MYP Physics · 04 · data analysis
Impulse from a force sensor
Momentum · Original GioPhysics question with a detailed, mark-by-mark answer guide.
- Demand
- demanding
- Marks
- 8
- Topics
- 2
- Answer
- Complete
A 0.20 kg ball approaches a bat at 10 m s⁻¹. Take the ball's initial direction as negative. A force sensor records the force on the ball; straight lines may be drawn between the data points.
| Time / s | Force / N |
|---|---|
| 0.00 | 0 |
| 0.02 | 50 |
| 0.04 | 100 |
| 0.06 | 50 |
| 0.08 | 0 |
- a
Determine Determine the impulse delivered to the ball from the area under the force–time graph.
3 marks - b
Calculate Calculate the ball's velocity immediately after contact.
3 marks - c
Explain Explain why using only the maximum force of 100 N would not determine the impulse.
2 marks
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a
Determine Determine the impulse delivered to the ball from the area under the force–time graph.
Read the data before explaining it. Quote the relevant values or trend, show the comparison or calculation, and then connect that numerical evidence to the physical conclusion—including uncertainty or anomalies when they matter.
- 1
Recognises impulse as the area under the force–time graph.
- 2
Finds the total area, for example as four trapezia or one overall triangle: ½ × 0.08 × 100.
- 3
Obtains impulse = +4.0 N s.
b
Calculate Calculate the ball's velocity immediately after contact.
Read the data before explaining it. Quote the relevant values or trend, show the comparison or calculation, and then connect that numerical evidence to the physical conclusion—including uncertainty or anomalies when they matter.
- 1
Calculates initial momentum = 0.20 × (−10) = −2.0 kg m s⁻¹.
- 2
Uses final momentum = initial momentum + impulse = −2.0 + 4.0 = +2.0 kg m s⁻¹.
- 3
Calculates final velocity = +2.0 ÷ 0.20 = +10 m s⁻¹.
c
Explain Explain why using only the maximum force of 100 N would not determine the impulse.
Read the data before explaining it. Quote the relevant values or trend, show the comparison or calculation, and then connect that numerical evidence to the physical conclusion—including uncertainty or anomalies when they matter.
- 1
Impulse depends on both force and the duration over which it acts.
- 2
The force varies throughout contact, so the complete area rather than the peak value is required.
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