NATIONAL

SENIOR CERTIFICATE

GRADE 12

PHYSICAL SCIENCES TOPIC TEST

TOPIC: MOMENTUM AND IMPULSE

29 JANUARY 2023

MARKS: 50

TIME: 1 hour

This question paper consists of 8 pages and 1 data sheet

1
INSTRUCTIONS AND INFORMATION
1 Write your name in the appropriate space on the ANSWER BOOK.
2 This question paper consists of FIVE questions. Answer ALL the questions in
the ANSWER BBOK.
3 Start each Question on a NEW page in the ANSWER BOOK.
4 Number the answers correctly according to the numbering system used in this
question paper.
5 Leave one line between two sub questions, for example between QUESTION
2.1 and QUESTION 2.2.
6 You may use a non-programmable calculator.
7 You may use appropriate mathematical instruments.
8 You are advised to use the attached DATA SHEETS.
9 Show ALL formulae and substitutions in ALL calculations.
10 Round off your final numerical answers to a minimum of TWO decimal places.
11 Give brief motivations, discussions, et cetera, where required.
12 Write neatly and legibly.

2
 QUESTION 1: MULTIPLE-CHOICE QUESTIONS
Various options are provided as possible answers to the following questions.
Each question has only ONE correct answer. Choose the answer and write only the
letter (A–D) next to the question number (1.1 to 1.3) in the ANSWER BOOK,
eg. 1.4 E

1.1 Which one of the following statements about linear momentum is TRUE?
Momentum……
A is a scalar quantity
B and impulse have the same SI units
C of an object is always positive
D is a force (2)

1.2 Airbags in cars serve the purpose of protecting the occupants during a
collision. Which ONE of the following best explains why this is possible?
TIME OF IMPACT NET FORCE
A Increases Increases
B Decreases Decreases
C Increases Decreases
D Remains the same Decreases
(2)

3
1.3 A pendrum bob with a mass m is rolling horizontally at a constant velocity V,
on a frictionless surface.

V m.s-1

The kinetic energy of the bob is K and the momentum is p.

The velocity V, of the bob can be given as:

A P
V=
K
B 2K
V=
P
C K
V=
2P
D K
V=
P (2)
[6]

4
QUESTION 2
A 0,2 kg ball, moving at 6,5 m·s-1 due west, hits a metallic board perpendicularly and
bounces with a speed of 4,4 m·s-1. The ball is in contact with the board for 0,15 s.

6,5 m.s-1
0,2 kg

4,4 m.s-1

2.1 Write down the type (ELASTIC or INELASTIC) of collision above.

Explain the answer without using any calculations. (3)
2.2 Draw a vector diagram to illustrate the relationship between the initial
momentum, the final momentum and the change in momentum of the ball. (3)
2.3 Define impulse. (2)
2.4 Calculate the force that the board exerts on the ball. (4)
2.5 During collision with the board, the ball experiences an impulse. How does
the magnitude of the impulse that the ball experiences compare to that of
the board? Write down INCREASES, DECREASES or REMAINS THE
SAME, and explain the answer. (3)
[15]

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QUESTION 3
A box of mass 1,3 kg, falls at 4 m.s-1 onto a 4,6 kg toy car which is moving at
3 m·s-1 east across a frictionless horizontal surface. The toy car and the box continue
to move in the same east ward direction. Take eastward direction as positive.

1,3 kg

4 m.s-1

3 m.s-1
1,3 kg

4,6 kg 4,6 kg

BEFORE COLLISION AFTER COLLISION

3.1 State the principle of conservation of linear momentum in words. (2)

3.2 Write down ONE condition required for a system to be referred to as an
isolated system. (1)
3.3 Calculate the change in momentum of the toy car. (5)
[8]

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QUESTION 4
A 2 kg block is placed on the edge of a wooden platform 1,4 m above the ground.
A bullet of mass 20 g, moving horizontally at a velocity V m.s-1 strikes the block. After
the impact, the bullet is embedded in the block, which then falls to the ground.
The block strikes the ground with a speed of 6 m.s-1. Ignore the effects of friction.

V m.s-1
20 g 2 kg

1,4 m
6 m.s-1

4.1 State, the principle of conservation of mechanical energy in words. (2)

4.2 Use the principle of conservation of mechanical energy to calculate the
magnitude of the velocity with which the block leaves the platform. (4)
4.3 Define momentum in words. (1)
4.4 Calculate the magnitude of the velocity V, with which the bullet strikes the
block. (4)
[11]

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QUESTION 5
A ball role at 15 m.s-1 along a rough horizontal surface. The following momentum
versus time graph represents the motion of the ball from point A to point C.

A
1,5
Momentum (kg.m.s-1)

B
1.3

0,8 C

0
0 30 40 Time (s)

5.1 Write down the quantity represented by the GRADIENT of the graph. (1)
5.2 State Newton’s second Law of motion in terms of momentum. (2)
5.3 Use the information on the graph to calculate the:
5.3.1 Mass of the ball. (3)
5.3.2 The magnitude of the net average force exerted by the ball on the
surface from point B to C. (4)
[10]
TOTAL:50

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 DATA FOR PHYSICAL SCIENCES GRADE 12
PAPER 1 (PHYSICS)

TABLE 1: PHYSICAL CONSTANT

NAME SYMBOL VALUE

Acceleration due to gravity
g 9,8 m·s-2

TABLE 2: FORCE

Fnet  ma p mv
Fnet Δt  Δp
Δp  mvf  mvi w  mg

TABLE 3: ENERGY

U  mgh or EP  mgh

1 1
K mv 2 or E k  mv 2 ΔK = Kf – Ki or ΔEk = Ekf - Eki
2 2