Physics (AS & A Level) · Oct / Nov 2020 · Paper 11 · Question 9

A rock R of mass 1.0 × 10^27 kg is a large distance from a star S and is travelling at a speed of 1.0 × 10^4 m s–1. The star has mass 1.0 × 10^30 kg. The rock travels around the star on the path shown so that it reverses its direction of motion and, when finally again a large distance from the star, has the same speed as initially. Which statement is correct?

1. AThe change in the momentum of S is in the direction of arrow X.
2. BThe change in the velocity of S is approximately 20 m s–1.
3. CThe magnitude of the change of momentum of R is 10^3 times greater than the magnitude of the change of momentum of S.
4. DThe momentum of R does not change.

As printed in the paper