelastic or plastic.

Conclusion:
When the coefficient of restitution is zero, it indicates that the objects do not separate after the collision and stick together. This type of impact is known as an inelastic or plastic impact.

During elastic and inelastic collision, ________ is conserved.
  • a)
    kinetic energy
  • b)
    velocity
  • c)
    viscosity
  • d)
    momentum 
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?

Conservation of Momentum in Elastic and Inelastic Collisions
In both elastic and inelastic collisions, momentum is conserved. This means that the total momentum of the system before the collision is equal to the total momentum of the system after the collision.

Elastic Collision
- In an elastic collision, kinetic energy is also conserved along with momentum.
- The objects bounce off each other without any loss of kinetic energy.
- The total kinetic energy before the collision is equal to the total kinetic energy after the collision.

Inelastic Collision
- In an inelastic collision, kinetic energy is not conserved.
- Some of the kinetic energy is transformed into other forms of energy like sound, heat, or deformation of the objects.
- Despite this loss of kinetic energy, momentum is still conserved in the system.

Explanation
- Momentum is conserved in collisions because there is no external force acting on the system during the collision.
- According to Newton's third law of motion, the forces between the objects in the collision are equal and opposite, resulting in a constant total momentum.
- This conservation of momentum is a fundamental principle in physics and is used to analyze and predict the behavior of objects in collisions.
Therefore, in both elastic and inelastic collisions, momentum is conserved, making it a crucial concept in understanding the dynamics of interactions between objects.

During inelastic collision of two particles, which one of the following is conserved ?
  • a)
    total linear momentum only
  • b)
    total kinetic energy only
  • c)
    both linear momentum and kinetic energy
  • d)
    neither linear momentum nor kinetic energy
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

Srestha Datta answered
Conservation of Linear Momentum in Inelastic Collisions

In an inelastic collision, two particles collide and stick together, resulting in a loss of kinetic energy. During this type of collision, the total linear momentum is conserved, but the total kinetic energy is not conserved.

Definition of Linear Momentum

Linear momentum is a vector quantity that depends on the mass and velocity of an object. Mathematically, it is given by the product of mass and velocity:

Momentum (p) = mass (m) * velocity (v)

Conservation of Linear Momentum

According to Newton's third law of motion, the total linear momentum of an isolated system remains constant before and after the collision, provided no external forces act on the system. This principle is known as the conservation of linear momentum.

In an inelastic collision, the two particles collide and stick together, forming a single object. Since the particles stick together, they move with the same final velocity after the collision. As a result, the total momentum of the system before and after the collision remains the same.

Mathematical Representation

Let's consider two particles with masses m1 and m2, initially moving with velocities u1 and u2, respectively. After the collision, they stick together and move with a final velocity v. The conservation of linear momentum can be expressed as follows:

Initial momentum = Final momentum
(m1 * u1) + (m2 * u2) = (m1 + m2) * v

Conservation of Kinetic Energy

In an inelastic collision, the total kinetic energy of the system before the collision is not equal to the total kinetic energy after the collision. Some kinetic energy is lost during the collision, typically transforming into other forms of energy such as heat, sound, or deformation.

This loss of kinetic energy is primarily due to the fact that the two particles stick together instead of bouncing off each other. The energy required to permanently deform the particles or overcome intermolecular forces results in a decrease in kinetic energy.

Conclusion

In summary, during an inelastic collision of two particles, the total linear momentum is conserved, but the total kinetic energy is not conserved. This is because the particles stick together and move with a common final velocity, resulting in a loss of kinetic energy.

Identify correct statement(s) about the coefficient of restitution 'e' -
  • a)
    If e =1, The collision is perfectly elastic
  • b)
    If e = 0, The collision is perfectly elastic
  • c)
    If e = 0,The collision is perfectly plastic
  • d)
    If e =1, Height before impact = Height after impact
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

Neha Joshi answered
Coefficient of restitution (e):  The coefficient of restitution is the ratio of relative velocity after impact to the relative velocity before impact. 

EXPLANATION:
  • Perfectly elastic collision: A perfectly elastic collision is defined as one in which there is no loss of kinetic energy and the momentum of the system is conserved in the collision.
  • Inelastic or plastic collision: A inelastic collision is defined as one in which there is a loss of kinetic energy and the momentum of the system is conserved in the collision.
    • In the plastic collision, the velocity of separation is always less than the velocity of approach
⇒ 0 < e < 1
  • Perfectly inelastic collision or plastic collision: A collision between two bodies in which two bodies stick together after collision and then move as one body, is called a perfectly inelastic collision or plastic collision. In this type of interaction, the momentum of the system remains conserved and the loss of kinetic energy is maximum.
    • So, for perfectly plastic collisions,
⇒ e = 0
  • For perfectly elastic collision, energy is conserved, so the height rebounds by an object are some as the initial height 
So, options 1, 3, and 4 are correct.

A solid sphere rolls down two different inclined planes of the same heights but different angles of inclination. In each case, the ball will ______
  • a)
    Reach the bottom at the same time
  • b)
    Will take longer time to roll down one plane
  • c)
    Reach the bottom at an unpredictable time
  • d)
    Reach the bottom at the same time and keeps rolling
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

Lakshmi Datta answered
Introduction:
When a solid sphere rolls down an inclined plane, its motion can be analyzed using the principles of rotational motion and linear motion. The time taken by the sphere to reach the bottom of the inclined plane depends on the angle of inclination and the presence of external forces such as friction. Let's analyze the given options and determine the correct answer.

Analysis:
a) Reach the bottom at the same time:
If the two inclined planes have the same height but different angles of inclination, the time taken by the sphere to reach the bottom will not be the same. This option is incorrect.

b) Will take longer time to roll down one plane:
This option is correct. When the angle of inclination of the plane is larger, the gravitational force component along the inclined plane will be larger. As a result, the sphere will experience a larger torque acting against its rolling motion, causing it to take a longer time to reach the bottom compared to a plane with a smaller angle of inclination.

c) Reach the bottom at an unpredictable time:
The time taken by the sphere to reach the bottom can be predicted based on the principles of physics. Therefore, this option is incorrect.

d) Reach the bottom at the same time and keeps rolling:
The time taken by the sphere to reach the bottom will not be the same for inclined planes with different angles of inclination. Additionally, the sphere will not keep rolling after reaching the bottom due to the presence of friction and other external forces. Therefore, this option is incorrect.

Conclusion:
Based on the analysis, the correct answer is option 'b' - the sphere will take a longer time to roll down one plane compared to the other plane. This is because the larger angle of inclination results in a larger torque opposing the rolling motion, causing the sphere to take more time to reach the bottom.

Two inelastic spheres of masses 10 kg each move with velocities of 15 m/s and 5 m/s respectively in the same direction. The loss in kinetic energy when they collide
  • a)
    500 Nm
  • b)
    0 Nm
  • c)
    250 Nm
  • d)
    1000 Nm
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?

Neha Joshi answered
  • Momentum is conserved in all collisions.
  • In elastic collision, kinetic energy is also conserved.
  • In an inelastic collision, kinetic energy is not conserved. In a perfectly inelastic collision, objects stick together after the collision.

Conservation of momentum:
m1v1 + m2v2 = (m1 + m2) vf
Loss of kinetic energy:

Calculation:
Given:
m1 = m2 = 10 kg, v1 = 15 m/s, v2 = 5 m/s
Loss of kinetic energy:

Calculate the velocity of a body having a mass of 9 kg and linear momentum of 63 kg m/s.
  • a)
    6 m/s
  • b)
    7 m/s
  • c)
    8 m/s
  • d)
    10 m/s
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

Soumya Basak answered
To calculate the velocity of a body, we can use the equation:

linear momentum (p) = mass (m) × velocity (v)

Given that the mass of the body is 9 kg and the linear momentum is 63 kg m/s, we can rearrange the equation to solve for velocity:

v = p / m

Now, let's substitute the given values into the equation:

v = 63 kg m/s / 9 kg

Simplifying the equation:

v = 7 m/s

Therefore, the velocity of the body is 7 m/s.

Explanation:

Given:
- Mass of the body (m) = 9 kg
- Linear momentum of the body (p) = 63 kg m/s

We need to calculate the velocity (v) of the body.

Using the equation for linear momentum:
p = m × v

Rearranging the equation to solve for velocity:
v = p / m

Substituting the given values into the equation:
v = 63 kg m/s / 9 kg

Simplifying the equation:
v = 7 m/s

Hence, the velocity of the body is 7 m/s.

Collision of Elastic Bodies in case of indirect impact of a body with a fixed plane is
  • a)
    v cos θ = eu sin α
  • b)
    u cos θ = ev cos α
  • c)
    v cos θ = eu cos α
  • d)
    v sin θ = eu sin α
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?

The equation you provided, v cos θ, represents the velocity component of a body after an indirect impact with a fixed plane, where v is the initial velocity of the body and θ is the angle between the initial velocity vector and the plane.

In the case of an indirect impact, the body collides with the plane at an angle and bounces off in a different direction. The component of velocity parallel to the plane, which is v cos θ, remains the same after the collision. This means that the body retains the same speed along the plane but changes direction.

However, the perpendicular component of velocity, v sin θ, changes due to the collision. This component is reversed in direction after the collision, as the body bounces off the plane. Therefore, the final velocity of the body after the collision would be v cos θ in the direction parallel to the plane, and -v sin θ in the opposite direction perpendicular to the plane.

A 2 m  long alloy bar of 1500 mm2 cross-sectional area hangs vertically and has a collar securely fixed at its lower end. What is the stress-induced in the bar when a weight of 2 kN falls from a height of 100 mm on the collar? (Take E = 120 GPa)
  • a)
    126.5 MPa
  • b)
    158.3 MPa
  • c)
    161.2 MPa
  • d)
    181.3 MPa
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

Neha Joshi answered
Given Data:
Length of bar(l)= 2 m
Cross-sectional Area of bar(A)= 1500 mm2
Weight of fall on collar of bar(P)= 2 kN= 2000 N
Height from which weigh falls(h)= 100 mm
Modulus of Elasticity(E)= 120 GPa = 120 x 1000 N/mm2
Explanation:
Stress-induced due to the load is applied with impact:

Additional Information
Stress-induced due to the load is applied with impact:

where Length of the bar(l), Cross-sectional Area of the bar(A), Weight of fall on the collar of the bar(P)'
Height from which weight falls(h), Modulus of Elasticity(E)
Case- When Deformation is very small as compared to h, Then

A ball 'A' of mass 'm' falls under gravity from a height 'h' and strikes another ball 'B' of mass 'm' which supported at rest on a spring of stiffness 'k' . Assume perfectly elastic impact . Immediately after the impact,
  • a)
    Velocity of ball A is ( 1/2.√2gh )
  • b)
    Velocity of ball A is zero
  • c)
    Velocity of both balls are( 1/2 .√ 2.gh )
  • d)
    None of the above
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

Let's consider the conservation of momentum and energy in this scenario.

Before the impact:
Ball A has a velocity of 0, as it is falling from rest.
Ball B is at rest.

After the impact:
Both balls A and B will move together as a single system due to the elastic impact.
Let's assume the velocity of the combined system after the impact is v.

Conservation of momentum:
The momentum before the impact is zero, as ball A is at rest.
The momentum after the impact is (2m)v, as both balls A and B move together.
Therefore, (2m)v = 0
v = 0

The velocity of the combined system after the impact is 0.

Since ball B is supported on a spring, it will start oscillating due to the impact. However, its velocity immediately after the impact is 0.

Hence, the velocity of ball A immediately after the impact is 0.

If the momentum of a body increases from 10 units to 25 units in 5 sec, then the force acting on it is
  • a)
    1 unit
  • b)
    2 units
  • c)
    3 units
  • d)
    4 units
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?

Neha Joshi answered
The correct answer is 3 units.
  • Newton's 2nd law of motion says the rate change of momentum is called force.
  • The equation for the change in momentum is F ×  t = m ×  Δv
  • If the momentum of a body increases from 10 units to 25 units in 5 seconds.
  • Then the change in the momentum is 25 – 10 = 15 units in time 5 seconds.
  • So the Force extract from this is 15/5 = 3 Newton.
Key Points
  • Momentum is a vector quantity that is the product of the mass (weight) of a particle and its velocity (speed).
    • SI unit: kilogram meter per second (kg⋅m/s).
  • A spinning object has angular momentum.
  • An object travelling with a velocity has linear momentum.
  • A change in momentum may result from an acceleration or a force or an impulse.

A rigid homogeneous uniform block of mass 1 kg, height h = 0.4 m and width b = 0.3 m is pinned at one corner and placed upright in a uniform gravitational field (g = 9.81 m/s2), supported by a roller in the configuration shown in the figure. A short duration (impulsive) force F, producing an impulse IF is applied at a height of d = 0.3 m from the bottom as shown. Assume all joints to be frictionless. The minimum value of IF required to topple the block is
  • a)
    0.953 Ns
  • b)
    1.403 Ns
  • c)
    0.814 Ns
  • d)
    1.172 Ns
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

Neha Joshi answered
To topple the block we need an impulse force such that the weight will generate a clockwise moment about point O.
This will happen only when a minimum impulse that can rotate the block such that the Centre of gravity of the body will pass through the point O or beyond.

h = 0.4m, b = 0.3 m, m =1kg

h' = OG' - h/2 = 0.25 - 0.2 = 0.05 m
Due to force F, the block will topple about A
So By energy balance

ω2 = 2 × 12 × 9.81 × 0.05
ω = 3.43 rad/s
Now,
Angular impulse = change in angular momentum
IF × d = Io × (ωi - ωf)
IF × 0.3 = 1/12 × ( 3.43 - 0)
IF = 0.953 Ns

The kinetic energy of a body is stated to increase by 300 percent. The corresponding increase in the momentum of the body will be ____%
  • a)
    50
  • b)
    100
  • c)
    200
  • d)
    300
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

Neha Joshi answered
  • Kinetic energy (K.E): The energy possessed by a body by the virtue of its motion is called kinetic energy.
The expression for kinetic energy is given by:
KE = (1/2)mv2
Where m = mass of the body and v = velocity of the body
  • Momentum (p): The product of mass and velocity is called momentum.
Momentum (p) = mass (m) × velocity (v)
The relationship between the kinetic energy and Linear momentum is given by:
As we know,
KE = (1/2)mv2
Divide numerator and denominator by m, we get

Calculation:
Let initial Kinetic energy = KE1 = E
Given that:
Final kinetic energy (K.E2) = K.E1 + 300 % of KE1 = E + 3E = 4E
The relation between the momentum and the kinetic energy is given by:

Final momentum (P') will be:

Increase in momentum (ΔP) = P' - P = 2P - P = P
% Increase = 

If u1 and u2 are the velocities of two moving bodies in the same direction before impact and V1 and V2 are their velocities after impact, then coefficient of restitution is given by
  • a)
  • b)
  • c)
  • d)
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

Neha Joshi answered
Coefficient of restitution (e):
The coefficient of restitution or coefficient of the resilience of a collision is defined as the ratio of the relative velocity of separation after the collision to the relative velocity of an approach before the collision.


Properties of different types of collision are given in the table below:

A solid sphere rolls down two different inclined planes of the same heights but different angles of inclination. In each case, the ball will reach the bottom _____
  • a)
    With the same speed
  • b)
    With different speed
  • c)
    With different speed but same time
  • d)
    Immediately
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

Neha Joshi answered
Acceleration of the rolling sphere,
a = gsinθ/((1+k2/R2))
Velocity of the sphere at the bottom of the inclined plane,
v = √(2gh/((1+k2/R2)))
The sphere will reach the bottom with the same speed v because h is the same in both the cases.

Two balls of equal mass and of Perfectly elastic material are lying on the floor. One of the balls with velocity V is made to strike the second ball. Both the balls after impact will move with a velocity
  • a)
    v
  • b)
    v/2
  • c)
    v/4
  • d)
    v/8
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

Neha Joshi answered
This is the perfectly inelastic collision/impact of the case of two bodies/balls as both the balls stick after the collision.
Perfect Inelastic Collision:
  • Two bodies move together with the same velocity.
  • The coefficient of Restitution will be 0.
  • Momentum is Conserved.
  • Kinetic Energy will not be Conserved.
​Calculation:
Given:
Let two balls A and B have mass mA, mB respectively, and their initial velocities are uA and uB. After the collision, they will move with the same velocity, vo.
Given that mass of both balls are same.
So  mA = mB = m
uA = V,  uB = 0
From the Concept of Momentum Conservation:
mAuA + mBuB = (m+m)vo
mV = 2mvo
vo = V/2
Both the balls after impact will move with velocity v/2.

Where does the centre of mass of two particles of an equal mass lie?
  • a)
    Inside the body
  • b)
    Outside the body
  • c)
    Near the first body
  • d)
    Midway between them
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?

Neha Joshi answered
The centre of mass of two particles of equal masses lies midway between them. Its position vector is the average of the position vectors of the two particles.

The impact is said to be inelastic or plastic when the coefficient of restitution is ________.
  • a)
    zero
  • b)
    one
  • c)
    greater than one
  • d)
    0.5
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

Neha Joshi answered
  • Momentum is conserved in all collisions.
  • In elastic collision, kinetic energy is also conserved.
  • In inelastic collision, kinetic energy is not conserved. In a perfectly inelastic collision, objects stick together after the collision.
Perfectly elastic collision:
If the law of conservation of momentum and that of kinetic energy hold good during the collision.
Inelastic collision:
Law of conservation of momentum holds good during a collision while that of kinetic energy is not conserved.
Coefficient of restitution (e)
  • For perfectly elastic collision, e = 1
  • For inelastic collision, e < 1
  • For perfectly inelastic collision, e = 0

The rate of change of momentum is equal to the applied force and it takes place in the direction of the force is a statement of:
  • a)
    Continuity equation
  • b)
    Pascal’s equation
  • c)
    Impulse – Momentum equation
  • d)
    Darcy’s equation
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?

Neha Joshi answered
Newton’s Second law of motion: The rate of change of momentum of any object is directly proportional to the applied force on the body.

F × ΔT  = ΔP
Where Δ P = Change in momentum and Δ T = change in time taken
  • The above equation is known as Impulse Momentum equation and states that the impulse or force intensity is equal to change in momentum.
  • According to the impulse-momentum equation, the change in momentum of an object depends on both the net force acting on the object and duration of the net force.

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