Essay Question

Chapter 3 Projectile motion (EQ)3P1

1. (99)
A small ball is projected horizontally with a certain speed from a height of 1 m above a smooth expanse of ground.
The ball falls under gravity, hits the ground and bounces up.

(i) Assuming that no energy is lost in the process, sketch graphs to show how the vertical component of the
velocity and the acceleration of the ball vary with time to the point when the ball bounces up to the original
level. Label the axes wherever possible. Describe the force(s) acting on the ball and briefly explain the shape
of the graphs.

(ii) State the change(s), if any, to the graphs in (a) (i) for the following cases. Briefly explain your answer.
(I) A ball of greater mass is used
(II) The projection speed is increased
(III) Some kinetic energy is lost when the ball hits the ground

(iii) Discuss whether the momentum of the ball is conserved when it hits the ground. (12 marks)