9231 P31 - Jun 2024 - Q1 - 6 marks
6906
Two smooth uniform spheres \(A\) and \(B\), of equal radii, have masses \(m\) and \(5m\) respectively. Sphere \(A\) moves on a smooth horizontal surface with speed \(u\) and collides with sphere \(B\), which is initially at rest.
Immediately before impact, the direction of motion of \(A\) makes an angle \(\theta\) with the line of centres. After the collision, the kinetic energies of \(A\) and \(B\) are equal. The coefficient of restitution between the spheres is \(\dfrac12\).
Find \(\tan\theta\).
Solutions and mark schemes for 9231 are temporarily available to admins only.