Mechanics All p4

Physics
O.L
Mechanics
Part 2
Dr. Mustafa Allam

Mechanics 1
1. Introduction, Measurements & Density
June Variant 1
2012 1 Question 1
The period of the vertical oscillations of a mass hanging from a spring is known to be
constant.
(a) A student times single oscillations with a stopwatch. In 10 separate measurements, the
stopwatch readings were:
1.8 s, 1.9 s, 1.7 s, 1.9 s, 1.8 s, 1.8 s, 1.9 s, 1.7 s, 1.8 s, 1.8 s.
What is the best value obtainable from these readings for the time of one oscillation?
Explain how you arrive at your answer.
best value = .....................................................................................................................
explanation ......................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................
..................................................................................................................................... [1]
(b) Describe how, using the same stopwatch, the student can find the period of oscillation
more accurately.
..........................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................
..................................................................................................................................... [4]
[Total: 5]
Physics O.L
Paper 4 - Variant 1 Dr. Mostafa Allam
Mechanics 2
June Variant 1
2013 2 Question 1
(a) Define density.

..........................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................... [1]
(b) The density of aluminium is 2.70 g / cm3. The thickness of a rectangular sheet of
aluminium foil varies, but is much less than 1 mm.
A student wishes to find the average thickness. She obtains the following measurements.
mass of sheet = 60.7 g

length of sheet = 50.0 cm
width of sheet = 30.0 cm
Calculate the student’s values for
(i) the volume of the sheet,
volume = .................................................. [2]
(ii) the average thickness of the sheet.
thickness = .................................................. [2]
(c) Another student, provided with a means of cutting the sheet, decides to find its average
thickness using a single measuring instrument. Assume the surfaces of the sheet are
perfectly smooth.
(i) Name a measuring instrument she could use.
.............................................................................................................................. [1]
Physics O.L
Mechanics 3
(ii) Describe the procedure she should follow to obtain an accurate value of the
average thickness of the sheet.
Details of how to read the instrument are not required.
..................................................................................................................................
..................................................................................................................................
..................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................. [3]
[Total: 9]
June Variant 1
2014 3 Question 2
A student has a large number of coins of different diameters, all made of the same metal. She
wishes to find the density of the metal by a method involving placing the coins in water.
(a) State the formula needed to calculate the density.
.............................................................................................................................................. [1]
(b) Describe how the measurements of the required quantities are carried out.
...................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................. [5]
(c) State one precaution taken when carrying out the measurements in (b) to ensure that the
result is as accurate as possible.
...................................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................. [1]
[Total: 7]
Physics O.L
Mechanics 4
November Variant 1
2009 4 Question 1
Fig 1.1 shows part of a measuring instrument.
0
mm 25
20
Fig. 1.1
(a) State the name of this instrument.
................................................. [1]
(b) Record the reading shown in Fig. 1.1.
................................................. [1]
(c) Describe how you would find the thickness of a sheet of paper used in a magazine.
..........................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................
.................................................................................................................................... [3]
[Total: 5]
Physics O.L
Mechanics 5
Mark Scheme
1 (a) Period: 1.81 s OR 1.8 s as mean value
OR 1.8 s as most common reading / the mode B1
(b) Time a minimum of 2 (successive) oscillations B1

Divide result by the number of oscillations B1
OR
Count no. of oscillations in at least 20 s (B1)
Divide the time by the number of oscillations
OR Divide no. of oscillations by time and find reciprocal (B1)
2 of:
Repeat (several times) and find mean
Time with reference to fixed / fiducial point or top or bottom of oscillation
Check / set zero of stop-watch B2
Show knowledge of what is meant by one oscillation
[Total: 5]
2 (a) (density =) mass/volume OR mass per unit volume

OR m/V with symbols explained B1
(b) (i) (vol =) mass/density OR 60.7/2.70 C1

= 22.48 cm3 to 2 or more sig. figs A1
(ii) V = A × (average) thickness OR thickness = V/A

OR 22.48 / (50 × 30) C1
0.01499 cm to 2 or more sig. figs. e.c.f. (b)(i) A1
(c) (i) micrometer/screw gauge / (vernier/digital) callipers B1
(ii) check zero of device used / cut sheet into several pieces / detail of how to use
device / fold sheet B1
measure thickness of sheet in different places

OR measure thickness of several pieces together B1
calculate/obtain average thickness OR divide answer by number of measurements/
pieces/places B1
[Total 9]
Physics O.L
Mechanics 6
3 (a) (density =) mass / volume B1
(b) water used in measuring / graduated cylinder B1
volume of water known or read / recorded / taken B1
place the coins in the water and read / record / take new level of water in cylinder B1
subtract readings B1
OR ALTERNATIVE METHOD:
pour water into displacement can to level of spout (B1)
place the coins / several coins in the water (B1)
collect overflow (B1)
measure volume of overflow water using measuring graduated cylinder (B1)
measure mass / weigh the coins used with balance / spring balance B1
(c) one from:

read measuring cylinder levels at bottom of meniscus
repeat volume measurement and find average
place eye level with surface in measuring cylinder (to avoid parallax error)
place coins one at a time to avoid air bubbles between coins
avoid splashing when adding coins to water
make sure coins are dry / clean
use narrow / small measuring cylinder
place containers on horizontal surface
check zero of balance / spring balance / scales
displacement can method: make sure dripping finishes before and after adding coins B1
[Total: 7]
4 (a) micrometer OR screw gauge OR vernier scale NOT vernier callipers B1
(b) 2.73 mm B1
(c) check/set zero )

close instrument on to paper )
not too tight/use ratchet ) any 3 B1 × 3
take reading of both scales )
use several sheets )
divide reading by no. of sheets )
[5]
Physics O.L
Mechanics 7
1. Introductions, Measurements & Density
June Variant 3
2014 1 Question 2
A student wishes to determine the density of a small, irregularly shaped stone.
(a) With the aid of a labelled diagram, describe an experiment to determine the volume of the
stone.
...................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................. [4]
(b) (i) State the other quantity, apart from the volume, that must be measured in order to
determine the density.
...................................................................................................................................... [1]
(ii) State the formula that is used to calculate the density.
...........................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................... [1]
Physics O.L
Paper 4 - Variant 2&3 Dr. Mostafa Allam
Mechanics 8
(c) The student now wishes to determine the volume of a small, irregularly shaped piece of wood
that floats in water. He notices that a small lead weight tied to the wood makes it sink in water.
Describe how the student can adapt the experiment in (a) to determine the volume of the
wood. You may draw a diagram.
...................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
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...................................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................. [2]
[Total: 8]
Physics O.L
Mechanics 9
March Variant 2
2016 2 Question 1
A driving instructor gives a student a sudden order to stop the car in the shortest possible time.
Fig. 1.1 shows the speed-time graph of the motion of the car from the moment the order is given.
30
speed
m/s
20
10
0
0 1.0 2.0 3.0 4.0 5.0
time t / s
Fig. 1.1
(a) The order to stop is given at time t = 0 s.
(i) State the speed of the car at t = 0 s.
speed = ...........................................................[1]
(ii) Suggest why the car continues to travel at this speed for 0.9 s.
...........................................................................................................................................
.......................................................................................................................................[1]
(b) Calculate
(i) the deceleration of the car between t = 0.9 s and t = 4.0 s,
deceleration = ...........................................................[2]
(ii) the total distance travelled by the car from t = 0 s.
distance = ...........................................................[3]
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Mechanics 10
(c) Describe and explain a danger to a driver of not wearing a safety belt during a sudden stop.
...................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................................[2]
[Total: 9]
Physics O.L
Mechanics 11
November Variant 2
2014 3 Question 2
The list below gives the approximate densities of various metals.
gold 19 g / cm3
lead 11 g / cm3
copper 9 g / cm3
iron 8 g / cm3
At an antiques market, a collector buys what is advertised as a small ancient gold statue.
When the collector tests it in the laboratory, he finds its mass is 600 g and its volume is
65 cm3.
(a) In the space below, describe how the volume of the statue could be measured. You may
draw diagrams if you wish.
[3]
(b) Use the figures given above to decide whether the statue was really made of gold.
Show your working.
Was the statue made of gold? (Tick one box.)
yes
no
[3]
[Total: 6]
Physics O.L
Mechanics 12
Mark Scheme
1 (a) (if no diagram, max. mark is 3)
measuring / graduated cylinder B1
water AND initial reading OR known volume

alternative method: water AND filled eureka can owtte B1
immerse stone AND final reading
alternative method: immerse stone AND catch overflow B1
final reading – initial reading
alternative method: reading on measuring cylinder B1
(b) (i) mass, NOT with other quantity B1
(ii) (ρR)m / V in symbols or words B1
(c) attach weight to wood

OR different liquid
OR push down with stick M1
accuracy mark must match method

subtract volume of weight from total volume
OR new liquid less dense than wood
OR no part of stick in water / thin stick A1
[Total: 8]
2 (a) (i) 18 m / s B1
(ii) (0.90 s is) driver’s time to react B1
(b) (i) (a =) (v – u) / t OR ∆v / t OR either in words OR (18 – 0) / 3.1 OR 18 / 3.1 C1

5.8 m / s2 A1
OR
Values from any correct points on graph (C1)
Answer dependent on accuracy of chosen points (A1)
(ii) Evidence of use of: (distance =) area under graph e.g. 1 / 2bh C1
(18 × 0.9) + (0.5 × 3.1 × 18) C1
44 m A1
(c) (Without seat belt, driver:) e.g. keeps moving (forwards) / does not stop / has
inertia / has momentum B1
(Driver) hits steering wheel / windscreen / dashboard B1
[Total: 9]
Physics O.L
Mechanics 13
3 (a) measuring cylinder with liquid B1

immerse statue B1
volume from difference of readings from measuring cylinder B1
OR
displacement can or equivalent or beaker filled to overflowing with liquid (B1)
immerse statue (B1)
measure volume displaced with measuring cylinder (B1)
(b) (D =) M/V OR 600/65 B1

9.23 g/cm3 (minimum 2 s.f.) N.B. unit penalty applies B1
OR
(For gold) (M =) V × D OR 65 × 19 (B1)
1235 g (minimum 2 s.f.) N.B. unit penalty applies (B1)
OR
(For gold) (V =) M / D OR 600/19 (B1)
31.6 cm3 (minimum 2 s.f.) N.B. unit penalty applies (B1)
‘NO’ ticked if justified by previous work in (a) or (b).

e.c.f from wrong values above B1
[6]
Physics O.L
Mechanics 14
2. Speed and Acceleration
November Variant 1
2011 1 Question 1
(a) Define acceleration. Explain any symbols in your definition.
...................................................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................................[1]
(b) Fig. 1.1 shows a graph of speed against time for a train. After 100 s the train stops at a
station.
30
speed 25
m/s
20
15
10
0
0 20 40 60 80 100 120 140 160 180 200 220 240 260 280
time / s
Fig. 1.1
(i) For the time interval between 40 s and 100 s, calculate the distance travelled by the train.
distance = ...........................................................[2]
(ii) The train stops for 80 s, then accelerates to 30 m / s with an acceleration of 0.60 m / s2. It
then travels at constant speed.
Complete the graph for the interval 100 s to 280 s, showing your calculations in the space
below.
[5]
[Total: 8]
Physics O.L
Mechanics 15
June Variant 1
2012 2 Question 2
A girl rides her bicycle along a straight level road. Fig. 2.1 shows a graph of her distance
moved against time.
400 D
300
distance / m
200
100
B
A
0
0 10 20 30 40 50 60
time / s
Fig. 2.1
(a) Describe her motion
(i) from A to B, ..............................................................................................................
(ii) from B to C, ..............................................................................................................
(iii) from C to D. ..............................................................................................................

[3]
(b) Calculate
(i) her average speed from A to D,
average speed = ................................................. [2]
(ii) her maximum speed.
maximum speed = ................................................. [3]
[Total: 8]
Physics O.L
Mechanics 16
November Variant 1
2012 3 Question 1
Fig. 1.1 shows the graph of speed v against time t for a train as it travels from one station to
the next.
20
v
m/s
10
0
0 20 40 60 80 100 120 140 160
t /s
Fig. 1.1
(a) Use Fig. 1.1 to calculate
(i) the distance between the two stations,
(ii) the acceleration of the train in the first 10 s.
Physics O.L
Mechanics 17
(b) The mass of the train is 1.1 × 105 kg.
Calculate the resultant force acting on the train in the first 10 s.
resultant force = ................................................. [2]
(c) The force generated by the engine of the train is called the driving force.
Write down, in words, an equation relating the driving force to any other forces acting on
the train during the period t = 10 s to t = 130 s.
.................................................................................................................................... [1]
[Total: 9]
Physics O.L
Mechanics 18
June Variant 1
2013 4 Question 2
(a) Underline the vectors in the following list of quantities.
density energy force mass velocity volume [2]
(b) A small metal ball is projected into the air with a velocity of 40 m / s vertically upwards.
The graph in Fig. 2.1 shows how the velocity changes with time until the ball reaches its
maximum height.
40
velocity
m/s
20
0
0 1.0 2.0 3.0 4.0 5.0 6.0
time / s
–20
–40
Fig. 2.1
Use the graph to find,
(i) the time at which the ball reaches its maximum height,
time = .................................................. [1]
(ii) the deceleration of the ball,
deceleration = .................................................. [2]
Physics O.L
Mechanics 19
(iii) the maximum height reached by the ball.
maximum height = .................................................. [2]
(c) On Fig. 2.1, add a line to the graph to show how the velocity of the ball changes after it
reaches its maximum height. Your line should extend to time 6.0 s. [1]
[Total: 8]
Physics O.L
Mechanics 20
June Variant 1
2015 5 Question 1
(a) Figs. 1.1 and 1.2 show speed-time graphs for two objects, each moving in a straight line.
speed speed
0 0
0 time 0 time
Fig. 1.1 Fig. 1.2
(i) Describe the motion of the object shown by the graph in Fig. 1.1.
...........................................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................................
(ii) Describe the motion of the object shown by the graph in Fig. 1.2.
...........................................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................................
[3]
(b) On a day with no wind, a large object is dropped from a tall building. The object experiences
air resistance during its fall to the ground.
State and explain, in terms of the forces acting, how the acceleration of the object varies
during its fall.
...................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
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.............................................................................................................................................. [4]
[Total: 7]
Physics O.L
Mechanics 21
November Variant 1
2015 6 Question 1
Fig. 1.1 shows a rocket-powered sled travelling along a straight track. The sled is used to test
components before they are sent into space.
sled
track
Fig. 1.1
Fig. 1.2 is the speed-time graph for the sled from time t = 0 s.
1000
800
speed
m/s 600
400
200
0
0 1.0 2.0 3.0 4.0
time / s
Fig. 1.2
(a) On Fig. 1.2, mark a point labelled P to indicate a time when the acceleration of the sled is not
constant. [1]
(b) (i) Calculate the acceleration of the sled at t = 1.0 s.
acceleration = ...........................................................[2]
(ii) Determine the distance travelled by the sled between t = 1.0 s and t = 2.0 s.
distance = ...........................................................[2]
Physics O.L
Mechanics 22
(c) The resultant force acting on the sled remains constant during the test.
Suggest why the acceleration of the sled is not constant.
...................................................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................................[1]
[Total: 6]
Physics O.L
Mechanics 23
June Variant 1
2016 7 Question 1
(a) A bus travels at a constant speed. It stops for a short time and then travels at a higher constant
speed.
Using the axes in Fig. 1.1, draw a distance-time graph for this bus journey.
distance
0
0 time
Fig. 1.1
[3]
(b) A lift (elevator) starts from rest at the ground floor of a building.
Fig. 1.2 is the speed-time graph for the motion of the lift to the top floor of the building.
4.0
speed
m/s
3.0
2.0
1.0
0
0 5 10 15 20 25
time / s
Fig. 1.2
Physics O.L
Mechanics 24
Use the graph to determine the distance from the ground floor to the top floor of the building.
distance = ................................................................. [4]
[Total: 7]
November Variant 1
2016 8 Question 1
An astronaut on the Moon drops a feather from rest, off the top of a small cliff. The acceleration
due to gravity on the Moon is 1.6 m / s2. There is no air on the Moon.
(a) The feather falls for 4.5 s before it hits the ground.
(i) On Fig. 1.1, draw the speed-time graph for the falling feather. [2]
speed
m/s
6
0
0 1 2 3 4 5
time / s
Fig. 1.1
(ii) Determine the distance fallen by the feather.
distance = .......................................................... [2]
Physics O.L
Mechanics 25
(b) On Fig. 1.2, sketch the shape of a speed-time graph for the same feather falling on Earth.
speed
0
0 time
Fig. 1.2
[2]
(c) Explain the difference between speed and velocity. Include the words vector and scalar in
your answer.
...................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................................[2]
[Total: 8]
Physics O.L
Mechanics 26
June Variant 1
2017 9 Question 1
Fig. 1.1 is the speed-time graph for an ice skater.
12
speed
m/s
10
0
0.0 2.0 4.0 6.0 8.0 10.0 12.0
time t / s
Fig. 1.1
(a) Explain what is meant by deceleration.
...............................................................................................................................................[1]
(b) Use Fig. 1.1 to determine
(i) the distance travelled between times t = 3.0 s and t = 6.0 s,
distance = ...........................................................[2]
Physics O.L
Mechanics 27
(ii) the deceleration between times t = 3.0 s and t = 6.0 s.
deceleration = ...........................................................[2]
(c) (i) State what happens to the size of the deceleration after time t = 6.0 s.
...........................................................................................................................................
.......................................................................................................................................[1]
(ii) State what happens to the resultant force on the skater after time t = 6.0 s.
...........................................................................................................................................
.......................................................................................................................................[1]
[Total: 7]
Physics O.L
Mechanics 28
November Variant 1
2017 10 Question 1
Fig. 1.1 shows the speed-time graph for the motion of a car.
20
speed
m/s
15
10
0
0 10 20 30 40
time / s
Fig. 1.1
The mass of the car is 1200 kg.
(a) Calculate, for the first 20 s of the motion,
(i) the distance travelled by the car,
distance = ...........................................................[2]
(ii) the acceleration of the car,
acceleration = ...........................................................[2]
(iii) the resultant force acting on the car.
resultant force = ...........................................................[2]
(b) Describe the motion of the car in the period of time from 25 s to 40 s.
...............................................................................................................................................[1]
[Total: 7]
Physics O.L
Mechanics 29
June Variant 1
2018 11 Question 1
Fig. 1.1 shows the speed-time graph for a vehicle accelerating from rest.
30
speed 25
m/s
20
15
10
0
0 20 40 60 80 100 120 140 160
time / s
Fig. 1.1
(a) Calculate the acceleration of the vehicle at time = 30 s.
acceleration = ...........................................................[2]
(b) Without further calculation, state how the acceleration at time = 100 s compares to the
acceleration at time = 10 s. Suggest, in terms of force, a reason why any change has taken
place.
...................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................................[3]
(c) Determine the distance travelled by the vehicle between time = 120 s and time = 160 s.
distance = ...........................................................[3]
[Total: 8]
Physics O.L
Mechanics 30
November Variant 1
2018 12 Question 1
A train of mass 5.6 × 105 kg is at rest in a station.
At time t = 0 s, a resultant force acts on the train and it starts to accelerate forwards.
Fig. 1.1 is the distance-time graph for the train for the first 120 s.
5000
distance / m
4000
3000
2000
1000
0
0 20 40 60 80 100 120
time t / s
Fig. 1.1
(a) (i) Use Fig. 1.1 to determine:
1. the average speed of the train during the 120 s
average speed = ...........................................................[1]
2. the speed of the train at time t = 100 s.
speed = ...........................................................[2]
Physics O.L
Mechanics 31
(ii) Describe how the acceleration of the train at time t = 100 s differs from the acceleration
at time t = 20 s.
...........................................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................................
.......................................................................................................................................[2]
(b) (i) The initial acceleration of the train is 0.75 m / s2.
Calculate the resultant force that acts on the train at this time.
resultant force = ...........................................................[2]
(ii) At time t = 120 s, the train begins to decelerate.
State what is meant by deceleration.
...........................................................................................................................................
.......................................................................................................................................[1]
[Total: 8]
Physics O.L
Mechanics 32
November Variant 1
2016 13 Question 1
An astronaut on the Moon drops a feather from rest, off the top of a small cliff. The acceleration
due to gravity on the Moon is 1.6 m / s2. There is no air on the Moon.
(a) The feather falls for 4.5 s before it hits the ground.
(i) On Fig. 1.1, draw the speed-time graph for the falling feather. [2]
speed
m/s
6
0
0 1 2 3 4 5
time / s
Fig. 1.1
(ii) Determine the distance fallen by the feather.
distance = .......................................................... [2]
Physics O.L
Mechanics 33
(b) On Fig. 1.2, sketch the shape of a speed-time graph for the same feather falling on Earth.
speed
0
0 time
Fig. 1.2
[2]
(c) Explain the difference between speed and velocity. Include the words vector and scalar in
your answer.
...................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................................[2]
[Total: 8]
Physics O.L
Mechanics 34
Mark Scheme
1 (a) acceleration = v – u OR ∆v (symbols used to be explained)
t t
OR change of velocity ÷ time
OR rate of change of velocity
OR change of velocity per second / in 1 sec (allow ‘in a certain time’) B1
accept speed for velocity
(b) (i) use of any area under graph C1

750 m A1
(ii) time = change of speed ÷ acceleration OR 30/0.60 C1

= 50 (s) A1
if working for t = 50 s not shown, allow 2 marks for correct use of 50 s
graph: along y-axis to 180 s / rise starts at 180 s B1
from x-axis rises to 30 m/s at 230 s / candidate’s calculated time B1
horizontal from top of slope to 280 s B1 [8]
allow ½ square tolerance at 180 s where relevant
allow ecf from wrong t
2 (a) (i) Increasing speed / acceleration B1
(ii) Constant / steady / uniform speed or motion B1
(iii) Decreasing speed / deceleration / braking / slowing / stopping / negative

acceleration B1
(b) (i) (Total) distance / (total) time OR d / t OR 400 / 60 C1

6.67 m/s at least 2 s.f. A1
(ii) Mention of maximum gradient OR clear that whole or part of B to C is used C1

Use of correct data from graph to +/– ½ square C1
Answer rounds to 9.2 to 9.4 m/s, at least 2 s.f. A1
[Total: 8]
Physics O.L
Mechanics 35
3 (a) (i) s = area under graph, stated or clearly used C1

= (½ × 18 × 10) + (120 × 18) + (½ × 18 × 20) Award if at least one term correct C1
= 90 + 2160 +180 C1
= 2430 m / 2.43 km at least 2 significant figures. *Unit penalty applies A1
(ii) v = u + at in any form OR (a=) gradient OR 18/10 C1

= 1.8 m/s2 *Unit penalty applies A1
(b) (F=) ma OR 1.1 × 105 × 1.8 ecf from (a)(ii) C1
5
= 1.98 × 10 N at least 2 significant figures. *Unit penalty applies A1
(c) driving force = friction/air resistance/drag B1 [9]
*Apply unit penalty once only
4 (a) underline or circle force B1

underline or circle velocity B1
(b) (i) 4.07 – 4.1 (s) B1
(ii) (v – u)/t OR ∆v/t OR in words OR use of 40 ÷ (ans. to (b)(i))

OR other correct values from graph C1
answer between 9.7 and 10 m/s2 or m/s/s A1
(iii) area under graph OR ½ (u + v)t OR ½ × 40 × (ans. to (b)(i)) C1

OR s = ut + ½at2 OR v2 = u2 + 2as OR numbers substituted
82 m A1
(c) graph continues in straight line to 6 s B1
[Total 8]
5 (a) (i) acceleration OR increasing speed C1
constant acceleration OR constant rate of increase in speed A1
(ii) decreasing acceleration OR decreasing rate of increase in speed

NOT deceleration B1
(b) mention of air resistance AND weight (of object) / force due to gravity B1
acceleration at start (of fall) is acceleration of gravity / 10 m / s2 / a maximum / g

OR acceleration decreases (as it falls) B1
air resistance increases as speed increases/as it accelerates B1
acceleration zero/terminal velocity/constant speed/maximum speed when

air resistance = weight B1
[Total: 7]
Physics O.L
Mechanics 36
6 (a) point marked P (on line or time axis) at t ≥ 2.0 s B1

(b) (i) attempt at gradient OR (a =) ∆v / t OR (v – u) / t OR 240 (–0) / 2.0
OR division of correct points on graph C1
120 m / s2 A1
(ii) suggestion of area (under graph) in words or formula or numbers
OR 0.5 (120 + 240) × 1.0 OR [(120 × 1.0) + (0.5 × 120 × 1.0)] C1
180 m A1
(c) mass of sled changes / decreases OR fuel used up B1
[Total: 6]
7(a) From time zero, line of constant positive gradient, not necessarily from origin B1
Horizontal line from end of sloping line B1
Line of steeper positive gradient from end of horizontal line B1
(b) (distance =) area under graph stated C1
0.5 × 7.5 × 3.3 (= 12.375)

+ 12.5 × 3.3 (= 41.25) C2
+ 0.5 × 5 × 3.3 (= 8.25)
OR ½ (a + b)h (C1)
= 0.5 × (25 + 12.5) × 3.3 (C1)
OR (25 × 3.3) – (0.5 × 12.5 × 3.3) (C2)
62 m A1
Total: 7
8(a)(i) Straight line from origin to (4.5 s, 7.2 m/s) B2
Tolerance in plotting: ½ a square
8(a)(ii) Use of area stated or implied by numbers used C1

OR average speed × time OR s = (u+v) / t / 2 OR vt / 2 A1
OR 0.5 × 4.5 × 7.2
16(.2) m
8(b) Rises from origin and curves with decreasing gradient B1

Finishes horizontal B1
8(c) Speed is scalar Velocity is vector B1

Speed has magnitude / size / value (only) B1
Velocity has magnitude / size / value and direction
OR velocity has direction; speed does not
Total: 8
Physics O.L
Question Answer Marks
9(a) decrease of velocity / speed B1

OR slows / slowing down
(b)(i) Area under graph OR ½ (u +v)t C1
Physics O.L
OR ½ × (11 + 5) × 3 OR ½(6 × 3) OR (3 × 5)
Paper 4 - Variant 1
24 m A1
(b)(ii) (a =) ∆v / ∆t OR (v – u) / t OR (5 – 11) / (6 – 3) C1
2.0 m / s2 A1
(c)(i) (deceleration) decreases B1
(c)(ii) (Resultant force) decreases B1
Total: 7
10(a)(i) Distance = area under graph OR 0.5 × 20 × 13 C1
130 m A1
(a)(ii) (a =) (v – u) / t OR (a =) v / t OR 13 / 20 C1
0.65 m / s2 A1
(a)(iii) (F =) ma OR 1200 × 0.65 C1

Mechanics
= 780 N A1
Dr. Mostafa Allam

(b) Acceleration decreases OR rate of increase of speed decreases OR speed increases at a lower rate B1
37
11(a) Mention of gradient of graph at t = 30 s OR tangent drawn at t = 30 s and triangle drawn 1
Acceleration in range 0.30 to 0.45 m / s2 1
(b) Acceleration less/at a slower rate 1
Physics O.L
Less driving force OR greater resistive force/friction/air resistance/drag 1
Paper 4 - Variant 1
Resultant force less 1
(c) Area under graph 1
Distance = (20 × 40) + (½ × 40 × 10) OR ½ × (30 + 20) × 40 1
1000 m 1
12(a)(i)1 (4800
/ 120 =) 40 m / s B1
(a)(i)2 (v =) gradient of any part of straight line C1
Value between 50 and 60 m / s A1
(a)(ii) At t = 20 s, acceleration > zero / acceleration is taking place / greater acceleration than at 100 s B1
At t = 100 s, acceleration = zero / 0 B1
(b)(i) (F =) ma OR 5.6 × 105 × 0.75 C1

Mechanics
4.2 × 105 N A1
(b)(ii) Speed / velocity decreases (with time) OR slowing down B1
Dr. Mostafa Allam

OR negative acceleration
OR Rate of decrease of speed / velocity
38
Mechanics 39
13(a)(i) Straight line from origin to (4.5 s, 7.2m/s) B2
Tolerance in plotting: ½ a square
(a)(ii) Use of area stated or implied by numbers used C1

OR average speed × time OR s = (u+v) / t / 2 OR vt / 2 A1
OR 0.5 × 4.5 × 7.2
16(.2) m
(b) Rises from origin and curves with decreasing gradient B1

Finishes horizontal B1
(c) Speed is scalar Velocity is vector B1

Speed has magnitude / size / value (only) B1
Velocity has magnitude / size / value and direction
OR velocity has direction; speed does not
[Total: 8]
Physics O.L
Mechanics 40
June Variant 2
2012 1 Question 2
Fig. 1.1 is a distance / time graph showing the motion of an object.
25
20
distance / m
15
10
0
0 1 2 3 4
time / s
Fig. 1.1
(a) (i) Describe the motion shown for the first 2 s, calculating any relevant quantity.
..................................................................................................................................
..................................................................................................................................
[2]
(ii) After 2 s the object accelerates.
On Fig. 1.1, sketch a possible shape of the graph for the next 2 s.
[1]
(b) Describe how a distance / time graph shows an object that is stationary.
..........................................................................................................................................
..................................................................................................................................... [1]
Physics O.L
Mechanics 41
(c) Fig. 1.2 shows the axes for a speed / time graph.
10
8
speed
m/s 6
0
0 1 2 3 4
time / s
Fig. 1.2
On Fig. 1.2, draw
(i) the graph of the motion for the first 2 s as shown in Fig. 1.1,
(ii) an extension of the graph for the next 2 s, showing the object accelerating at 2 m / s2.
[3]
(d) Describe how a speed / time graph shows an object that is stationary.
..........................................................................................................................................
..................................................................................................................................... [2]
[Total: 9]
Physics O.L
Mechanics 42
June Variant 2
2013 2 Question 4
A rocket, initially at rest on the ground, accelerates vertically.
It accelerates uniformly until it reaches a speed of 900 m / s after 30 s.
After this period of uniform acceleration, the rocket engine cuts out. During the next 90 s, the
upward speed of the rocket decreases uniformly to zero.
(a) On Fig. 4.1, plot a speed-time graph for the rocket for the first 120 s of its flight.
speed
m/s
time / s
Fig. 4.1 [4]
(b) Using the graph,
(i) calculate the acceleration during the first 30 s,
acceleration = .................................................. [2]
Physics O.L
Mechanics 43
(ii) determine the height reached by the rocket after 120 s.
height reached = .................................................. [2]

[Total: 8]
Physics O.L
Mechanics 44
June Variant 3
2013 3 Question 1
A train is at rest in a railway station. At time t = 0, the train starts to move forwards with an
increasing speed until it reaches its maximum speed at time t = 48 s.
Fig. 1.1 is the speed-time graph for the first 48 s of the journey.
40
30
speed
m/s
20
10
0
0 20 40 60 80 100 120
time / s
Fig. 1.1
(a) (i) State how the graph shows that, during the first 48 s of the journey, the acceleration
of the train is constant.
..................................................................................................................................
............................................................................................................................. [1]
(ii) Calculate the acceleration of the train during the first 48 s of the journey.
acceleration = .................................................. [2]
(b) After time t = 48 s, the train continues at its maximum speed for another 72 s.
(i) On Fig. 1.1, sketch the speed-time graph for the next 72 s of the journey. [1]
(ii) Determine the total distance travelled by the train in the 120 s after it starts moving.
distance = .................................................. [3]

[Total: 7]
Physics O.L
Mechanics 45
November Variant 2
2013 4 Question 1
A school athlete does a sprint training run. Fig. 1.1 shows how her speed varies with time.
8
6
speed
m/s
0
0 2 4 6 8 10
time / s
Fig. 1.1
(a)Explain how the graph in Fig. 1.1 can be used to determine the distance she runs.
..........................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................... [1]
(b)Determine her maximum acceleration. Show clearly on the graph how you obtained the
necessary information.
maximum acceleration = .................................................. [4]
Physics O.L
Mechanics 46
(c) She runs a distance of 62 m.

Calculate her average speed.
average speed = .................................................. [2]
[Total: 7]
Physics O.L
Mechanics 47
June Variant 3
2014 5 Question 1
Parachutes are used to slow down a certain racing car.
Fig. 1.1 shows the racing car, of total mass 750 kg, slowing down by using parachutes.
Fig. 1.1
Fig. 1.2 is the speed-time graph for 20 s after the car reaches full speed.
80
70
speed 60
m/s
50
40
30
20
10
0
0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20
time t / s
Fig. 1.2
At time t = 6.0 s, the parachutes open.

(a) On Fig. 1.2,
(i) mark a point, labelled A, where the car is moving at constant speed,
(ii) mark a point, labelled B, where the car is decelerating at a uniform rate,
(iii) mark a point, labelled C, where the car is decelerating at non-uniform rate.
[3]
Physics O.L
Mechanics 48
(b) Calculate
(i) the deceleration of the car at time t = 6.5 s,
deceleration = ............................................... [2]
(ii) the resultant force acting on the car at this time.
resultant force = ............................................... [2]
(c) Explain why there is no resultant force acting on the car at time t = 4.0 s.
...................................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................. [1]
[Total: 8]
Physics O.L
Mechanics 49
March Variant 2
2015 6 Question 1
(a) A large stone, initially at rest, falls from the top of a building. The stone takes 3.2 s to fall to the
ground. For this stone, air resistance can be ignored.
(i) Stating the formula that you use, show that the speed of the stone when it hits the ground
is 32 m / s.
[1]
(ii) On Fig. 1.1, draw the speed-time graph for the fall of the stone. Label with an X the line
on the graph. [1]
40
30
speed
m/s
20
10
0
0 1 2 3 4
time / s
Fig. 1.1
(iii) Use the graph in (ii) to determine the height of the building.
height = ........................................................ [2]
(b) A smaller stone than the stone in (a) falls from the same building. This stone is affected by air
resistance.
(i) What happens to the air resistance as the stone falls? Underline your choice of answer.
Air resistance decreases. Air resistance is constant. Air resistance increases. [1]
(ii) On Fig. 1.1, draw a possible speed-time graph for the fall of this stone. Label with a Y this
line on the graph. [3]
[Total: 8]
Physics O.L
Mechanics 50
June Variant 2
2015 7 Question 1
An experiment is carried out to find the acceleration of free fall.
A strip of paper is attached to a heavy object. The object is dropped and falls to the ground, pulling
the paper strip through a timer. The timer marks dots on the paper strip at intervals of 0.020 s.
Fig. 1.1 shows a section of the paper strip with the first three dots marked. The first dot on the
paper strip, labelled A, is marked at the instant the object is dropped.
0.0076 m
A 0.0019 m
paper strip
Fig. 1.1 (not to scale)
(a) State how the dots on the paper strip show that the object is accelerating.
...................................................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................................[1]
(b) Calculate the average speed of the object
(i) in the first 0.020 s after the object is dropped,
average speed = .............................................................
(ii) in the second 0.020 s after the object is dropped.
average speed = .............................................................

[3]
(c) Use the results from (b) to calculate the acceleration of the falling object.
acceleration = .........................................................[3]
[Total: 7]
Physics O.L
Mechanics 51
June Variant 3
2015 8 Question 1
At a sports event, a champion runner and a car take part in a race.
(a) The runner runs at a constant speed of 10 m / s from the start of the race. During the first 5.0 s
of the race, the car’s speed increases from 0 m / s to 25 m / s at a uniform rate.
On Fig. 1.1, draw

a graph to show the motion of the runner, [1]
(i)
(ii) a graph to show the motion of the car.
30
speed
m/s
20
10
0
0 1.0 2.0 3.0 4.0 5.0
/s
time
Fig. 1.1 [1]
(b) Use your graphs to determine
(i) the distance travelled by the runner in the 5.0 s,
distance = ...........................................................[1]
the distance travelled by the car in the 5.0 s,
(ii)
distance = ...........................................................[2]
the time at which the car overtakes the runner.
(iii)
time = ...........................................................[2]
[Total: 7]
Physics O.L
Mechanics 52
June Variant 2
2016 9 Question 1
(a) An object is moving in a straight line at constant speed. A force is applied to the object.
State the possible changes in the motion of the object.
...........................................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................................
........................................................................................................................................... [2]
(b) Fig. 1.1 shows a skier taking part in a speed competition. The winner of the competition has
the highest average speed over the 100 m section shown in Fig. 1.1.
start
skier
100 m
Fig. 1.1
(i) The skier starts from rest and has a constant acceleration. He reaches a speed of
60 m / s in 16 s.
Calculate the skier’s acceleration.
acceleration = ................................................................. [2]
Physics O.L
Mechanics 53
(ii) Over the length of the 100 m section, the time recorded is 1.85 s.
Calculate the skier’s average speed over the section.
average speed = ................................................................. [2]
(iii) Suggest why the skier bends his body, as shown in Fig. 1.1.
Explain your answer.
................................................................................................................................
................................................................................................................................
................................................................................................................................ [2]
[Total: 8]
Physics O.L
Mechanics 54
March Variant 2
2017 10 Question 1
(a) Fig. 1.1 shows the axes used to plot distance-time graphs.
distance
0
0 time
Fig. 1.1
On Fig. 1.1, draw graphs for an object that is
(i) moving with constant speed, labelling the graph A,
(ii) moving with decreasing speed, labelling the graph B. [2]

(b) Fig. 1.2 shows the axes used to plot speed-time graphs.
speed
0
0 time
Fig. 1.2
On Fig. 1.2, draw graphs for an object that is
(i) moving with constant acceleration, labelling the graph S,
(ii) moving with increasing acceleration, labelling the graph T. [2]
Physics O.L
Mechanics 55
(c) A plane is at rest on an airport runway. The brakes of the plane are released and the engine
of the plane provides a constant accelerating force.
Using the following data, calculate the take-off speed of the plane. Ignore any resistive forces.
constant forward force = 56 000 N

mass of plane = 16 000 kg
time of travel along runway = 16 s
speed = ...........................................................[4]
[Total: 8]
Physics O.L
Mechanics 56
June Variant 2
2018 11 Question 1
(a) Fig. 1.1 shows the axes of a distance-time graph for an object moving in a straight line.
80
distance / m
60
40
20
0
0 2 4 6 8 10
time / s
Fig. 1.1
(i) 1. On Fig. 1.1, draw between time = 0 and time = 10 s, the graph for an object moving
with a constant speed of 5.0 m / s. Start your graph at distance = 0 m.
2. State the property of the graph that represents speed.
....................................................................................................................................
[2]
(ii) Between time = 10 s and time = 20 s the object accelerates. The speed at time = 20 s is
9.0 m / s.
Calculate the average acceleration between time = 10 s and time = 20 s.
acceleration = ...........................................................[2]
Physics O.L
Mechanics 57
(b) Fig. 1.2 shows the axes of a speed-time graph for a different object.
50
speed
m/s
40
30
20
10
0
0 20 40 60 80 100
time / s
Fig. 1.2
The object has an initial speed of 50 m / s and decelerates uniformly at 0.35 m / s2 for
(i) 100 s.
On Fig. 1.2, draw the graph to represent the motion of the object. [2]
Calculate the distance travelled by the object from time = 0 to time = 100 s.
(ii)
...........................................................[3]
distance =
[Total: 9]
Physics O.L
Mechanics 58
June Variant 3
2018 12 Question 1
There is no atmosphere on the Moon.
A space probe is launched from the surface of the Moon. Fig. 1.1 shows the speed-time graph of
the space probe.
5000
speed
m/s
4000
3000
2000
1000
0
0 100 200 300
time / s
Fig. 1.1
(a) Determine the acceleration of the space probe at time = 0.
acceleration = ...........................................................[3]
(b) Between time = 0 and time = 150 s, the acceleration of the space probe changes.
(i) Without calculation, state how the graph shows this.
...........................................................................................................................................
.......................................................................................................................................[1]
Physics O.L
Mechanics 59
(ii) During this time, the thrust exerted on the space probe by the motor remains constant.
State one possible reason why the acceleration changes in the way shown by Fig. 1.1.
...........................................................................................................................................
.......................................................................................................................................[1]
(c) Calculate the distance travelled by the space probe from time = 200 s to time = 300 s.
distance = ...........................................................[3]
[Total: 8]
Physics O.L
Mechanics 60
November Variant 3
2018 13 Question 1
Fig. 1.1 is the distance-time graph for a moving car.
500
distance / m
400
300
200
100
0
0 10 20 30 40 50 60
time t / s
Fig. 1.1
(a) On Fig. 1.1, mark a point P where the acceleration of the car is zero. [1]
(b) Determine:
(i) the speed of the car at time t = 15 s
speed = ...........................................................[2]
(ii) the average speed of the car between time t = 30 s and time t = 45 s.
average speed = ...........................................................[2]
(c) At time t = 45 s, the car starts to decelerate. At time t = 55 s and at a distance of 400 m from
the starting point, the car stops. It then remains stationary for 5.0 s.
On Fig. 1.1, draw a possible continuation of the distance-time graph. [3]
[Total: 8]
Physics O.L
Mechanics 61
November Variant 3
2010 14 Question 1
A young athlete has a mass of 42 kg. On a day when there is no wind, she runs a 100 m race in
14.2 s. A sketch graph (not to scale) showing her speed during the race is given in Fig. 1.1.
speed
m/s
8.0
0
0 3.0 14.2
time / s
Fig. 1.1
(a) Calculate
(i) the acceleration of the athlete during the first 3.0 s of the race,
acceleration = ......................................................... [2]
(ii) the accelerating force on the athlete during the first 3.0 s of the race,
force = ......................................................... [2]
(iii) the speed with which she crosses the finishing line.
speed = ......................................................... [3]
Physics O.L
Mechanics 62
(b) Suggest two differences that might be seen in the graph if there had been a strong wind
opposing the runners in the race.
1. ...............................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
2. ...............................................................................................................................................
............................................................................................................................................. [2]
[Total: 9]
Physics O.L
Mechanics 63
Mark Scheme
1 (a) (i) constant/steady/uniform speed/velocity OR speed/velocity = 2.5 (m/s) B1

speed/velocity = 2.5 m/s accept fraction, average speed/velocity = 2.5 m/s B1 [2]
(ii) shape curving upward but not to vertical, at least to 3.5 s unless reaches
25 m B1 [1]
(b) horizontal (straight) line OR careful sketch

accept parallel to time/x-axis B1 [1]
(c) tolerance on both axes ± ½ small square throughout both parts
(i) horizontal straight line at 2.5 m/s from 0 to 2 s, ecf from (a)(i) B1
(ii) straight line rising to the right as far as the edge of the graph area M1
∆v = 4 m/s or gradient clearly 2 m/s2 A1 [3]
(d) horizontal (straight) line M1

at 0 m/s A1 [2]
accept for both marks: line in/along time/x-axis OR line with y/v = 0 OR careful
sketch
[Total: 9]
2 (a) suitable scales (more than half each scale used, no products of 3 s, 7 s etc.) B1
2 straight line sections, continuous 0 to 120 s, 1st section positive gradient,
2nd section negative gradient B1
section 1 straight line, from(0, 0) to (30, 900) B1
section 2 straight line from end of section 1 to (120, 0) B1 [4]
(b) (i) use of a = ∆v / t or ∆v / t in any form words, symbols or numbers C1
(a = 900 / 30 =) 30 m / s2 A1 [2]
e.c.f. from graph
(ii) use of s = area under graph (accept valid equation(s)) C1

(distance = 0.5 × 900 × 120 =) 54 000 m A1 [2]
e.c.f. from continuous graph, if curves working must be clear
no e.c.f. from graph if it’s a single rectangle
[Total: 8]
Physics O.L
Mechanics 64
3 (a) (i) constant/uniform gradient/slope OR straight line B1

(ii) (a = ∆) v ÷ t OR 36 ÷ 48 C1
0.75 m / s2 (NOT 0.76) A1
(b) (i) horizontal line from (48, 36) to (120, 36) B1
(ii) area under graph (mentioned or implied) B1

864 OR 2592 C1
3500/3460/3456 m A1 [7]
4 (a) measure area (under curve) B1 [1]
(b) draws tangent at steepest part by eye, within thickness of lines

accept triangle / lines to indicate values on straight steepest part of curve B1
finds ∆v and ∆t from tangent or at straight steepest part of curve B1
any v divided by any t or in equation B1
3.0 – 4.2 m / s2 B1 [4]
(c) uses 62 and 10 NOT 2 × 62 C1

6.2 m / s A1 [2]
[Total: 7]
5 (a) (i) A marked between t = 0 and t = 6.0 s B1
(ii) B marked between t 6.0 s and t = 7.0 s B1
(iii) C marked on clearly curved section before t = 14 s B1
(b) (i) (a =)∆v / t OR 30 / 1 OR 15 / 0.5 etc. OR triangle on graph / tangent C1
(ignore – sign) 25 m / s2 < a < 35 m / s2 A1
(ii) (F =)ma OR 750 × 30 e.c.f. from (b)(i) C1
2.2 / 2.25 / 2.3 × 104 N e.c.f. from (b)(i) A1
(c) acceleration / rate of change of speed is zero OR speed is constant OR air

resistance / backwards force equal and opposite to driving / forwards force B1
[Total: 8]
Physics O.L
Mechanics 65
6 (a) (i) a = (v – u)÷t OR a = ∆v÷t in any form OR in words in any form

AND with correct numbers substituted B1
(ii) Straight line from origin to point (3.2 s, 32 m / s) B1
(iii) Area under graph OR ½ × 3.2 × 32

OR s = ½ at2 OR ½ × 10 × 3.22 C1
51 m A1
(b) (i) Air resistance increases B1
(ii) Graph line Y under graph line X B1

Graph has decreasing gradient B1
Graph extends to value of t greater than 3.5 s and greater than X B1
[Total: 8]
7 (a) dots farther apart (in 2nd time interval) owtte B1
(b) (i) (average speed =) d ÷ t, in any form, e.g. words, symbols, numbers C1
0.095 m / s A1
(ii) (average speed =) 0.29 m / s B1
(c) (a =) (v – u) ÷ t C1
= (candidate’s (b)(ii) – candidate’s (b)(i)) ÷ 0.02 C1
correct value calculated from candidate’s values in (b)(i)(ii), expect 9.5 m / s2 A1
8 (a) (i) horizontal line at 10 m / s B1
(ii) straight line from origin to (5.0, 25) B1
(b) (i) 50 m B1
(ii) area of triangle OR ½ × 25 × 5.0 C1
62.5 m OR 63 m A1
(iii) when areas under graphs are equal C1

4.0 s A1
[Total: 7]
Physics O.L
9(a) accelerate / speed up } any B2

}
decelerate / slow down / } two
come to rest / stop } from
change direction / path curves } four
Physics O.L
(b)(i) a = (v–u)/ t in any form or (v–u) / t C1

{(60 – 0) / 16 or 60 / 16 = } 3.8 m / s2 A1
Paper 4 - Variant 2&3

(b)(ii) (average speed) = (tot) dist / (tot) time C1
(100 / 1.85 = ) 54 m / s A1
(b)(iii) to reduce (air) resistance / drag OR B1
to lower centre of mass
to increase acceleration / speed / resultant force OR smaller (frontal) area / better aero(dynamic) shape OR to improve B1
stability / balance
Total: 8
10(a)(i) Constant positive or negative gradient, labelled A B1
(a)(ii) Decreasing positive or negative gradient, labelled B B1
(b)(i) Constant positive or negative gradient, labelled S B1
(b)(ii) Increasing positive or negative gradient, labelled T B1
(c) F = ma in any form OR (a =) F / m OR 56 000 / 16 000 C1
3.5 (m / s2) C1
Mechanics
a = (v – u) / t in any form OR v – u = at OR v = at OR at OR 3.5 × 16 C1
Dr. Mostafa Allam

56 m / s A1
Total: 8
66
11(a)(i) 1 straight line from (0,0) to (10,50) 1
2 gradient/slope 1
(a)(ii) a= ∆v ÷ ∆t in any form OR (a=) ∆v ÷ ∆t 1

OR (a =) (9–5) ÷ 10 OR 4 ÷ 10
Physics O.L
(a =) 0.40 m / s2 1
(b)(i) straight line down from any point on y-axis to any speed at 100 s 1

from (0,50) to (100,15) 1
(b)(ii) uses area under graph OR av speed × time 1

OR s=ut + ½ at2 OR v2=u2 + 2as
100 × (50 + 15) ÷ 2 OR 100 × 15 + ½ (100 × 35) 1

OR 5000 – ½ × 0.35 × 1002
3300 m 1
12(a) tangent on graph OR gradient OR (a =) ∆v ÷ ∆t or (v – u) ÷ t C1
accept gradient increases; not gradient decreases C1
values from tangent or line 13 to 14 m / s2 A1
(b)(i) gradient changes OR graph is curved B1
(b)(ii) mass of space rocket decreases OR gravitational field strength decreases B1

Mechanics
(c) area under graph OR (distance =) average speed × time C1
Dr. Mostafa Allam

4550 × 100 OR (4100 + 5000) ÷ 2 × 100 C1
4.5/4.55/4.6 × 105 m A1
67
Mechanics 68
13(a) P marked on line between t = 0 s and t = 30 s B1
(b)(i) ( v =) gradient or 150 / 30 or appropriate division using other points C1
5.0 m / s A1
(b)(ii) ( v =) x / t or (300 – 150) / (45 – 30) or 150 / 15 C1
10 m / s A1
(c) gradient decreasing B1
smooth transition to horizontal and line not too thick B1
horizontal to (60 s, 400 m) B1
14 (a) (i) (v – u)/t OR v/t OR 8/3 C1

2.7 m/s2 A1
(ii) ma OR 42 × answer from (i) OR 42 × 8/3 C1

110/112 N e.c.f. A1
(iii) (distance in 1st 3 secs =) 12 m OR (dist in last 3 secs =) 88 m C1

use of area of trapezium OR area of “top” triangle C1
7.7 m/s A1
(b) longer time to top speed )

longer total time )
lower top speed )
lower finishing speed ) any 2 B1+B1
specific/all speeds lower (not speed decreases) )
less slope/less acceleration (in first section) )
greater slope/greater deceleration in 2nd section )
[Total: 9]
Physics O.L
Mechanics 69
3. Momentum, Force & Impulse
November Paper 3
1993 1 Question 2
(al Theresa set up an experinent to determine how far a wire stretches when a weight is hung
from it. The arrang!IITlent she sot up is shown in Fig. 2.1.
magnlly!ng glass
wire hek! between blocks or wood
c::>-
pulley
... .
heavy wooden bench
scare
variable
weights
Fig. 2.1
What procedures would Theresa need to use to "find by how much the wire stretched per
newton of weight hung from it?
·--·---·-·---- ----··· .. ···· -- .. -··-·--··············· .. ···-·-·· ·----········ .. ··- .
-····-··--····---·-· ..-··-·--···-·-··-·--····-·--··-·····-··-······-··-·-- .. ----·--······-·-··--
•-•••·---·-·---•u--••••••--•--u .. ••--•••---•-••-•••••••••••••-•-••••-•--••-••-•••••••••-••-•••
-----··--·--·---··----�-------· ------------·
--·---··--··-·-·····-·········-····--·····--····-··-------·---131
(bl F,gur� 2.2 shows the graph of extension against load for a particular spling.
extension/cm
0
load/N 30
Fig. 2.2
Physics O.L
Mechanics 70
A load was suspended by ™' such springs in two different ways, as illustrated in F,os. 2.3(a)
and 2.3lbl. ·
strong support slrong support
1 2
.,, .
20 N
2·
Fig. 2.3(a)
20N
.Fig..2..,lb)
State, with a reason, ths extension of each spring in each case.
(al (bl
. .
spring 1 extension • ... ·--·· ...··--··-- .... ·-· extensJiOn • -·· ..··-·-·---··--
teasOl'l! ..... _ reason: __ .. _
--...-· ..... ·-·-·· ... ··- ..---·····-· --······---·-······--· .. ··- ...·--
spring 2 extension • ..... __ ••..• ·------M···-· extension • -··-·-··-·· .• ·----· ...·--
reason: _ - ·-·-····- reason: -··-······-·····-·-·-·······----
151
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Mechanics 71
June Paper 3
1994 2 Question 1
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Mechanics 72
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Mechanics 73
June Paper 3
1997 3 Question 1
Physics O.L
Mechanics 74
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Mechanics 75
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Mechanics 76
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Mechanics 77
November Paper 3
1997 4 Question 1
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Mechanics 79
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Mechanics 80
(d) Another falling capsule, with Its parachute open and of total mass 1200kg, was
observed whilst ft fell from 800 rh above the Earth until it was stationary on the
ground. The average gravitational field strength over !his distance was 9.7 N/kg.
(I) Calculate the decrease in potential energy during the faff.
(fl) Stale the form of energy that Increases throughout the fall, as the potential
energy decreases •
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(flf) Explain the energy transformation that Is taking place •
............................................................................................................................
.......................................................................................................................�·····
.............................................................................................................................
. .
[SJ
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Mechanics 81
June Paper 3
2003 5 Question 1
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Mechanics 82
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Mechanics 83
June Variant 1
2011 6 Question 1
In a laboratory, an experiment is carried out to measure the acceleration of a trolley on a horizontal

table, when pulled by a horizontal force.
trolley
force
Fig. 1.1
The measurements are repeated for a series of different forces, with the results shown in the table
below.
force / N 4.0 6.0 10.0 14.0
acceleration 0.50 0.85 1.55 2.25

m / s2
(a) On Fig. 1.2, plot these points and draw the best straight line for your points. [2]
16
force / N
12
0
0 0.5 1.0 1.5 2.0 2.5
acceleration
m / s2
Fig. 1.2
Physics O.L
Mechanics 84
(b) The graph shows that below a certain force there is no acceleration.
(i) Find the value of this force. ............................................................................................ [1]
(ii) A force smaller than that in (b)(i) is applied to the stationary trolley. Suggest what happens
to the trolley, if anything.
.......................................................................................................................................[1]
(c) Show that the gradient of your graph is about 5.7.
gradient = ...........................................................[1]
(d) (i) State the equation that links resultant force F, mass m and acceleration a.
[1]
(ii) Use your gradient from (c) to find the mass of the trolley.
mass = ...........................................................[2]
(e) On Fig. 1.3, sketch a speed / time graph for a trolley with constant acceleration.
speed
0
0
time
Fig. 1.3
[1]
[Total: 9]
Physics O.L
Mechanics 85
November Variant 1
2013 7 Question 1
(a) State Hooke’s law.

..........................................................................................................................................
..................................................................................................................................... [1]
Fig. 1.1 shows a graph of the stretching force F acting on a spring against the extension
(b)
x of the spring.
250
200
F /N
150
100
50
0
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80
x / mm
Fig. 1.1
State the features of the graph that show that the spring obeys Hooke’s law.
(i)
..................................................................................................................................
............................................................................................................................. [1]
Calculate k, the force per unit extension of the spring.

(ii)
................................................... [3]
Physics O.L
Mechanics 86
(iii) The limit of proportionality of the spring is reached at an extension of 50 mm.
Continue the graph in Fig. 1.1 to suggest how the spring behaves when the
stretching force is increased to values above 125 N. [1]
(iv) Another spring has a smaller value of k. This spring obeys Hooke’s law for
extensions up to 80 mm.
On the grid of Fig. 1.1, draw a possible line of the variation of F with x for this
spring. [1]
[Total: 7]
Physics O.L
Mechanics 87
Specimen Variant 1
2016 8 Question 3
The engine of an unpowered toy train is rolling at a constant speed on a level track, as shown in
Fig. 3.1. The engine collides with a stationary toy truck, and joins with it.
moving engine
stationary truck
track
Fig. 3.1
Before the collision, the toy engine is travelling at 0.32 m / s. The mass of the engine is 0.50 kg.
(a) Calculate the momentum of the toy engine before the collision.
momentum = [2]
(b) The mass of the truck is 0.30 kg.

Using the principle of conservation of momentum, calculate the speed of the joined engine
and truck immediately after the collision.
speed = [3]
[Total: 5]
Physics O.L
Mechanics 88
June Variant 1
2016 9 Question 2
Fig. 2.1 shows a dummy of mass 70 kg used in a crash test to investigate the safety of a new car.
passenger dummy
barrier compartment
windscreen
Fig. 2.1
The car approaches a solid barrier at 20 m / s. It crashes into the barrier and stops suddenly.
(a) (i) Calculate the momentum of the dummy immediately before the crash.
momentum = ................................................................. [2]
(ii) Determine the impulse that must be applied to the dummy to bring it to rest.
impulse = ................................................................. [1]
Physics O.L
Mechanics 89
(b) In the crash test, the passenger compartment comes to rest in 0.20 s.
Calculate the deceleration of the passenger compartment.
deceleration = ................................................................. [2]
(c) The seat belt and air bag bring the dummy to rest so that it does not hit the windscreen.
2
The dummy has an average deceleration of 80 m / s .
Calculate the average resultant force applied to the dummy, of mass 70 kg.
force = ................................................................. [2]
(d) The deceleration of the dummy is less than the deceleration of the passenger compartment.
Explain why this is of benefit for the safety of a passenger.
...........................................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................................
........................................................................................................................................... [2]
[Total: 9]
Physics O.L
Mechanics 90
June Variant 1
2017 10 Question 2
A footballer kicks a ball vertically upwards. Initially, the ball is stationary.
(a) His boot is in contact with the ball for 0.050 s. The average resultant force on the ball during
this time is 180 N. The ball leaves his foot at 20 m / s.
Calculate
(i) the impulse of the force acting on the ball,
impulse = ...........................................................[2]
(ii) the mass of the ball,
mass = ...........................................................[2]
(iii) the height to which the ball rises. Ignore air resistance.
height = ...........................................................[3]
(b) While the boot is in contact with the ball, the ball is no longer spherical.
State the word used to describe the energy stored in the ball.
...............................................................................................................................................[1]
[Total: 8]
Physics O.L
Mechanics 91
June Variant 1
2017 11 Question 3
Fig. 3.1 shows remote sensing equipment on the surface of a distant planet.
Fig. 3.1
(a) The mass of the equipment is 350 kg. The acceleration of free fall on the surface of this planet
is 7.5 m / s2.
(i) State what is meant by the term weight .
...........................................................................................................................................
.......................................................................................................................................[1]
(ii) Calculate the weight of the equipment on the planet.
weight = ...........................................................[2]
(b) The equipment releases a balloon from a point that is a small distance above the surface
of the planet. The atmosphere at the surface of this planet has a density of 0.35 kg / m3. The
inflated balloon has a mass of 80 g and a volume of 0.30 m3.
Make an appropriate calculation and then predict and explain the direction of any motion of
the balloon. Show your working.
prediction ..................................................................................................................................
explanation ...............................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
[4]
[Total: 7]
Physics O.L
Mechanics 92
June Variant 1
2016 12 Question 2
(a) State what is meant by the principle of conservation of energy.
...................................................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................................[1]
(b) Fig. 3.1 shows a girl throwing a heavy ball.
ball
Fig. 3.1
(i) State the energy changes that take place from when the girl begins to exert a force on
the ball until the ball hits the ground and stops moving.
...........................................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................................
.......................................................................................................................................[2]
(ii) The mass of the ball is 4.0 kg. The girl exerts a force on the ball for 0.60 s. The speed of
the ball increases from 0 m / s to 12 m / s before it leaves the girl’s hand.
Calculate:
1. the momentum of the ball on leaving the girl’s hand
momentum = ...........................................................[2]
2. the average resultant force exerted on the ball.
average resultant force = ...........................................................[2]
[Total: 7]
Physics O.L
Mechanics 93
June Variant 1
2007 13 Question 1
Fig. 1.1 shows a model car moving clockwise around a horizontal circular track.
direction of
movement
P
model circular
car track
Fig. 1.1
(a) A force acts on the car to keep it moving in a circle.
(i) Draw an arrow on Fig. 1.1 to show the direction of this force. [1]
(ii) The speed of the car increases. State what happens to the magnitude of this force.
............................................................................................................................ [1]
(b) (i) The car travels too quickly and leaves the track at P. On Fig. 1.1, draw an arrow to
show the direction of travel after it has left the track. [1]
(ii) In terms of the forces acting on the car, suggest why it left the track at P.
..................................................................................................................................
..................................................................................................................................
............................................................................................................................ [2]
Physics O.L
Mechanics 94
(c) The car, starting from rest, completes one lap of the track in 10 s. Its motion is shown
graphically in Fig. 1.2.
30
25
speed / 20
cm / s
15
10
0
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
time / s
Fig. 1.2
(i) Describe the motion between 3.0 s and 10.0 s after the car has started.
............................................................................................................................ [1]
(ii) Use Fig. 1.2 to calculate the circumference of the track.
circumference = ................................................ [2]
(iii) Calculate the increase in speed per second during the time 0 to 3.0 s.
increase in speed per second = ................................................ [2]
[Total: 10]
Physics O.L
Mechanics 95
November Variant 1
2007 14 Question 1
A large plastic ball is dropped from the top of a tall building.
Fig. 1.1 shows the speed-time graph for the falling ball until it hits the ground.
20
15
speed
m / s 10
0
0 1 2 3 4 5 6
time / s
Fig. 1.1
(a) From the graph estimate,
(i) the time during which the ball is travelling with terminal velocity,
time = ................................................ [1]
(ii) the time during which the ball is accelerating,
time = ................................................ [1]
(iii) the distance fallen while the ball is travelling with terminal velocity,
distance = ................................................ [2]
(iv) the height of the building.
height = ................................................ [2]
Physics O.L
Mechanics 96
(b) Explain, in terms of the forces acting on the ball, why
(i) the acceleration of the ball decreases,
..................................................................................................................................
..................................................................................................................................
..................................................................................................................................
............................................................................................................................ [3]
(ii) the ball reaches terminal velocity.
..................................................................................................................................
............................................................................................................................ [2]
[Total: 11]
Physics O.L
Mechanics 97
Mark Scheme
1 a - I ) Place a mark (or small piece of gummed paper) on the
end of the wire below the magnifying glass and record
its reading on the scale (!3-1)
2) Place a weight of several newtons (W) on the variable
weights and record the new reading of the mark {R.2)
3) The extension of the wire= Ri - R1

I (R -R)
11 11 11 11 11
4) per newton of weight= 1. '
. "N
b - 30 N load produces an extension of 5 cm

20 N " II II II II x
'l()�S
x = = 3.33 cm
1()
Case (a) Case (b)
. 1 Tl . 3.33
Spnng : 1e extension = -- Spring 1 : extension= 3 . 3 3 cm

1.
= 1 . 6 7 cm because it is extended by the
because it is extended by half the whole 20 N load
load only, i.e., a load of 1 0 N Spring 2 : (same value and
produces an extension of l.67cm same reason as above)
Spring 2 : (same value and same
reason as above)
Physics O.L
Mechanics 98
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Mechanics 99
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Mechanics 100
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Mechanics 101
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Mechanics 102
5 (a) (i) force of gravity acts on masses/weight of masses B1

(ii) vector has direction/force has direction B1 2
(b) (i) spring 1 (more difficult) M1

any correct relevant pair of values A1
(ii) P marked at extension 25 mm to 28 mm A1
explanation in terms of end of proportionality B1
(iii) each graph read at 15 N, approx. 25 mm, 19 mm C1
difference correct, 6 mm +/- 1 mm A1 6
[8]
Physics O.L
Mechanics 103
6 (a) all points correctly plotted ±½ small square B1

straight line of best fit for candidate’s points B1
(b) (i) candidate’s correct value with unit (± 0.2), (expect 1.2 N) B1
(ii) remains stationary / nothing happens / no acceleration NOT constant speed B1
(c) Correct data from candidates graph for ∆F and ∆m, used in ∆F/∆m B1
(d) (i) F = ma in any form, letters, words B1
(ii) gradient = F/a OR gradient = m ignore m=F/a C1

candidate’s (c) with correct unit A1
(e) straight line of positive gradient B1 [9]
7 (a) extension (of spring) proportional to load / force (applied)

OR load / force (applied) proportional to extension
OR force = constant × extension
OR extension = constant × force
OR F = kx in any form with symbols explained B1
(b) (i) graph is through the origin AND is a straight line / has a constant gradient B1
(ii) F = kx in any form OR (k =) F/x C1
use of a point anywhere on graph e.g. 50 / 20 C1
2.5 N / mm OR 2500 N / m A1
(iii) from 50 mm extension, graph curves with no negative gradient B1
(iv) straight line through origin with smaller gradient than graph shown finishing
at more than 50 mm B1
[Total: 7]
Physics O.L
Mechanics 104
8 (a) p = mv in any form, words or symbols [1]

0.16 kg m / s OR N s [1]
(b) use of principle of conservation of momentum in words, symbols or numbers [1]

use of combined mass 0.5(0) + 0.3(0) OR 0.8(0) (kg) [1]
0.2(0) m / s [1]
9(a)(i) (momentum =) mv OR 70 × 20 C1
= 1400 kg m / s OR N s A1
9(a)(ii) same numerical answer as (a)(i) with either unit OR 1400 kg m / s B1
9(b) (a = ) change of velocity / time OR (v – u) /t OR 20 / 0.2 C1
A1
100 m / s2
9(c) (F =) ma OR 70 × 80 C1
5600 N A1
9(d) Force / impact on passenger or dummy less (than without seat belt / airbag) M1
Passenger less likely to be injured / hurt / damaged A1
Total: 9
Physics O.L
Physics O.L
10(a)(i) Ft OR 180 × 0.050 C1
Paper 4 - Variant 1
9.0 Ns OR 9.0 kg m / s A1
(a)(ii) Ft = m(v – u) OR Ft = mv – mu OR Ft = mv C1
OR (m =) Ft / v OR 9.0 / 20
0.45 kg A1
(a)(iii) mgh = ½ mv2 OR (h =) v2/ 2 g C1
(h =) 202 / (2 × 10) C1
20 m A1
OR (C1)
t = v / g = 2
h = average speed × time (C1)
20 m (A1)
(b) Elastic (energy) OR strain (energy) B1
Total: 8
Mechanics
Dr. Mostafa Allam

105
Physics O.L
11(a)(i) (Weight is) force/pull of gravity (acting on an object) B1
Paper 4 - Variant 1
(a)(ii) Mass × acceleration due to gravity OR mg OR 350 × 7.5 C1
2600 N A1
(b) (ρ =) m / V in any form C1
0.27 (kg / m3) OR 270 (g / m3) A1
Balloon moves/floats up B1
(Floats when) density of balloon less than density of atmosphere B1

OR (sinks when) density of balloon greater than atmosphere
OR (ρ =) m / V in any form (C1)
110 g (A1)
Balloon rises (B1)
(Floats when) mass/weight of balloon less than mass/weight of atmosphere (of same volume as balloon) (B1)
(Sinks when) mass/weight of balloon greater than mass/weight of atmosphere (of same volume as balloon)
Total: 7
Mechanics
Dr. Mostafa Allam

106
Physics O.L
Paper 4 - Variant 1
12(a) Energy cannot be created or destroyed B1
OR energy can only be transferred from one form to another

OR total energy remains constant
(b)(i) Chemical (energy) to kinetic (energy) AND / OR potential (energy) B1
Any one of: B1

Kinetic (energy) to potential (energy) OR gravitational (energy)
Potential (energy) OR gravitational (energy) to kinetic (energy)
Kinetic (energy) to thermal (energy) OR heat (energy)
(b)(ii)1 (momentum =) mv OR 4.0 × 12 C1
48 kg m / s or N s A1
(b)(ii)2 (average force =) momentum change / time OR m(v – u) / t C1

OR (mv – mu) / t OR F = ma AND a = (v – u) / t OR 48 / 0.60
80 N A1
Mechanics
Dr. Mostafa Allam

107
Mechanics 108
13 (a) (i) straight arrow towards centre, by eye B1 [1]
(ii) force larger B1 [1]
(b) (i) straight arrow along tangent at P clockwise, by eye B1 [1]
(ii) friction between tyres and track provide centripetal force B1
friction too small (to provide required force) B1 [2]
(c) (i) constant speed/velocity OR uniform motion OR no acceln. B1 [1]

NOT constant motion
(ii) (3 × 25)/2 + (7 × 25) OR area under graph C1
212.5 cm any no s.f. ğ 2 A1 [2]
(iii) 25/3 or increase in speed/time C1
8.33 cm/s any no s.f. ğ 2 OR 8⅓ cm/s accept cm/s2 A1 [2]
[Total: 10]
14 (a) (i) 1.6s to 1.8s ALLOW 4.2 – 6s ALLOW 4.4 – 6s NOT 2s NOT 4.0 – 6s B1
(ii) 6 – his (i), evaluated ALLOW 0 – 4.2s ALLOW 0 – 4.4s NOT 0 – 4s e.c.f. B1
(iii) his (i) × 20 C1

32 – 36m or his (i) × 20 evaluated
allow B1 only for 40m with no working A1
(iv) area under whole graph or ½vt + his(iii) C1

70 – 95m A1
(b) (i) weight of ball down and (air) resistance up

OR friction opposes weight )
upward/resistance/friction force increases
with time/distance/speed/as ball falls ) any 3 B1×3
net force reduces )
less force, so less acceleration )
(ii) up force = down force OR no resultant force OR air res. = weight B1

no net force, no acceleration/constant speed B1
[Total: 11]
Physics O.L
Mechanics 109
November Variant 3
2011 1 Question 1
An astronaut has a mass of 65 kg on Earth, where the gravitational field strength is 10 N / kg.
(a) Calculate the astronaut’s weight on Earth.
weight on Earth = ............................................................[2]
(b) Complete the following sentence.
The astronaut’s weight on Earth is the ................................................................... force
between the astronaut and ................................................................... . [1]
(c) The astronaut undertakes a Moon landing. On the Moon the gravitational field strength
is 1.6 N / kg.
(i) State the astronaut’s mass on the Moon.
mass = ...............................................................
(ii) Calculate the weight of the astronaut on the Moon.
weight on Moon = ...............................................................

[2]
[Total: 5]
Physics O.L
Mechanics 110
November Variant 3
2013 2 Question 2
A spring S is suspended from a clamp stand in a school laboratory.
A student hangs various masses from the end of S and determines the extension x produced
by each mass.
(a) Calculate the weight of a 250 g mass.
weight = ................................................. [2]
(b) The student plots a graph of the force F applied to the spring against the extension x.
Fig. 2.1 is the student’s graph.
6.0
5.0
F /N P
4.0
3.0
2.0
1.0
0
0 2 4 6 8 10 12
x / cm
Fig. 2.1
At point P on the graph, the line begins to curve.
(i) State the name given to point P.

..................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................. [1]
Use the section of the graph where spring S obeys Hooke’s law (F = kx) to
(ii) determine the spring constant k of the spring.
k = ................................................. [2]
Physics O.L
Mechanics 111
(c) Fig. 2.2 shows a mass of 0.12 kg resting on the bottom of a box.
box mass spring
Fig. 2.2
A spring that is identical to S connects the mass and one side of the box. Ignore friction
between the mass and the box.
(i) The box and the mass are at rest.
State the resultant force acting on the mass.
force = ................................................. [1]
(ii) The box is firmly attached, in a horizontal position, to the body of a racing car.
As the car accelerates the spring stretches by 2.0 cm.
1. Using Fig. 2.1, determine the tension in the spring.
tension = ................................................. [1]
2. Calculate the acceleration of the mass produced by this tension.
acceleration = ................................................. [2]
[Total: 9]
Physics O.L
Mechanics 112
November Variant 2
2014 3 Question 3
Fig. 3.1 shows the speed- time graph of a firework rocket as it rises and then falls to the ground.
rocket
moving
upwards
speed
E
0
0 B time
rocket
moving C D
downwards
Fig. 3.1
The rocket runs out of fuel at A. It reaches its maximum height at B. At E it returns to the ground.
(a) (i) State the gradient of the graph at B. gradient = ............................................... [1]
(ii) State why the gradient has this value at B.

...........................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................... [1]
(b) State and explain the relationship between the shaded areas above and below the time axis.
...................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................. [3]
(c) Another rocket, of the same size and mass, opens a parachute at point B.
On Fig. 3.1, sketch a possible graph of its speed from B until it reaches the ground. [3]
[Total: 8]
Physics O.L
Mechanics 113
March Variant 2
2016 4 Question 2
Fig. 2.1 shows a hammer being used to drive a nail into a piece of wood.
hammer head
nail
wood
Fig. 2.1
The mass of the hammer head is 0.15 kg.

The speed of the hammer head when it hits the nail is 8.0 m / s.
The time for which the hammer head is in contact with the nail is 0.0015 s.
The hammer head stops after hitting the nail.
(a) Calculate the change in momentum of the hammer head.
change in momentum = ...........................................................[2]
(b) State the impulse given to the nail.
impulse = ...........................................................[1]
(c) Calculate the average force between the hammer and the nail.
average force = ...........................................................[2]
[Total: 5]
Physics O.L
Mechanics 114
June Variant 2
2016 5 Question 2
Fig. 2.1 shows two railway trucks on a track.
5.0 m / s
buffer truck B truck A

5000 kg 6000 kg track
Fig. 2.1
Truck A of mass 6000 kg is moving at 5.0 m / s. It is approaching truck B of mass 5000 kg, which is
stationary.
(a) Calculate the momentum of truck A.
momentum = ................................................................. [2]
(b) The trucks collide, their buffers compress and then they bounce off each other, remaining
undamaged.
After the collision, truck B has a momentum of 27 000 kg m / s.
(i) Determine the impulse applied to truck B.
impulse = ................................................................. [2]
(ii) The trucks are in contact for 0.60 s.
Calculate the average force on truck B.
force = ................................................................. [2]
Physics O.L
Mechanics 115
(iii) Calculate the final speed of truck A.
speed = ................................................................. [3]
[Total: 9]
Physics O.L
Mechanics 116
June Variant 3
2016 6 Question 2
Fig. 2.1 shows two cars, A and B, before they collide.
18 m / s
stationary
car B car A
Fig. 2.1
Car B, of mass 1200 kg, is stationary. Car A, of mass 2000 kg, is travelling towards car B at 18 m / s.
(a) Calculate the momentum of car A.
momentum = ................................................................. [2]
The cars collide and car B experiences an impulse. Car A continues to move in the same
direction, with a momentum of 21 000 kg m / s.
(b) (i) Calculate the momentum of car B immediately after the collision.
momentum = ................................................................. [1]
(ii) Determine the average impulse experienced by car B during the collision.
impulse = ................................................................. [1]
Physics O.L
Mechanics 117
(iii) The cars are in contact for 0.20 s.
Calculate the average resultant force experienced by car B during the collision.
force = ................................................................. [2]
(c) A modern car is designed so that, during a collision, the front section of the car is crushed and
the time of contact increases.
Explain the benefit of increasing the time of contact for the people in the car.
...........................................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................................
........................................................................................................................................... [2]
[Total: 8]
Physics O.L
Mechanics 118
November Variant 2
2016 7 Question 2
(a) (i) State an expression for the kinetic energy of an object of mass m that is moving with a
speed v.
...................................................................................................................................... [1]
(ii) State and explain whether kinetic energy is a scalar quantity or a vector quantity.
...................................................................................................................................... [1]
(b) Fig. 2.1 shows two fairground “bumper” cars.
stationary moving
empty car car
50 kg 2.5 m / s 200 kg
springs
Fig. 2.1
The car with passengers, of total mass 200 kg, is moving in a straight line. It is travelling at
2.5 m / s when it hits a stationary empty car of mass 50 kg.

After the collision, the empty car moves forwards in the same direction at a speed of 4.0 m / s.
For the car with passengers, determine
(i) its momentum when it is travelling at 2.5 m / s,
momentum = .......................................................... [2]
(ii) the speed and direction of its motion immediately after the collision.
speed = ...............................................................
direction: ...............................................................
[3]
Physics O.L
Mechanics 119
(iii) Fixed to the front and the back of the cars are large springs.
When the cars collide the springs compress.
The total kinetic energy of the cars after the collision is equal to the total kinetic energy
before the collision.
Describe the energy transfers that occur as the cars collide and then separate.
...........................................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................... [2]
[Total: 9]
Physics O.L
Mechanics 120
March Variant 2
2017 8 Question 2
(a) Explain why momentum is a vector quantity.
...............................................................................................................................................[1]
(b) The crumple zone at the front of a car is designed to collapse during a collision.
concrete wall
crumple
zone
Fig. 2.1
In a laboratory test, a car of mass 1200 kg is driven into a concrete wall, as shown in Fig. 2.1.
A video recording of the test shows that the car is brought to rest in 0.36 s when it collides
with the wall. The speed of the car before the collision is 7.5 m / s.
Calculate
(i) the change of momentum of the car,
change of momentum = ...........................................................[2]
(ii) the average force acting on the car.
average force = ...........................................................[2]
Physics O.L
Mechanics 121
(c) A different car has a mass of 1500 kg. It collides with the same wall and all of the energy
transferred during the collision is absorbed by the crumple zone.
(i) The energy absorbed by the crumple zone is 4.3 × 105 J. Show that the speed of the car
before the collision is 24 m / s.
[2]
(ii) Suggest what would happen to the car if it is travelling faster than 24 m / s when it hits
the wall.
...........................................................................................................................................
.......................................................................................................................................[1]
[Total: 8]
Physics O.L
Mechanics 122
June Variant 2
2017 9 Question 3
(a) Underline the pair of quantities which must be multiplied together to calculate impulse.
force and mass force and velocity mass and time
time and velocity weight and velocity force and time [1]
(b) Fig. 3.1 shows a collision between two blocks A and B on a smooth, horizontal surface.
A B A B
3.0 m / s v
2.4 kg 1.2 kg
before collision after collision

Fig. 3.1
Before the collision, block A, of mass 2.4 kg, is moving at 3.0 m / s. Block B, of mass 1.2 kg, is
at rest.
After the collision, blocks A and B stick together and move with velocity v.
Calculate
(i)
the momentum of block A before the collision,
1.
...........................................................[2]
momentum =
the velocity v,
2.
...........................................................[2]
velocity =
the impulse experienced by block B during the collision.
3.
...........................................................[2]
impulse =
Suggest why the total kinetic energy of blocks A and B after the collision is less than the
kinetic energy of block A before the collision.
(ii)
...........................................................................................................................................
.......................................................................................................................................[1]
[Total: 8]
Physics O.L
Mechanics 123
June Variant 3
2017 10 Question 2
(a) State the word equation that defines momentum.
...............................................................................................................................................[1]
(b) A metal block A, travelling in a straight line at 4.0 m / s on a smooth surface, collides with a
second metal block B which is at rest. Fig. 2.1 shows the two metal blocks A and B before
and after the collision.
3.2 kg 1.6 kg
4.0 m / s at rest
before collision A B
1.5 m / s v
after collision A B
Fig. 2.1
The mass of A is 3.2 kg. The mass of B is 1.6 kg.

After the collision, the velocity of A is 1.5 m / s.
Calculate
(i) the momentum of A before the collision,
momentum = ...........................................................[2]
(ii) the velocity v of B after the collision.
v = ...........................................................[3]
Physics O.L
Mechanics 124
(c) In the collision that occurred in (b), block A and block B are in contact for 0.050 s.
Calculate the average force that is exerted on B during the collision.
average force = ...........................................................[2]
(d) After the collision in (b), the total kinetic energy of the two blocks is less than the kinetic
energy of block A before the collision.
Suggest one reason for this.
...................................................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................................[1]
[Total: 9]
Physics O.L
Mechanics 125
November Variant 3
2018 11 Question 2
(a) Complete Fig. 2.1 by writing in the right-hand column the name of the quantity given by the
product in the left-hand column.
product quantity
mass × acceleration
force × time
[2]
Fig. 2.1
(b) Fig. 2.2 shows a man hitting a ball with a golf club.
golf club ball
Fig. 2.2
The ball has a mass of 0.046 kg. The golf club is in contact with the ball for 5.0 × 10–4 s and
the ball leaves the golf club at a speed of 65 m / s.
(i) Calculate:
the momentum of the ball as it leaves the golf club
1.
momentum = ...........................................................[2]
2. the average resultant force acting on the ball while it is in contact with the golf club.
average force = ...........................................................[2]
(ii) While the golf club is in contact with the ball, the ball becomes compressed and changes
shape.
State the type of energy stored in the ball during its contact with the golf club.
.......................................................................................................................................[1]
[Total: 7]
Physics O.L
Mechanics 126
November Variant 2
2009 12 Question 3
A student investigated the stretching of a spring by hanging various weights from it and
measuring the corresponding extensions. The results are shown below.
weight / N 0 1 2 3 4 5
extension / mm 0 21 40 51 82 103
(a) On Fig. 3.1, plot the points from these results. Do not draw a line through the points yet.
[2]
120
100
extension / mm
80
60
40
20
0
0 1 2 3 4 5
weight / N
Fig. 3.1
Physics O.L
Mechanics 127
(b) The student appears to have made an error in recording one of the results.
Which result is this?
.................................................................................................................................... [1]
(c) Ignoring the incorrect result, draw the best straight line through the remaining points.
[1]
(d) State and explain whether this spring is obeying Hooke’s Law.
..........................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................
.................................................................................................................................... [2]
(e) Describe how the graph might be shaped if the student continued to add several more
weights to the spring.
..........................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................
.................................................................................................................................... [1]
(f) The student estimates that if he hangs a 45 N load on the spring, the extension will be
920 mm.
Explain why this estimate may be unrealistic.
..........................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................
.................................................................................................................................... [1]
[Total: 8]
Physics O.L
Mechanics 128
November Variant 2
2009 13 Question 4
Fig. 4.1 illustrates an object on a string being whirled anticlockwise in a vertical circle.
A string
ground
Fig. 4.1
The lowest point of the circle is a small distance above the ground. The diagram shows the
object at the top A of the circle, and at B, when it is at the same height as the centre of the
circle.
(a) On Fig. 4.1, mark clearly
(i) the force of the string on the object
1. at A,
2. at B. [2]
(ii) the path the object would take until it hit the ground, if the string broke
1. at A,
2. at B. [3]
(b) The mass of the object is 0.05 kg. At A, the tension in the string is 3.6 N.
(i) Calculate the weight of the object.
weight = ................................................ [1]
(ii) Calculate the total force on the object at A.
total force = ................................................ [2]
[Total: 8]
Physics O.L
Mechanics 129
June Variant 2
2010 14 Question 2
Four students, A, B, C and D, each have a spring. They measure the lengths of their springs
when the springs are stretched by different loads.
Their results are shown in Fig. 2.1.
student A student B student C student D
load / N spring l ength / cm spring length / cm spring length / cm spring length / cm
0.5 6.7 9.2 9.1 10.0
1.0 7.7 10.0 9.9 11.1
1.5 8.7 10.8 10.7 12.2
2.0 9.7 11.6 11.5 13.3
2.5 10.7 12.6 12.3 14.4
3.0 11.7 13.8 13.1 15.5
3.5 12.7 15.2 13.9 16.6
4.0 13.7 16.8 14.7 17.7
Fig. 2.1
(a) (i) State which student had loaded the spring beyond the limit of proportionality.
............................................................................................................................ [1]
(ii) Explain how you obtained your answer to (a)(i).
..................................................................................................................................
............................................................................................................................ [2]
(b) For the spring used by student A, calculate
(i) the extra extension caused by each additional 0.5 N,
extra extension = ................................................ [1]
(ii) the unloaded length of the spring.
unloaded length = ................................................ [1]
Physics O.L
Mechanics 130
(c) Student A obtains a second spring that is identical to his first spring. He hangs the two
springs side by side, as shown in Fig. 2.2.
identical
springs
load
Fig. 2.2
Use the table to calculate the length of each of the springs when a load of 2.5 N is hung
as shown in Fig. 2.2. Show your working.
length = ................................................. [2]
[Total: 7]
Physics O.L
Mechanics 131
Mark Scheme
1 (a) mg in any form C1
650 N A1
(b) gravitational / attractive and the Earth B1
(c) (i) 65 kg B1
(ii) 104 OR 100 N ecf (i) B1 [5]
2 (a) (
W =) mg or 0.25 × 10 or 250 × 10 or 2500 C1
2.5 N A1 [2]
(b) (i) limit of proportionality or (the point where) proportionality between force and
extension stops or Hooke’s Law no longer obeyed (condone elastic limit) B1 [1]
(ii) gradient or numbers from graph divided e.g. 4.5 ÷ 10 C1

0.45 N / cm or 45 N / m A1 [2]
(c) (i) 0 (N) or zero or no net force etc. (ignore absent unit; wrong unit loses mark) B1 [1]
(ii) 1. 0.9 N (accept 0.8 N < value < 1.0 N) B1 [1]

2. (a =) F/m or 0.90/0.12 (e.c.f. from 2(c)(i)) C1
7.5 m / s2 (e.c.f. from 2(c)(i)) A1 [2]
[Total: 9]
3 (a) (i) 10 m / s2 ignore sign B1
(ii) (same as) acceleration (of rocket at B) OR gravitational acceleration B1
(b) same area B1

area represents distance travelled B1
distance up = distance down

OR overall displacement = 0
OR area above = distance up AND area below = distance below B1
(c) any three from:

• all of graph below x-axis after B
• final section horizontal and above CD AND gradient always < 0
• continuous graph from B until time > at DE
• new area not clearly different from old B3
[Total:
Physics O.L
Mechanics 132
4 (a) mv – mu OR m(v – u) OR mv OR 0.15 × 8.0 C1
1.2 N s or kg m / s A1
(b) 1.2 N s or kg m / s B1
(c) F = (mv – mu) / t OR F = mv / t OR impulse / t OR 1.2 / 0.0015 C1

800 N A1
OR
(F =) ma OR m[(v – u) / t] OR 0.15 × 8 / 0.0015 (C1)
800 N (A1)
[Total: 5]
5(a) momentum = mv C1
(=) 30 000 kg m / s OR N s A1
(b)(i) impulse same as momentum change C1

27 000 kg m / s OR N s A1
(b)(ii) F= impulse(mom ch) / t in any form C1

OR impulse(mom ch) / t
(F=27 000 / 0.6 = ) 45 000 N A1
(b)(iii) momentum loss truck A same as C1

momentum gain truck B / impulse
(final mom truck A=) C1
candidate’s (a) – candidate’s (b)(i)
(v= 3000/6000 =) 0.50 m/s A1
Total: 9
6(a) (p = )mv or 2000 × 18 C1

36 000 kg m / s (or N s) A1
(b)(i) 15 000 kg m / s (or N s) B1
(b)(ii) 15 000 kg m / s (or N s) (e.c.f.(i)) B1
(b)(iii) ( F =)p ÷ t or mv ÷ t or 15 000 ÷ 0.20 (e.c.f.(i)/(ii)) C1
75 000 N A1
(c) (increased time causes) decreased rate of: B1
change of momentum / acceleration / deceleration / impulse ÷ time
smaller forces on people / less injury B1
Physics O.L
Mechanics 133
7(a)(i) (K.E. =) ½ mv2 B1
(a)(ii) scalar AND direction does not matter B1
(b)(i) p = mv in any form OR mv C1

(p= 200 × 2.5 =) 500 kg m / s A1
(b)(ii) 500 – (50 × 4.0) or 500 – 200 C1
(v= 300 / 200 = ) 1.5 m / s A1
(in) same direction (as original motion) B1
(b)(iii) (during collision kinetic energy transferred to) elastic / strain energy M1
(elastic) energy transferred to kinetic energy or returned to car(s) A1
8(a) (Momentum) has direction B1

OR Momentum depends on velocity and velocity is a vector
(b)(i) (Change of momentum =) mv – mu OR m ∆v OR (-) mu C1

OR (–)1200 × 7.5
(–) 9000 kg m / s or N s A1
(b)(ii) (F =) change of momentum / time OR m(v – u) / t OR m∆v / t OR 9000 / 0.36 C1
25 000 N A1
OR
a = (v – u) / t OR (0 – 7.5) / 0.36 OR (–) 20.8 m / s2 (C1)
F = (ma OR 200 × 20.8 =) 25 000 N (A1)
(c)(i) ½ m v2 = 4.3 × 105 C1
v2 = 2 × 4.3 × 105 / 1500 OR v = (2 × 4.3 × 105 / 1500)1/2 C1
24 m / s A0
(c)(ii) Other parts of the car will deform / bend / break etc. OR more damage B1
Total: 8
Physics O.L
Physics O.L
9(a) ‘force and time’ B1


(b)(i)1. (momentum =) mv C1
(momentum = 2.4 × 3 =) 7.2 kg m / s OR Ns A1
(b)(i)2. (mA + mB)v = mA x 3 OR momentum conserved C1
(v = 7.2 / 3.6 = ) 2.0 m / s A1
(b)(i)3. (impulse / Ft =) m(v – u) C1
(impulse / Ft = 1.2 × (2–0) =) 2.4 kg m / s OR N s A1
(b)(ii) thermal/sound energy B1

(produced at collision/lost)
Total: 8
Mechanics
Dr. Mostafa Allam

134
10(a) (momentum =)mass × velocity B1
(b)(i) (p = )3.2 × 4.0 C1
13 kg m / s A1
(b)(ii) momentum conserved C1
Physics O.L
12.8 – (3.2 × 1.5) OR 12.8 – 4.8 OR 8.0 C1
OR 8.0 ÷ 1.6
5.0 m / s A1

(c) ∆p C1
(F = ) or 8.0 ÷ 0.050
∆t
160 N A1
(d) internal energy (of blocks) increase OR thermal energy/sound energy (lost/produced at collision) B1
Total: 9
11(a) 1st box: force B1
2nd box: impulse B1
(b)(i) 1 (p =) mv or 0.046 × 65 C1
3.0 kg m / s or 3.0 N s A1
C1
2 (F =) m(v – u) / t or or a = (v – u) / t and F = ma or
3.0 / 0.00050 0.046 × 65 / 0.00050 or
Mechanics
0.046 × 130 000
A1
Dr. Mostafa Allam

6000 N or 6000 N
(b)(ii) elastic (energy) or strain (energy) B1

135
Mechanics 136
12 (a) 5 points correctly plotted ±½ small square –1 e.e.o.o. (ignore 0,0) B2

(b) 3 N one, however identified OR 3rd value OR 4th value B1
(c) good straight line through origin and candidate’s remaining points B1
(d) straight line / constant gradient M1

does obey Hooke’s Law A1
OR
special case: obeys Hooke’s law because force ú extension or wtte B1
(e) graph becomes non-linear / curves / bends B1
Ignore reference to direction of curve or bend.
(f) will have exceeded / reached proportional / elastic limit

OR permanently deformed or equiv OR staightened
OR will have broken OR no longer elastic or wtte B1
[8]
13 (a) (i)1. force marked towards centre B1

2. force marked towards centre B1
(ii) 1. clearly horizontal at start to left or right M1

horizontal to the left curving down to reach ground to left of A B1
2. vertically down, not necessarily to reach ground B1
(b) Allow use of g = 9.81 or 9.8 throughout
(i) 0.5 N B1
(ii) 4.1 N or 3.1 N e.c.f. from (i) C1

4.1 N e.c.f. from (i) A1
[8]
14 (a) Mark (i) and (ii) together. Note both M1s required to score the A1 mark
(i) B M1
(ii) idea of greater / different (NOT less) increase in length for each additional load
accept load not proportional to extension or reverse argument M1
at 4th or 5th reading / value between 2.0 – 2.5 N / 11.6 – 12.6 cm A1
(b) (i) 1.0 cm B1
(ii) 5.7 cm B1
(c) 2.5 (cm) OR 1.25 (N) OR 5.0(cm) ignore 2.5N e.c.f. from (b) if clear C1
8.2 cm e.c.f. from (b) if clear A1
e.g. 10.7/2 (= 5.35) scores 0/2 [7]
Physics O.L
Mechanics 137
4. Adding Vectors
November Paper 3
1994 1 Question 1
Physics O.L
Mechanics 138
4. Adding Vectors
Physics O.L
Mechanics 139
4. Adding Vectors
Physics O.L
Mechanics 140
4. Adding Vectors
June Paper 3
1998 2 Question 1
Physics O.L
Mechanics 141
4. Adding Vectors
Physics O.L
Mechanics 142
4. Adding Vectors
Physics O.L
Mechanics 143
4. Adding Vectors
Physics O.L
Mechanics 144
4. Adding Vectors
June Paper 3
2003 3 Question 3
Physics O.L
Mechanics 145
4. Adding Vectors
November Variant 1
2012 4 Question 2
(a) State the factors which completely describe a vector quantity.
..........................................................................................................................................
.................................................................................................................................... [1]
(b) An aeroplane is flying towards the east in still air at 92 m / s. A wind starts to blow at
24 m / s towards the north.
Draw a vector diagram to find the resultant velocity of the aeroplane. Use a scale of
1.0 cm = 10 m / s.
resultant speed = ......................................................
angle between resultant and easterly direction = ......................................................

[5]
[Total: 6]
Physics O.L
Mechanics 146
4. Adding Vectors
June Variant 1
2014 5 Question 4
Fig. 4.1 shows a heavy ball B of weight W suspended from a fixed beam by two ropes P and Q.
beam
P Q
30 N 30 N
45° 45°
B
Fig. 4.1
P and Q are both at an angle of 45° to the horizontal. The tensions in P and Q are each 30 N.
(a) In the space below, draw a scale diagram to find the resultant of the tensions in P and Q. Use
a scale of 1.0 cm to represent 5.0 N. Label the forces and show their directions with arrows.
resultant = ............................................... [4]
(b) State the direction of the resultant. ...................................................................................... [1]
(c) State the magnitude of W. magnitude of W = ............................................... [1]
[Total: 6]
Physics O.L
Mechanics 147
4. Adding Vectors
November Variant 1
2015 6 Question 2
(a) (i) Mass is a scalar quantity.

State another scalar quantity.
...........................................................................................................................................
(ii) Force is a vector quantity.
State another vector quantity.
...........................................................................................................................................
[2]
(b) A boat is floating on still water.
The mass of the boat is 290 000 kg. A resultant force of 50 kN acts on the boat.
Calculate the acceleration of the boat.
acceleration = ...........................................................[3]
(c) Fig. 2.1, not to scale, shows the view from above of the boat, now on a fast-flowing river. The
boat accelerates.
Two forces are shown acting on the boat. The resultant of these forces is at right angles to the
river banks.
river bank
direction of
force from
engine
direction of
river current
direction of boat
force on boat
from river
current
river bank
Physics O.L
Mechanics 148
4. Adding Vectors
Fig. 2.2 is an incomplete vector diagram of the forces acting on the boat.
resultant force
force from river current
Fig. 2.2
The force from the river current is 80 kN.
(i) Determine the scale that has been used in the vector diagram.
scale is ...............................................................
(ii) On Fig. 2.2, complete the vector diagram to determine the magnitude and direction of the
force from the engine. Measure the angle between the direction of the current and the
force from the engine.
magnitude of force from engine = ...............................................................
angle = ...............................................................
[4]
[Total: 9]
Physics O.L
Mechanics 149
4. Adding Vectors
November Variant 1
2017 7 Question 2
(a) State Hooke’s Law.
...................................................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................................[1]
(b) For forces up to 120 N, a spring obeys Hooke’s Law.
A force of 120 N causes an extension of 64 mm.
(i) On Fig. 2.1, draw the force-extension graph for the spring for loads up to 120 N. [1]
150
force / N
100
50
0
0 20 40 60 80
extension / mm
Fig. 2.1
(ii) Calculate the spring constant k of the spring.
k = ...........................................................[2]
(c) A student makes a spring balance using the spring in (b). The maximum reading of this
balance is 150 N.
The student tests his balance with a known weight of 140 N. He observes that the reading of
the balance is not 140 N.
Suggest and explain why the reading is not 140 N.

...................................................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................................[2]
[Total: 6]
Physics O.L
Mechanics 150
4. Adding Vectors
June Variant 1
2009 8 Question 4
(a) In an accident, a truck goes off the road and into a ditch. Two breakdown vehicles A and
B are used to pull the truck out of the ditch, as shown in Fig. 4.1.
road
45°
A
B breakdown
vehicles
ditch
Fig. 4.1
Physics O.L
Mechanics 151
4. Adding Vectors
At one point in the rescue operation, breakdown vehicle A is exerting a force of 4000 N
and breakdown vehicle B is exerting a force of 2000 N.
(i) Using a scale of 1 cm = 500 N, make a scale drawing to show the resultant force on
the truck.
[4]
(ii) Use your diagram to find the magnitude and direction of the resultant force on the
truck.
magnitude of resultant force = ......................................................
direction of resultant force = ............................... to direction of road [2]
(b) (i) State why the resultant force is an example of a vector quantity.
............................................................................................................................ [1]
(ii) Give an example of a vector quantity that is not a force.
............................................................................................................................ [1]
[Total: 8]
Physics O.L
Mechanics 152
4. Adding Vectors
November Variant 1
2010 9 Question 1
An object of weight W is suspended by two ropes from a beam, as shown in Fig. 1.1.
86.6 N
30°
50.0 N 60°
Fig. 1.1
The tensions in the ropes are 50.0 N and 86.6 N, as shown.
(a) In the space below, draw a scale diagram to find the resultant of the two tensions.
Use a scale of 1.0 cm = 10 N.
Clearly label the resultant. [3]
(b) From your diagram, find the value of the resultant.
resultant = ......................................................... [1]
(c) State the direction in which the resultant is acting.
............................................................................................................................................. [1]
(d) State the value of W. W = ......................................................... [1]
[Total: 6]
Physics O.L
Mechanics 153
4. Adding Vectors
Mark Scheme
Physics O.L
Mechanics 154
4. Adding Vectors
Physics O.L
Mechanics 155
4. Adding Vectors
Physics O.L
Mechanics 156
4. Adding Vectors
3 (a) attempt to use triangle or parallelogram of forces M1

stated scale used A1
950 N and 1220 N in correct relative directions C1
correct resultant drawn in C1
weight = 1785 N [limits 1700 N to 1850 N] A1 5
(b) (i) work = force x distance or 1500 x 3.0 C1

work = 4500 J A1
(ii) power = work/time or 4500/2.5 C1
power = 1800 W A1 4
[9]
Physics O.L
Mechanics 157
4. Adding Vectors
4 (a) Size / magnitude (NOT distance) and direction B1
(b) Vectors towards East and North with arrows correct by eye B1
Complete triangle or rectangle for candidate’s vectors B1
Resultant with correct arrow B1
Resultant 94 to 96 m/s by scale OR 95 m/s by calculation *Unit penalty applies B1
Angle measured 13.5° – 15.5° OR 15° by calculation *Unit penalty applies B1 [6]
5 (a) 2 lines at 90 ° to each other of same length labelled 30 N or 6 cm B1
both lines 6.0 ± 0.2 cm. B1
arrows on the two lines drawn, either head to tail B1

OR a complete square shown with diagonal and arrows on adjacent sides
resultant in range 40–45 N B1
(b) (vertically) upwards B1
(c) same as value in (a), only if answer to (a) is a force

OR 40–45 N B1
[Total: 6]
6 (a) (i) any scalar quantity other than mass B1

(ii) any vector quantity other than force B1
(b) F = ma in any form OR (a =) F / m C1

50 000 / 290 000 OR 50 / 290 C1
a = 0.17 m / s2 A1
(c) (i) 1 cm: 20 000 N / 20 kN B1
(ii) triangle completed B1

230 000 N OR 230 kN in range 220 000 N – 240 000 N / 220 kN – 240 kN B1
by calculation: 110o
OR by measurement: 108o – 112o B1
[Total: 9]
Physics O.L
4. Adding Vectors
Physics O.L
Paper 4 - Variant 1
7(a) Extension of a spring is (directly) proportional to load / force / weight OR F = ke where e is extension B1
(b)(i) Straight line drawn from origin to (64 mm, 120 N) B1
(b)(ii) F = ke in any form OR 120 / 64 OR 120 / 6.4 OR 120 / 0.064 C1
c.a.o. 1.9 N / mm OR 19 N / cm OR 1900 N / m A1
(c) Above 120 N / at 140 N, the spring does not obey Hooke’s law B1
OR the extension is not proportional to the load / weight / force
The elastic limit / limit of proportionality of the spring has been exceeded B1

Mechanics
Dr. Mostafa Allam

158
Mechanics 159
4. Adding Vectors
8 (a) (i) (note: diagram may be drawn in any orientation)

sides correct length, by eye B1
forces drawn at 45°, by eye B1
parallelogram completed B1
correct diagonal drawn / correct resultant if intersecting arcs shown B1
(ii) magnitude: between 5500 N and 5700 B1

direction: between 28° and 32° B1
(b) (i) it has direction (as well as magnitude) B1
(ii) any example which is clearly a vector B1 [8]
9 (a) (parallelogram or triangle may have any orientation)

NOT a copy of Fig. 1.1
two sides at right angles, by eye B1
one side longer than the other B1
diagonal or completion of triangle drawn and labelled “resultant” OR R
Ignore numerical values. Condone arrows in wrong direction B1
(b) 98 N – 102 N B1
(accept value found by calculation)
(c) (vertically) up/opposite to W NOT North B1
(d) his (b) OR correct value calculated B1

ignore mass
[Total: 6]
Physics O.L
Mechanics 160
4. Adding Vectors
November Variant 3
2011 1 Question 3
(a) (i) State the difference between a scalar quantity and a vector quantity.
...........................................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................................
(ii) State one example of a vector quantity.
...........................................................................................................................................
[2]
(b) Fig. 3.1 shows the top of a flagpole.
100 N 60°
Fig. 3.1
The flagpole is held vertical by two ropes. The first of these ropes has a tension in it of 100 N
and is at an angle of 60° to the flagpole. The other rope has a tension T, as shown.
The resultant force is down the pole and of magnitude 200 N.
In the space below, using a scale of 1 cm = 20 N, draw a scale drawing to find the value of the
tension T. Clearly label 100 N, 200 N and T on your drawing.
tension T = ...........................................................[3]
[Total: 5]
Physics O.L
Mechanics 161
4. Adding Vectors
November Variant 2
2012 2 Question 2
Fig. 2.1 is a head-on view of an airliner flying at constant speed in a circular horizontal path.
The centre of the circle is to the left of the diagram.
Fig. 2.1
(a) On Fig. 2.1, draw the resultant force acting on the airliner. Explain your answer.
..........................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................
..................................................................................................................................... [3]
(b) The weight of the airliner is 1.20 × 106 N and there is an aerodynamic lift force of
1.39 × 106 N acting at 30° to the left of the vertical.
By drawing a scale vector diagram, or otherwise, show that the resultant of these two
forces is in the same direction as the resultant force you drew in (a).
(c) The speed is constant as the airliner flies in this circular path.
State and explain what is happening to the velocity.
..........................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................
..................................................................................................................................... [2]
[Total: 8]
Physics O.L
Mechanics 162
4. Adding Vectors
November Variant 2
2013 3 Question 3
(a) (i) State one similarity and one difference between vector and scalar quantities.
similarity ...................................................................................................................
difference .............................................................................................................. [2]
(ii) Give an example of each quantity.
vector quantity ..........................................................................................................
scalar quantity ...................................................................................................... [2]
(b) Fig. 3.1 is an overhead view of two tractors pulling a tree trunk.
tractors
30 000 N
20° tree trunk

20 000 N
Fig. 3.1
The force exerted by each tractor is indicated in the diagram.
In the space below, carefully draw a scale diagram to determine the resultant force on
the tree trunk. State the scale you use.
Write down the magnitude of the resultant force and the angle between the resultant
force and one of the original forces.
magnitude of resultant force = ......................................................
direction of resultant force = ......................................................

[4]
[Total: 8]
Physics O.L
Mechanics 163
4. Adding Vectors
June Variant 3
2016 4 Question 1
(a) State why force is a vector quantity.
........................................................................................................................................... [1]
(b) A 20 N force and a 15 N force act at the same time on an object of mass 14 kg.
Calculate
(i) the maximum possible force on the object due to these two forces,
force = ................................................................. [1]
(ii) the acceleration caused by a resultant force equal to this maximum force.
acceleration = ................................................................. [2]
Physics O.L
Mechanics 164
4. Adding Vectors
(c) Fig. 1.1 shows a river in which the velocity of the flowing water is 0.85 m / s parallel to the river
banks.
river bank
velocity of swimmer
velocity relative to water
of water NOT TO
45° 1.2 m / s
SCALE
0.85 m / s
Fig. 1.1
A swimmer sets off from one bank. The velocity of the swimmer relative to the water is 1.2 m / s
at 45° to the river banks, as shown in Fig. 1.1.
In the space below, draw a scale diagram to determine the resultant velocity of the swimmer
relative to the river banks. This velocity is the resultant of the two velocities shown on Fig. 1.1.
Label this resultant on your diagram.
resultant velocity = ................................................................. [3]
[Total: 7]
Physics O.L
Mechanics 165
4. Adding Vectors
June Variant 2
2017 5 Question 1
(a) Speed is a scalar quantity and velocity is a vector quantity.
State how a scalar quantity differs from a vector quantity.
...........................................................................................................................................
.......................................................................................................................................[1]
(ii) Underline the two scalar quantities in the list below.
energy force impulse momentum temperature [1]
(b) A boat is moving at constant speed.
On Fig. 1.1, sketch a distance-time graph for the boat.
distance
time
Fig. 1.1
[1]
Physics O.L
Mechanics 166
4. Adding Vectors
(c) The boat in (b) is moving due west at a speed of 6.5 m / s relative to the water. The water is
moving due south at 3.5 m / s.
In the space below, draw a scale diagram to determine the size and direction of the resultant
of these two velocities. State the scale used.
scale ...............................................................
size of resultant velocity = ...............................................................
direction of resultant ...............................................................

[4]
[Total: 7]
Physics O.L
Mechanics 167
4. Adding Vectors
Mark Scheme
1 (a) (i) vector has direction OR scalar has no direction/only has size B1
(ii) any appropriate example B1
(b) NOTE: accept diagram in any orientation;

triangle or rectangle with hypotenuse/diagonal of
length ½ that of one side B1
100,
200 and T all correctly labelled B1

value in range 165 N – 180 N inclusive B1 [5]
2 (a) horizontal by eye M1

arrow to left A1
idea of airliner accelerating/changing direction AND caused by force in that
direction o.w.t.t.e. OR centripetal force
OR force/acceleration towards centre of circle B1 [3]
(b) 2 lines approximately length ratio 1.16:1 at 30°/150° to each other M1

parallelogram with line across short diagonal/triangle with original lines at 30° M1
resultant to the left, horizontal by eye A1 [3]
for first two marks ignore arrows, ignore labels unless they clarify an otherwise
confusing diagram
calculation route
both forces used in cosine rule (M1)
3rd force from previous line and correct angle used in sine rule (M1)
calculation shows horizontal resultant (A1)
(c) direction changing B1

(therefore) velocity changing or speed/magnitude constant B1 [2]
Physics O.L
Mechanics 168
4. Adding Vectors
3 (a) (i) (both have) magnitude o.w.t.t.e. B1
(only) vector has direction B1 [2]
(ii) valid example of vector quantity

e.g. displacement, weight, force, velocity B1
valid example of scalar quantity

e.g. distance, length, time, pressure, mass, energy accept height B1 [2]
(b) each vector to scale and correct angle,

larger vector clockwise by acute angle from smaller B1
parallelogram or correct two sides of triangle B1
resultant drawn correct, from his parallelogram or his sides of triangle M1
magnitude 4.5 – 5.4 ×104 N, accept 1 sig. fig. if exact

AND direction 4 – 12° from 3 × 104 N force OR 8 – 16° from 2 × 104 N force
accept values from diagram A1 [4]
[Total: 8]
Physics O.L
4. Adding Vectors
4(a) force / vector has size / magnitude and direction B1

(b)(i) 35 N B1
(b)(ii) (a =) F ÷ m or 35 ÷ 14 (e.c.f.(i)) C1
Physics O.L
2
2.5 m / s (e.c.f.(i)) A1
(c) both vectors to scale and correct angle (by eye) B1

resultant and parallelogram / two correct sides of triangle B1
value between 0.83–0.87 m / s (and angle between 88° and 92°) B1
5(a)(i) (a scalar) does not have direction B1
(a)(ii) energy and temperature B1
(b) straight line and non-zero gradient B1
(c) scale ⩾ 1 cm: 1 m / s B1
two arrows/lines and correct resultant OR rectangle and correct diagonal (towards bottom left) B1
7.2Æ7.6 m / s B1
26.0° ⩽ angle below E–W ⩽ 30.5° B1

OR 239.5° ⩽ bearing ⩽ 244°
Mechanics
Total: 7
Dr. Mostafa Allam

169
Mechanics 170
5. Moment ( Turning Effect )
November Variant 1
2011 1 Question 3
(a) State the two conditions required for the equilibrium of a body acted upon by a number of
forces.
1. ...............................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
2. ...............................................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................................[2]
(b) Fig. 3.1 shows a diagram of an arm with the hand holding a weight of 120 N.
2 cm
15 cm
20 N
120 N
33 cm
Fig. 3.1
The 20 N force is the weight of the forearm, acting at its centre of mass. F is the force in the
muscle of the upper arm. P is the point in the elbow about which the arm pivots. The distances
of the forces from point P are shown.
(i) By taking moments about point P, calculate the force F.
force F = ...........................................................[3]
(ii) A force acts on the forearm at point P. Calculate this force and state its direction.
force = ...............................................................
direction = ...........................................................[2]
[Total: 7]
Physics O.L
Mechanics 171
November Variant 1
2012 2 Question 3
(a) A stationary body is acted upon by a number of forces. State the two conditions which
must apply for the body to remain at rest.
1. ......................................................................................................................................
2. ......................................................................................................................................
[2]
(b) Fig. 3.1 shows a device used for compressing crushed material.
380 mm 120 mm
lever arm
plunger
20 N
cylinder
cross-sectional crushed material

F
area A
Fig. 3.1
The lever arm rotates about the hinge H at its right-hand end. A force of 20 N acts
downwards on the left-hand end of the lever arm. The force F of the crushed material on
the plunger acts upwards. Ignore the weight of the lever arm.
(i) Use the clockwise and anticlockwise moments about H to calculate the upward
force F which the crushed material exerts on the plunger. The distances are shown
on Fig. 3.1.
force F = ................................................. [3]
(ii) The cross-sectional area A of the plunger in contact with the crushed material is
0.0036 m2. Calculate the pressure exerted on the crushed material by the plunger.
pressure = ................................................. [2]

[Total: 7]
Physics O.L
Mechanics 172
November Variant 1
2013 3 Question 3
(a) (i) Write down the names of three man-made devices in everyday use that depend,
for their action, upon the moments of forces.
1. ...............................................................................................................................
2. ...............................................................................................................................
3. ...............................................................................................................................
[2]
(ii) Fig. 3.1 shows a uniform rod AB acted upon by three equal forces F.
F F
A B
F
Fig. 3.1
State two reasons why the rod is not in equilibrium.
1. ...............................................................................................................................
2. ...............................................................................................................................
[2]
Physics O.L
Mechanics 173
(b) Fig. 3.2 shows a uniform rod PQ, supported at its centre and held in a horizontal position.
The length of PQ is 1.00 m.
1.00 m
0.30 m
12 N S
Fig. 3.2
A force of 12 N acts at a distance of 0.30 m from the support. A spring S, fixed at its
lower end, is attached to the rod at Q.
(i) Calculate the force exerted on PQ by the spring.
force = .................................................. [2]
(ii) Explain why it is not necessary to know the weight of PQ.
..................................................................................................................................
............................................................................................................................. [1]
[Total: 7]
Physics O.L
Mechanics 174
November Variant 1
2018 4 Question 2
Fig. 2.1 shows a uniform plank AB of length 2.0 m suspended from two ropes X and Y.
P Q
1.5 m
rope X rope Y
A B
0.5 m
W = 210 N
Fig. 2.1
The weight W of the plank is 210 N. The force in rope X is P. The force in rope Y is Q.
(a) State, in terms of P, the moment of force P about B.
...............................................................................................................................................[1]
(b) Calculate:
(i) the moment of W about B
moment = ...........................................................[1]
(ii) the force P
force P = ...........................................................[2]
(iii) the force Q.
force Q = ...........................................................[2]
[Total: 6]
Physics O.L
Mechanics 175
Mark Scheme
1 (a) 1. no resultant force acts / no net force acts
OR total force up / in any direction = total force down / in opposite direction B1
allow sum of forces or resultant force for total force
2. no resultant moment / couple / torque acts

OR (sum of) clockwise moments and (sum of) anti-clockwise moments
(about any point / axis) balance B1
(b) (i) (anti-clockwise moment =) F × 2 C1

(total clockwise moment =) (120 × 33) + (20 × 15) = 4260 (N cm) C1
2130 N A1
(ii) 1990 N OR candidate’s (b)(i) – 140 N B1

force is downwards B1 [7]
2 (a) No resultant/net force OR no resultant force in any direction

OR no resultant force in any two perpendicular directions B1
No resultant/net moment/turning effect/couple/torque
OR (total) clockwise moment = (total) anticlockwise moment B1
Either order
(b) (i) F × 120 / F × 0.12 C1

= 20 × 500 OR 20 × 0.5 C1
F = 83.3 N at least 2 significant figures. Allow 831/3 *Unit penalty applies A1
(ii) F/A or in words OR 83.3/0.0036 ecf from (b)(i) C1
= 23100 Pa / N/m2 OR 2.31 N/cm2 OR 23.1 kPa *Unit penalty applies A1 [7]
3 (a) (i) 3 appropriate examples: e.g. spanner, scissors, tap etc. –1e.e.o.o. B2
(ii) there is a resultant force OR more force down than up B1

there is a resultant moment OR clockwise moment is not equal to
anticlockwise moment B1
(b) (i) F × 0.5 = 12 × 0.3 C1

7.2 N A1
(ii) weight has no moment about centre of rod / has no perpendicular distance
from centre of rod
OR weight acts at centre of rod / pivot / centre of mass B1
[Total: 7]
Physics O.L
Physics O.L
Paper 4 - Variant 1
4(a) P × 1.5 B1
(b)(i) (W × 1.0 OR 210 × 1.0 =) 210 N m B1
(b)(ii) P × 1.5 = 210 OR P = 210 / 1.5 C1
140 N A1
(b)(iii) P + Q = 210 OR 140 + Q = 210 OR Q × 1.5 = 210 × 0.5 OR Q = 210 × 0.5 / 1.5 OR P × 0.5 = Q C1
Q = 70 N A1
Mechanics
Dr. Mostafa Allam

176
Mechanics 177
June Variant 2
2011 1 Question 3
(a) Complete the following statement:
The moment of a force about a point is ....................................................................................
multiplied by ..........................................................................................................................[1]
(b) Fig. 3.1 shows a uniform iron bar B of weight 30 N and length 1.40 m. The bar is being used to
lift one edge of a concrete slab S. A stone, placed 0.20 m from one end of B, acts as a pivot.
A force of 40 N pushing down at the other end of B is just enough to lift the slab and hold it as
shown.
1.40 m
0.20 m force 40 N
concrete slab iron bar B
S
stone
Fig. 3.1
(i) On Fig. 3.1, draw an arrow to show the weight of bar B acting from its centre of mass. [1]
(ii) State the distance d of the centre of mass of bar B from the pivot.
d = ...........................................................[1]
(iii) Calculate the total clockwise moment, about the pivot, of the forces acting on bar B.
total clockwise moment = ...........................................................[3]
(iv) Calculate the downward force which the slab S exerts on the end of bar B.
force = ...........................................................[2]
(v) Suggest a change to the arrangement in Fig. 3.1 that would reduce the force required to
lift the slab.
...........................................................................................................................................
.......................................................................................................................................[1]
[Total: 9]
Physics O.L
Mechanics 178
June Variant 2
2012 2 Question 2
Fig. 2.1 shows a mobile bird sculpture that has been created by an artist.
tail
bird sculpture
pivot
M hole in sculpture E
for pivot
12 cm 30 cm
Fig. 2.1
M is the centre of mass of the bird sculpture, including its tail (but not including the
counter-weight that will be added later). The mass of the bird and tail is 1.5 kg.
The bird sculpture is placed on a pivot.
The artist adds the counter-weight at the end E of the tail so that the bird remains stationary
in the position shown.
(a) Calculate the mass of the counter-weight.
mass = ................................................. [2]
(b) The centre of mass of the sculpture with counter-weight is at the pivot.
Calculate the upward force acting at the pivot.
force = ................................................. [1]
Physics O.L
Mechanics 179
(c) The sculpture is rotated clockwise to the position shown in Fig. 2.2. It is held still, then
carefully released.
pivot
counter-weight
Fig. 2.2
(i) State whether the sculpture will stay in that position, rotate further clockwise or
rotate back anticlockwise.
..................................................................................................................................
..................................................................................................................................
(ii) Explain your answer to (i).
..................................................................................................................................
..................................................................................................................................
..................................................................................................................................
..................................................................................................................................
[3]
[Total: 6]
Physics O.L
Mechanics 180
November Variant 2
2014 3 Question 1
(a) State the two conditions necessary for a system of forces acting on a body to be in equilibrium.
1. ..............................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
2. ..............................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
[2]
(b) Fig. 1.1 shows a loaded wheelbarrow held in equilibrium by a gardener. The wheel of the
wheelbarrow is in contact with the ground at point C.
Fig. 1.1
In Fig. 1.1, there are three vertical forces acting on the wheelbarrow.
P is the upward force applied by the gardener.

Q is the upward force of the ground on the wheel at point C.
W is the weight of the wheelbarrow and its contents.
Explain why the force P is less than the force W
(i) by considering the forces P, Q and W,
...........................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................... [2]
(ii) by considering the moments of the forces P and W about point C.
...........................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................... [2]
Physics O.L
Mechanics 181
(c) Fig. 1.2 shows a kitchen cupboard resting on a support and attached to a wall by a screw.
wall screw
cupboard
F
G
0.75 m
support 0.24 m
75 N
Fig. 1.2
The weight of the cupboard and its contents is 75 N. G is the position of the centre of mass of
the cupboard.
The clockwise and anticlockwise moments about point P are equal.
Calculate the force F exerted by the screw.
F = ............................................... [3]
[Total: 9]
Physics O.L
Mechanics 182
November Variant 2
2015 4 Question 4
(a) Fig. 4.1 shows a top view of a tourist vehicle in a game park and two elephants pushing
against the vehicle. The two forces indicated are at right angles to each other.
vehicle
4.0 kN
6.0 kN
elephant
elephant
Fig. 4.1
In the space below, draw a scale vector diagram to determine the magnitude of the resultant
force. Label the two forces applied and the resultant, and clearly state the scale you use.
magnitude of resultant force = ...........................................................[3]
Physics O.L
Mechanics 183
(b) Fig. 4.2 shows another elephant pushing horizontally against a vehicle with a force of 11 kN at
a distance 1.8 m above the ground. Point M is the centre of mass of the vehicle.
elephant
vehicle
11 kN
M
1.8 m
A
1.25 m
Fig. 4.2
(i) Calculate the moment about point A of the force exerted by the elephant.
moment = ...........................................................[2]
(ii) The mass of the vehicle is 1900 kg, and it does not slide when pushed by the elephant.
Determine whether the elephant tips the vehicle over. Show your working.
calculation
conclusion .....................................................................................................................[2]
[Total: 7]
Physics O.L
Mechanics 184
November Variant 3
2016 5 Question 2
Two mechanics, A and B, are trying to use a two-person spanner (wrench) to loosen a nut on a
large wheel.
Fig. 2.1 shows the forces exerted by the two mechanics.
wheel
nuts
two-person
spanner (wrench)
500 N force 400 N force

exerted by exerted by
mechanic A mechanic B
1.2 m 1.2 m
Fig. 2.1
Mechanic A exerts a force of 500 N at a distance of 1.2 m from nut P. Mechanic B exerts a force of
400 N at a distance of 1.2 m on the other side of nut P.
(a) Calculate the magnitude and the direction of the resultant moment exerted by the mechanics
on nut P.
magnitude of resultant moment = ...............................................................
direction ...............................................................
[4]
(b) Mechanic B reverses the direction of the 400 N force that he exerts on the spanner.
Mechanic A continues to exert the same force of 500 N downwards.
(i) Calculate the magnitude of the new resultant moment exerted by the mechanics.
magnitude of resultant moment = .......................................................... [1]
(ii) Calculate the magnitude of the resultant force now exerted by the mechanics on the spanner.
force = .......................................................... [1]

[Total: 6]
Physics O.L
Mechanics 185
March Variant 2
2017 6 Question 3
(a) A stationary object is acted upon by a number of forces.

State the conditions which must be true if the object
(i) does not accelerate,
.......................................................................................................................................[1]
(ii) does not rotate.
.......................................................................................................................................[1]
(b) Fig. 3.1 shows a boat that has been lifted out of a river. The boat is suspended by two ropes.
It is stationary.
T1 T2
C P
1.20 m 0.40 m
24 kN
The weight of the boat, acting at the centre of mass, is 24 kN. The tensions in the ropes are
T1 and T2.
Determine
(i) the moment of the weight of the boat about the point P,
moment = ...........................................................[1]
(ii) the tension T1,
T1 = ...........................................................[3]
(iii) the tension T2.
T2 = ...........................................................[2]
[Total: 8]
Physics O.L
Mechanics 186
March Variant 2
2018 7 Question 3
(a) Complete the statement by writing in the blank spaces.
The moment of a force about a pivot is equal to ......................................................................
multiplied by .......................................................................................................................... [1]
(b) Fig. 3.1 shows a horizontal rod of length 2.4 m and weight 160 N. The weight of the rod acts
at its centre. The rod is suspended by two vertical ropes X and Y. The tension in each rope is
80 N.
80 N 80 N
2.4 m
rope X rope Y
rod
160 N
Fig. 3.1
(i) State the name given to the point at which the weight of the rod acts.
...................................................................................................................................... [1]
(ii) Calculate the mass of the rod.
mass = ......................................................... [1]
(iii) The rod is in equilibrium.
Using data from Fig. 3.1, explain why.
...........................................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................... [4]
[Total: 7]
Physics O.L
Mechanics 187
June Variant 2
2017 8 Question 2
Fig. 2.1 shows a vehicle designed to be used on the Moon.
Fig. 2.1
The brakes of the vehicle are tested on Earth.

1
(a) The acceleration of free fall on the Moon is one sixth ( 6 ) of its value on Earth.
Tick one box in each column of the table to predict the value of that quantity when the vehicle
is used on the Moon, compared to the test on Earth.
mass of vehicle on weight of vehicle on deceleration of vehicle

Moon Moon on Moon with same
braking force
10 # value on Earth
6 # value on Earth
same as value on Earth
1
# value on Earth
6
1
# value on Earth
10
[3]
Physics O.L
Mechanics 188
(b) Fig. 2.2 shows the brake pedal of the vehicle.
pivot
piston
cylinder
7.0 cm
24 cm
link
oil force exerted
by driver
pedal
The driver exerts a force on the pedal, which increases the pressure in the oil to operate the
brakes.
The area of the piston in the cylinder is 6.5 # 10–4 m2 (0.00065 m2). The pressure increase in
the oil is 5.0 # 105 Pa (500 000 Pa).
Calculate the force exerted by the driver on the brake pedal.
force = ...........................................................[4]
[Total: 7]
Physics O.L
Mechanics 189
November Variant 3
2010 9 Question 2
(a) A loose uniform wooden floorboard weighs 160 N and rests symmetrically on four supports P,
Q, R and S.
The supports are 0.50 m apart, as shown in Fig. 2.1.
floorboard
P Q R S
support
0.20 m 0.50 m 0.25 m
160 N
Fig. 2.1
Calculate the force exerted on the floorboard by each of the supports, and state the direction
of these forces. One value is already given for you.
force exerted by P = ...............................................................

40 N
force exerted by Q = ...............................................................
force exerted by R = ...............................................................
force exerted by S = ...............................................................
direction = ......................................................... [2]
Physics O.L
Mechanics 190
(b) A workman of weight W stands on the end of the floorboard described in (a).
This just causes the floorboard to tip up, as shown in Fig. 2.2.
The supports are each 0.060 m thick.
P Q R S
0.060 m 160 N
W
Fig. 2.2
(i) Calculate the weight W of the workman.
weight W = ......................................................... [3]
(ii) Calculate the force that each of the supports now exerts on the floorboard.
force exerted by P = ...............................................................
force exerted by Q = ...............................................................
force exerted by R = ...............................................................
force exerted by S = ......................................................... [2]
[Total: 7]
Physics O.L
Mechanics 191
June Variant 2
2011 10 Question 3
(a) Complete the following statement:
The moment of a force about a point is ....................................................................................
multiplied by ..........................................................................................................................[1]
(b) Fig. 3.1 shows a uniform iron bar B of weight 30 N and length 1.40 m. The bar is being used to
lift one edge of a concrete slab S. A stone, placed 0.20 m from one end of B, acts as a pivot.
A force of 40 N pushing down at the other end of B is just enough to lift the slab and hold it as
shown.
1.40 m
0.20 m force 40 N
concrete slab iron bar B
S
stone
Fig. 3.1
(i) On Fig. 3.1, draw an arrow to show the weight of bar B acting from its centre of mass. [1]
(ii) State the distance d of the centre of mass of bar B from the pivot.
d = ...........................................................[1]
(iii) Calculate the total clockwise moment, about the pivot, of the forces acting on bar B.
total clockwise moment = ...........................................................[3]
(iv) Calculate the downward force which the slab S exerts on the end of bar B.
force = ...........................................................[2]
(v) Suggest a change to the arrangement in Fig. 3.1 that would reduce the force required to
lift the slab.
...........................................................................................................................................
.......................................................................................................................................[1]
[Total: 9]
Physics O.L
Mechanics 192
Mark Scheme
AND
1 (a) force perpendicular distance (of force) from the point. B1
(b) (i) downward arrow at centre of bar B1
(ii) 0.5(0) m / 50 cm B1
(iii) 40 × 1.2 OR 48 seen anywhere C1

(+) 30 × 0.5 0R 15 seen anywhere C1
= 63 N m A1
(iv) F × 0.2 = 63 C1
F = 63/0.2 = 315 N A1
(v) make bar / B longer

OR move pivot / stone to the left
OR increase distance between force and pivot (by moving pivot to left)
OR increase mass of the bar / B B1 [9]
2 (a) mass = (1.5 × 10 × 12)/(30 × 10) OR = (1.5 × 12)/30

OR any correct moment equation with force or mass but not mixture C1
= 0.6(0) kg A1 [2]
(b) 21 N ecf from (a) B1 [1]
(c) (i) stays in position B1
(ii) any two from: 2

• clockwise moment = anticlockwise moment B1
• centre of mass at pivot B1
• no (resultant) moment/turning force acting on sculpture
• balanced/in equilibrium
• relative distances from pivot unchanged [3]
[Total: 6]
Physics O.L
Mechanics 193
3 (a) no resultant/net force (acting) B1

no resultant/net moment (acting)
OR clockwise moment = anticlockwise moment B1
(b) (i) W = P + Q in any form

OR (total) upward force = (total) downward force B1
P = W – Q so P must be less than W

OR P is not the only upward force B1
(ii) P × its distance (from C)=W × its distance (from C)

OR P and W have equal moments (about C)
OR clockwise moment = anticlockwise moment B1
P is farther from C/pivot (than W so P must be less than W) B1
(c) clockwise moment = 75 × 0.24 C1

anticlockwise moment = F × 0.75 C1
(moments equated gives F =) 24 N A1
[Total: 9]
4 (a) 2 vectors correct direction AND relative length by eye B1

correct triangle OR rectangle with resultant on correct diagonal B1
7.2 kN tolerance 7.0 – 7.4 kN B1
(b) (i) (moment =) force × distance C1

(moment = 11 000 × 1.8 =) 20 kNm A1
(ii) (moment of weight = 19 000 x 1.25 =) 24 (kNm) B1

correct statement based on two moments seen B1
[Total: 7]
5(a) (moment = )F × x⊥r or F × x or 400 × 1.2 or 500 × 1.2 or 480 or 600 C1

600 and 480 C1
120 N m A1
anticlockwise B1
2(b)(i) 1080 / 1100 N m B1
2(b)(ii) 100 N B1
Total 6
Physics O.L
6(a)(i) No resultant force / net force OR Forces are balanced OR Forces in opposite directions are equal OR Forces cancel B1
(a)(ii) no resultant / net moment / torque / turning effect B1

OR (Sum of) clockwise moments = (sum of) anticlockwise moments
Physics O.L
(b)(i) B1
24 × 0.4 = 9.6 kN m OR 24 000 × 0.4 = 9600 N m
(b)(ii) T1 × 1.6 B1

= 9.6 OR = 9600 C1
(T1 =) 6 kN OR (T1 =) 6000 N A1
(b)(iii) T1 + T2 = 24 000 OR 6000 + T2 = 24 000 C1
(T2 =) 18 000 N A1
OR
T1 + T2 = 24 OR 6.0 + T2 = 24 (C1)
(T2 =) 18 kN (A1)
OR
T2 × 0.40 = 6000 × 1.2 (C1)
(T2 =) 18 000 N (A1)
OR
T2 × 0.40 = 6.0 × 1.2 (C1)

Mechanics
(T2 =) 18 kN (A1)
Dr. Mostafa Allam

Total: 8
194
Physics O.L
7(a) ...(the) force × its perpendicular distance from pivot / a point B1

(b)(i) centre of mass B1
(b)(ii) (mass =) 160 / 10 = 16 kg B1
(b)(iii) (Not moving up or down because) no resultant (vertical) force C1

OR upward force = downward force
80 N + 80 N = 160 N A1
(Not rotating because) no resultant moment (about any point) C1

OR (sum of) clockwise moments = (sum of) anticlockwise moments
clockwise moment (about centre) = 80 × 1.2 A1

anticlockwise moment (about centre) = 80 × 1.2
Mechanics
Dr. Mostafa Allam

195
Mechanics 196
8(a) Column 1 Box 3 mass same B1
Column 2 Box 4 weight 1/6 B1
Column 3 Box 3 deceleration same B1
(b) P=F / A in any form or (F=) PA C1
(F1 = 500 000 × 0.00065 = ) 330 (N) C1
F1d1 = F2d2 in any form or F1d1/d2 C1
(F2 = 325 × 7/24 = ) 95 N A1
Total: 7
9 (a) all four = 40 N OR all four add up to 160 N B1

upwards B1
(b) (i) W × 0.17/0.20/0.23 = 160 × 0.72/0.75/0.78 C1

W × 0.17 = 160 × 0.78 or 600 N C1
730/734 N A1
(ii) force by P = 160 + answer to (i) correctly evaluated B1
all others = 0 B1
[Total: 7]
10 (a) force AND

perpendicular distance (of force) from the point. B1
(b) (i) downward arrow at centre of bar B1
(ii) 0.5(0) m / 50 cm B1
(iii) 40 × 1.2 OR 48 seen anywhere C1

(+) 30 × 0.5 0R 15 seen anywhere C1
= 63 N m A1
(iv) F × 0.2 = 63 C1
F = 63/0.2 = 315 N A1
(v) make bar / B longer

OR move pivot / stone to the left
OR increase distance between force and pivot (by moving pivot to left)
OR increase mass of the bar / B B1 [9]
Physics O.L
Mechanics 197
6. Energy, Work & Power
June Paper 3
1993 1 Question 1
(a) An alrcralt Is coming In to land. It Is at a point P 500 m above the ground and ha, a speed of
65 mis. The total mass ol the aircraft at P Is 150000kg.
Calculate
(I) the pofent!al energy ol the alrcra!t,
(ii) Its ldneUc energy.
[4)
Physics O.L
Mechanics 198
(b) Al P, the landlng wheels ol the alrcrart are lowered. The alrcralt then descends, touches
dov.n and rolls to a stop at the end ol the runway. Ths p,lot maintains a constant compass
course during the landlng.
Sketch on the axes below (fig. 1 . 1 ) graphs to show how the three quanUUes Indicated
change during the landing.
":, .
potenuaJ
energy
wheels touch slop
down
kloellc
�nergy
wheels touch slop
down
velocity
p
wheels touch stop
down
Fig. 1.1
Physics O.L
Mechanics 199
For each quantity write a br1ef explanation of !he changes you have shown.
po!entlal energy
n•••••••• •• •-••-••-•-•••u-ooo••••••••••••••••onooo•••••••••••••,00000,,00,0, •. ou, ••••••••••-•-•••u•-·•-on-••••••••••oHMooo
.................. -.. - ·--- -- - .
kinetic energy
··-·----·-·--·· ..·······-········-·-······-··-· ..······-··- .. ···········-··-··-··-·--·· .. ·············-···

•• _ ...... ,... ,..., ,_,,_ •• ,,,,,,.,,,, •.•• _. ... ,, ... unu-uo,,,,, ...,.._, .• ,,.,,, ...,, ..,_ •• ,o_,_,,_,., ..,_ .... ,.,._,,,.,
00
veloclty
uoo••-••uo ...,-,..--,,-, ..,u ...,,,u,oouooooouuooooa,ooouoo, ...,...,,,o,o ....... ,,,uo,uoo•-• ...•••••---•-• •• o-•,oooouoo•o•-•••
•.._•• _ --••-••-·•--••o•-••-••••••"•••••.,.••••••u•N•-•••••••-••••-••••••----••-••-•--••-•••••••••••••-•••
··--·--·-----·-·············-·········-······-··----·-···-··-·--·---·--··-···[SJ
(c) A pendulum hangs from the roof of the cabin of the aircraft. A vertical angular scale was
placed alongside the pendulum, as shown ln Fig. 1.2, before !he .alrcraft began lo land.
front of
plane
pendulum
Rg.1.2
Describe how the reading of the pointer would vary (If at all) as the alra-aft b'avefied between
P and the end of the runway. Give reasons for your answers.
··-··--·---·- ..··-·····-··-··--··-·-··-·-·-··--·-······-··--···-·--· ..··-· ..·---··- ....
-·•••-•••••-••••·---·-•••onHo•o•oo••oOOooO •onoO•UHO•UOOOoo••oo•ooo-o•HOOo•ooOOO-Oo-o ...•o-ouooo- • ·-·-U-o•OU ..... 0.0 •• 0000 ..
U o • • • h • • • • • - • • - • • • • • • Oo • - - • • • • • • • • • • • • o • • o • • o • • • o o o o o • o , o o o o o o 0 . o o o o o o o •• o o • o • • o o o o , o o o o o o , o u o o , , ...ooooo-oo .. ,o ... , ... o, ... ooOoOOO-Uoon•
•........ ----------------····· .. --- ·-··-········-·········- .. , .{4}
Physics O.L
Mechanics 200
170
Mechanics
November Paper 3
1996 2 Question 1
. 1 Safety tes1S were canled out on a hotel lift. The tests Involved llndng the veloelly Vof the lift
at vanous times t lhrOughout Its Journey tlvough three floors without stopping at either or the
lntermedlale lloors.
The veloci'ly was determined by a series of ser.sors at various points connected to a
computer.
&It
· floor3
floor2
ftocr 1
I around.
Fig. '1.1
Physics O.L
Power
Energy,
. Work &
Mechanics 201
The wt results ant presented in graphical 1..rrn on Fig. 1.2.
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
IJS
Fig.1.2
(a) Descnbe ths motion of the filt over the t\'O periods of time below:
(I) O lo 2 s .
-----·-·······--·- ..- ····-·····-·-·· __ , _

----·.. --········----·····--····--·-·-·-··-·-···-·-------·
(!1) S lo 1 � s.
---···-·--······--·· .. ···-·-····---···--·· ..-··---··------
-··-·· .. ·--······ ·-··---····- ..-···-···-·-·-··--·------

(5)
(b) Usa 11'

.a ,�.aph t:, estimate t:ie d"is:ance .."a·,elted over the whole Journey, and
hence fmd me average distance between !he floors of the hotel. [4}
Physics O.L
Mechanics 202
(c) The mass ot the Ult, without passeng�rs. ls 350 kg.
The acceleratfon of free tan Is 10mls2. A normal load Is six passengers.

.
The average mass o/ a passenger Is 65 kg.
Calculale
(I) the total weight of the Ult and a noimaJ load of passengers,
Q!) the Increase · In potential energy of the fill and passengers after having risen
through three noors to the position shown In Fig. 1.1,
Qli) the power of the electric: motor needed to raise the fift and passenge,s,- (Assume
that only potential enel'Qy ne!!ds to be supplled and !hat there are no power
:-'SSSS.)
lSJ
(d) The hotel lift actually completes ..ie Journey in 10s. Give three:reasons why the electric
motor, wolidng !he lit., should have a higher power tl'..an the.allS'.ver you·have-calc:ulated
in (c)QI!) •
........... _ - ,-·-·· ..··-- .. ··-·· ··-········-············· ..··- ..-·---·--
.......... - -
.. - _ _ _ _
.......................... _ - .. _ _ .... ...... [3]
(e) One of the passengers In the lift noticed, at the start ol lhe upwards journey, that the
noor er the Utt seemed to be p::shlng 1-.ard upwards on her feel Alter about IWo
sec:cnds, she could no longer feel an upward lorce. On approaching the third ftoor, after
aboat eight seconds, she fell as t!:ough her feet were coming off the floor. Explain these
observaticns, using 'physics-terms'. Yau may find It helpful to refer to the graph.
.................•..........•........... _ - -····-·--····
................................................................................................................. -······--·--·- ..
.........................•...................................... - -·····---·· .
Physics O.L
Mechanics 203
(I) In a fullher 1�1 on the nn. the velocity reduced from 1.9 rrJs to zero In 2.2 s.
Caladale lhe average deceleration.

(2)
Physics O.L
Mechanics 204
November Paper 3
1999 3 Question 1
Fig. 1 . 1 shows the oulfine of a machine for driving steel pillars (called piles} into the ground.
t-----suspenslon
-+-----steel moss
1-----lube
steel pile
ground
Flg.1.1
The steef mass ts raised by an electrtc motor and then falls under gravity.
The falltng steel has a mass of 200 kg and falls a distance of 6.0 m.
2•
(a) The acceleration of free fall is 1 0 m/s Calculate
(i) the potential energy gained by the mass each time it is raised,
potential energy gained = .••••••••..••••••••.•.••......•..•••..
(II) the maximum speed at which the mass hits the pile.
speed= ..........••.................•.......
[7)
Physics O.L
Mechanics 205
(b) When the mass hits the pile, it has kinetic energy. This energy is transformed into other
forms of energy as the speed ol the falling mass rapidly reduces to zero. As this
happens, the pile Is forced a small distance Into the ground.
(I) State the energy conversions which lake place, starting from the kinetic energy of
the falling mass .
... · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · ·
..................................................................................................................................
..................................................................................................................................
..................................................................................................................................
(II) Explain how a large force is produced when the pile is driven a short distance into
the ground •
..................................................................................................................................
..................................................................................................................................
(8]
(c) In ra1s1ng the steel mass 6.0 m, the electric motor uses more energy than that
calculated in (a)(i).
Write down and explain two causes of this higher energy requirement.
, . . .
2. ·····································································································································
..........................................................................................................................................
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . [4]
Physics O.L
Mechanics 206
( d) The equipment design is changed so that when the mass falls once, the pile is driven
further into the ground than before the design was changed.
Suggest three changes that could be made to do this.
1 ....................••........•...•...............................•......•......•....•..•.•.•.....•...................•...............
•• ••••• •• • • ••• •• •• •• •• ••• •• ouuou•••• ,,,,u, uou,o,, ••••• u , , , , , , 0 0 , , , , , , u , , , ••• ,, ounooo••••n•• •••• ••• •• •••••• • °''', ••••• ,, ,,, , •••
2..........................................•.•............•....................................•...•...................................
·············································································································· ····························
3....................................................................................................•.................................
•..•.•...••••••...••••••..•....•...•..••.•..••..•••..••.••..••....••••••.•..••••..•.•..•••••.•••••..••••..•••...••.....•....•....•.•.. (3)
Physics O.L
Mechanics 207
June Variant 1
2011 4 Question 2
Some builders decide to measure their personal power ratings using apparatus they already have
on site. Fig. 2.1 shows the arrangement they use.
pulley
rope
load
pulley
Fig. 2.1
(a) In the table below, list the three quantities they must measure in order to calculate one man’s
power, and the instrument they would use for each measurement.
quantity to be measured instrument used for measurement
1.
2.
3.
[3]
(b) One workman is measured as having a power of 528 W. His weight is 800 N.
He can develop the same power climbing a ladder, whose rungs are 30 cm apart.
How many rungs can he climb in 5 s?
number of rungs = ...........................................................[3]
Physics O.L
Mechanics 208
(c) The human body is only about 15% efficient when climbing ladders.
Calculate the actual energy used from the body of the workman in (b) when he climbs 20
rungs.
energy used = ...........................................................[2]
[Total: 8]
Physics O.L
Mechanics 209
November Variant 1
2011 5 Question 2
(a) Energy from the Sun evaporates water from the sea. Some of this water eventually drives a
hydroelectric power station. Give an account of the processes and energy changes involved.
...................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................................[4]
(b) In a hydroelectric power station, 200 000 kg of water per second fall through a vertical distance
of 120 m. The water passes through turbines to generate electricity, and leaves the turbines
with a speed of 14 m / s.
(i) Calculate the gravitational potential energy lost by the water in 1 second. Use g = 10 m / s2.
potential energy lost = ............................................................[2]
(ii) Calculate the kinetic energy of the water leaving the turbines in 1 second.
kinetic energy = ............................................................[2]
[Total: 8]
Physics O.L
Mechanics 210
November Variant 1
2012 6 Question 4
(a) State what is meant by the centre of mass of a body.
..........................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................
.................................................................................................................................... [1]
(b) Fig. 4.1 shows an athlete successfully performing a high jump.
Fig. 4.1
The height of the bar above the ground is 2.0 m. The maximum increase in gravitational
potential energy (g.p.e.) of the athlete during the jump is calculated using the expression
g.p.e. = mgh.
Explain why the value of h used in the calculation is much less than 2.0 m.
..........................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................
.................................................................................................................................... [1]
Physics O.L
Mechanics 211
(c) Fig. 4.2 shows, in order, five stages of an athlete successfully performing a pole-vault.
Fig. 4.2
Describe the energy changes which take place during the performance of the pole-
vault, from the original stationary position of the pole-vaulter before the run-up, to the
final stationary position after the vault.
..........................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................
.................................................................................................................................... [6]
[Total: 8]
Physics O.L
Mechanics 212
June Variant 1
2013 7 Question 3
Fig. 3.1 shows the descent of a sky-diver from a stationary balloon.
2000 m
sky-diver
parachute
500 m

The sky-diver steps from the balloon at a height of 2000 m and accelerates downwards.
His speed is 52 m / s at a height of 500 m.
He then opens his parachute. From 400 m to ground level, he falls at constant speed.
(a) The total mass of the sky-diver and his equipment is 92 kg.
(i) Calculate, for the sky-diver,
1. the loss of gravitational potential energy in the fall from 2000 m to 500 m,
loss of gravitational potential energy = .................................................. [2]

2. the kinetic energy at the height of 500 m.
kinetic energy = .................................................. [2]
Physics O.L
Mechanics 213
(ii) The kinetic energy at 500 m is not equal to the loss of gravitational potential energy.
Explain why there is a difference in the values.
..................................................................................................................................
..................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................. [1]
(b) State
2000 m to 500 m,
.............................................................................................................................. [1]
(ii) the value of the air resistance during the fall from 400 m to ground.
air resistance = .................................................. [1]
[Total: 7]
Physics O.L
Mechanics 214
November Variant 1
2013 8 Question 2
A train has a total mass of 7.5 × 105 kg.
(a) The train accelerates from rest at a constant rate along a straight, horizontal track.
It reaches a speed of 24 m / s in 60 s.
Calculate
(i) the train’s acceleration,
acceleration = .................................................. [2]
(ii) the resultant force acting on the train.
force = .................................................. [2]
(b) The train now travels with a constant speed of 24 m / s along a straight, horizontal track.
The total force opposing the motion due to friction and air resistance is 7.2 × 104 N.
(i) By considering the work done by the train’s engine in 1.0 s, calculate its output
power.
power = .................................................. [2]
Physics O.L
Mechanics 215
(ii) The train begins to travel up a slope.
Explain why the power of the train’s engine must be increased to maintain the
speed of 24 m / s.
..................................................................................................................................
..................................................................................................................................
..................................................................................................................................
..................................................................................................................................
............................................................................................................................. [3]
[Total: 9]
Physics O.L
Mechanics 216
June Variant 1
2014 9 Question 3
(a) On a day with no wind, a fountain in Switzerland propels 30 000 kg of water per minute to a
height of 140 m.
Calculate the power used in raising the water.
power = ............................................... [4]
(b) The efficiency of the pump which operates the fountain is 70%.
Calculate the power supplied to the pump.
power = ............................................... [3]
(c) On another day, a horizontal wind is blowing. The water does not rise vertically.
Explain why the water still rises to a height of 140 m.
...................................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................. [1]
[Total: 8]
Physics O.L
Mechanics 217
November Variant 1
2014 10 Question 2
A diver climbs some steps on to a fixed platform above the surface of the water in a swimming-pool.
He dives into the pool. Fig. 2.1 shows the diver about to enter the water.
8.0 m
Fig. 2.1
The mass of the diver is 65 kg. The platform is 8.0 m above the surface of the water.
(a) Calculate
(i) the increase in the gravitational potential energy of the diver when he climbs up to the
platform.
increase in gravitational potential energy = ................................................[1]
(ii) the speed with which the diver hits the surface of the water. Ignore any effects of air
resistance.
speed = ................................................[4]
Physics O.L
Mechanics 218
(b) In another dive from the same platform, the diver performs a somersault during the descent.
He straightens, and again enters the water as shown in Fig. 2.1.
Discuss whether the speed of entry into the water is greater than, less than or equal to the
speed calculated in (a)(ii). Ignore any effects of air resistance.
...................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................................[3]
[Total: 8]
Physics O.L
Mechanics 219
June Variant 1
2015 11 Question 3
Fig. 3.1 shows an early water-powered device used to raise a heavy load. The heavy load rests on
piston B.
cylinder A cylinder B
water load
piston A piston B
connecting rod connecting rod
pivot beam
Initially, a large weight of water in cylinder A pushes piston A down. This causes the left-hand end
of the beam to move down and the right-hand end of the beam to move up. Piston B rises, lifting
the heavy load.
(a) The weight of water in cylinder A is 80 kN.
Calculate the mass of water in cylinder A.
mass = ................................................ [2]
Physics O.L
Mechanics 220
(b) The density of water is 1000 kg / m3.
Calculate the volume of water in cylinder A.
volume = ................................................ [2]
(c) Piston A moves down a distance of 4.0 m.
Calculate the gravitational potential energy lost by the water.
loss of gravitational potential energy = ................................................ [2]
(d) The heavy load lifted by piston B gains 96 kJ of gravitational potential energy.
Calculate the efficiency of the device.
efficiency = ................................................ [2]
[Total: 8]
Physics O.L
Mechanics 221
November Variant 1
2015 12 Question 3
Fig. 3.1 shows a skier taking part in a downhill race.
Fig. 3.1
(a) The mass of the skier, including his equipment, is 75 kg. In the ski race, the total vertical
change in height is 880 m.
Calculate the decrease in the gravitational potential energy (g.p.e.) of the skier.
decrease in g.p.e. = ...........................................................[2]
(b) The skier starts from rest. The total distance travelled by the skier during the descent is
2800 m. The average resistive force on the skier is 220 N.
Calculate
(i) the work done against the resistive force,
work done = ...........................................................[2]
(ii) the kinetic energy of the skier as he crosses the finishing line at the end of the race.
kinetic energy = ...........................................................[2]
(c) Suggest why the skier bends his body as shown in Fig. 3.1.
...............................................................................................................................................[1]
[Total: 7]
Physics O.L
Mechanics 222
November Variant 1
2017 13 Question 8
(a) Describe a renewable process by which electrical energy is obtained from the energy stored
in water. You may draw a diagram in the space.
...................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................................[4]
(b) Explain why the process described in (a) can be regarded as renewable.
...................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................................[2]
(c) Explain whether the Sun is the source of the energy stored in the water in (a).
...................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................................[2]
[Total: 8]
Physics O.L
Mechanics 223
June Variant 1
2018 14 Question 2
Fig. 2.1 shows a fork-lift truck lifting a box.
box
Fig. 2.1
The electric motor that drives the lifting mechanism is powered by batteries.
(a) State the form of the energy stored in the batteries.
...............................................................................................................................................[1]
(b) The lifting mechanism raises a box of mass 32 kg through a vertical distance of 2.5 m in 5.4 s.
(i) Calculate the gravitational potential energy gained by the box.
gravitational potential energy = ...........................................................[2]
(ii) The efficiency of the lifting mechanism is 0.65 (65%).
Calculate the input power to the lifting mechanism.
input power = ...........................................................[3]
(c) The batteries are recharged from a mains voltage supply that is generated in an oil-fired
power station.
By comparison with a wind farm, state one advantage and one disadvantage of running a
power station using oil.
advantage .................................................................................................................................
disadvantage ............................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................................[2]
[Total: 8]
Physics O.L
Mechanics 224
Mark Scheme
1. a- (i) Potential energy of the plane = m g h
- 1 SQ 000 x 1 0 x 500
- 7.5 x 10' J
(ii) Its kinetic energy - l m v1.

l
- l x 150 000 (65)'i

potential l
energy
= 3.17 x 10' J
p
wheels touch stop
down
kinetic
energy
p
wheels touch stop
down ·
velocity
p
wheels touch stop
Physics O.L
Mechanics 225
Potential Energy of the plane decreases gradually

as its height decreases. The P .E. reaches zero at the
point of the wheels 'touch down because the height of
the plane from the ground is zero.
Kinetic Energy of the plane decreases gradually, but

it does not reach zero except when the plane. reaches a
complete stop. The curve representing the K.E. is a
parabola because the K.E. is proportional to v- .

Yelodty of the plane decreases gradually until it
becomes zero when the plane comes to a complete stop.
c - During the deceleration of the plane, the pendulum
moves to the right towards the front of the plane. This is
because the pendulum maintains its momentum or inertia
while the plane is decelerating. When the plane
completely stops, the pendulum returns back making few
oscillations before it finally stops in its vertical position.
Physics O.L
Mechanics 226
2.
Physics O.L
Mechanics 227
3. (a) (i) Potential energy = m . g . h
= 200 x 10 x 6
= 12000 J
(ii) K . E . = _!_ x mv'

2
1 2
12000 = -x200xv
2
v = 10.95 m / s
(b) (i) Kinetic energy of the falling mass is converted to work done to drive the
pile into the ground; also some energy is changed to sound energy and to
heat energy in the falling mass, in the pile and in the ground.
(ii) When the falling mass is suddenly stopped, its large momentum rapidly
reaches zero which produces a large force.
(force = rate of change of momentum)
( c) l. Some energy is lost due to friction in the ropes, pulleys and suspension
system; it is converted to heat and sourd.
2. The efficiency of the motor is less than 100 % due to energy lost in the
1
c o i l s of the motor and is wasted as heat rt. sound.
( d) I . Increase the falling mass.
2. Increase the distance of fall.
3 . Decrease the cross section of the pile.
4 (a) distance/height AND tape measure/(metre) rule(r) B1

weight OR load OR force
AND balance/scale(s) OR newton-meter/spring balance/force meter 1
B1
time AND watch/clock/timer B1
(b) power = work/time OR energy/time in any form

OR Pt words or numbers seen anywhere e.g. 528 x 5 C1
(work =) force × distance in any form C1
11 A1
•
2
(c) efficiency = Eout/Ein OR Pout/Pin seen anywhere, clearly identified

2 1
OR 520 × (20/11) × 5
OR (work done =) 800 × 20 × 0.3 OR 800 × 20 × 30 OR 4800 (J) OR 720 (J) C1
(energy used =) 32,000 J A1 [8]
Physics O.L
Mechanics 228
5 (a) two processes from:

vapour rising
condensation
rain falling
water falling from lake / through pipes
water turns turbine / generator
electricity generated. max B2
energy changes:
PE to KE matched to a process B1
KE to electricity energy for turbine / power station B1
(b) (i) (PE =) mgh OR 2 × 105 × 10 × 120 allow g = 9.8 or 9.81 C1

2.4 × 108 J A1
(ii) (KE of water =) ½mv2 OR ½ × 2 × 105 × 142 C1

1.96 × 107 J OR 2.0 × 107 J A1 [8]
6 (a) (The point in the body) where (all) the mass / weight / gravity acts / appears to act B1
(owtte)
(b) h is the height through which the centre of mass/rises

OR centre of mass/rises (much) less than 2.0 m
OR centre of mass/of athlete is above the ground level

OR centre of mass/gravity passes under bar B1
Allow centre of gravity in place of centre of mass
(c) Standing: has chemical energy B1

Run-up: kinetic energy gained B1
Pole bent: has strain / elastic energy B1
Rise: potential energy gained B1
Fall: kinetic energy gained B1
On mat: has thermal / heat / sound / strain / elastic energy B1 [8]
Physics O.L
Mechanics 229
7 (a) (i) 1. (loss of P.E. =) mgh OR 92 × 10 × 1500 C1

1.38 × 106 J A1
correct use of mgh with h = 500 or 2000 gains 1 mark only
(ii) 2. (K.E. =) ½ mv2 OR ½ × 92 × 522 C1

1.244 × 105 J at least 2 sig. figs A1
(a) (ii) difference is due to:

(work done in overcoming) air resistance/drag
OR energy converted to/lost as heat (by air resistance/drag) B1
(b) (i) increases B1
(ii) 920 N B1
[Total 7]
8 (a) (i) v = u + at OR (a =) (v – u) / t OR 24 = a × 60 OR 24 / 60 C1
0.4(0) m / s2 A1
(ii) (F =) ma OR 7.5 × 105 × 0.40 C1

300 000 N OR 300 kN A1
(b) (i) in words or symbols (P =) W / t OR F x d / t OR Fv

OR 7.2 × 104 × 24 / 1 OR OR 7.2 × 104 × 24 C1
1.7 × 106 W A1
(ii) gravitational/potential energy of train has to be increased

OR force acts down the slope / backward force acts (on train) B1
(for the same distance moved) more work done has to be done OR energy
has to be provided (by the engine) B1
in the same time (so needs more power) B1
[Total: 9]
Physics O.L
Mechanics 230
9 (a) Fd OR weight × d OR mgh OR 30 000 × 10 × 140 OR 4.2 × 107 seen anywhere C1
(P = ) E / t OR W / t OR mgh / t symbols or words C1
4.2 × 107 / 60 C1
7.0 ×105 W / 700 kW / 0.7 MW A1
(b) efficiency = output / input OR (Pin =) 100 × Pout / efficiency C1
(Pin =) 100 × 7 × 105 / 70 C1
1.0 × 106 W OR 1 000 000 W OR 1.0 MW A1
(c) (horizontal) wind has no effect on P.E gained / vertical force on water
OR same upward / vertical force acts on water
OR force from wind is horizontal B1
[Total: 8]
10 (a) (i) (increase in g.p.e. = mgh OR 65 × 10 × 8 =) 5200 J B1

(ii) EITHER
k.e. gained = g.p.e. lost C1
½ mv2 = 5200 in any form C1
v2 = 5200 / (0.5 × 65) OR 160 C1
v = 12.6 m / s e.c.f. (a)(i) A1
OR
v2 = u2 + 2as / v2 = 2 gh (C1)
v2 = 2 × 10 × 8 (C1)
v2 = 160 (C1)
v = 12.6 m / s e.c.f. (a)(i) (A1)
(b) speed is the same B1
EITHER
loss in g.p.e. is the same B1
k.e. gained is the same B1
OR
acceleration is the same (B1)
distance fallen is the same (B1)
[Total: 8]
Physics O.L
Mechanics 231
11 (a) W = m g in any form OR (m =) W ÷ g OR 80 000 ÷ 10 C1

8000 kg A1
(b) ρ = m ÷ V in any form OR (V =) m ÷ ρ OR 8000 ÷ 1000 C1
= 8.0 m3 ecf (a) A1
(c) m g h OR weight × h OR 8000 × 10 × 4 C1
= 320 000 J OR 320 kJ ecf (a) A1
(d) (efficiency = ) output (energy) ÷ input (energy) (× 100)
OR 96 ÷ 320 (× 100) C1
= 0.30 OR 30% ecf (c) A1

[Total: 8]
12 (a) (g.p.e.=) mgh OR 75 × 10 × 880 C1

= 6.6 × 105 J / Nm OR 660 kJ / kNm A1
(b) (i) (work =) Fs / Fd OR 220 × 2800 C1
= 6.2 × 105 J / Nm OR 620 kJ / kNm A1
(ii) answer to (a) – answer to (b)(i) C1
e.g. (k.e.=) 6.6 × 105 – 6.2 × 105 = 4.0 × 104 J OR 44 kJ
OR 6.6 × 105 – 6.16 × 105 = 4.0 × 104 J OR 44 kJ A1
(c) (to go faster by) reduced air resistance / drag / resistive force
OR to lower centre of mass OR increase stability / balance B1
[Total: 7]
Physics O.L
13 Hydroelectric
(a) Hydroelectric named OR water from behind dam B1

Physics O.L
K.E. of (falling) water used / P.E. of stored water B1
Paper 4 - Variant 1
Turbine / waterwheel / paddle wheel operated B1
(Turbine) turns / drives a generator (that produces electricity) B1
(b) Rain (fills lakes in high places) B1
Cause of rain is the Sun, so renewable B1
(c) Sun evaporates water from sea etc. to fall (later) as rain B1
Sun is the source of energy. B1
13 Tidal flow
(a) Tides / tidal flow named B1
K.E. of water used B1
(b) Moon (and Sun) causes tides B1
Moon (and Sun) permanently in place, so renewable B1

Mechanics
(c) Attraction due to Moon’s (and Sun’s) gravity causes tides B1
Dr. Mostafa Allam

Sun is a source of (part of) the energy OR Sun is not the primary source of energy B1
232
13 Waves
(a) Waves on surface of sea B1
K.E. of water used to oscillate a floating mechanism B1

Physics O.L
Paper 4 - Variant 1
(b) Wind causes waves B1
Sun causes wind, so renewable B1
(c) Winds are air currents caused by thermal energy / heat from the Sun B1
Sun is the source of energy B1
14(a) Chemical (potential energy) 1
(b)(i) (E =) m × g × h OR 32 × 10 × 2.5 1
800 J 1
(b)(ii) Output power = E÷ t OR 800 ÷ 5.4 OR 148.148 (W) 1
Eff. = output (power) ÷ input (power) OR Pout ÷ Pin OR Eout ÷ Ein OR output power ÷ 0.65 OR 148.148 ÷ 0.65 OR 800 ÷ 0.65 1
= 230 W 1
Mechanics
(c) Advantage: not dependent on weather/wind blowingOR always available 1
Dr. Mostafa Allam

Disadvantage: pollutingOR CO2/SO2/greenhouse gases emitted OR leads to global warming OR oil must be transported 1
OR not renewable OR oil will run out/be used up
233
Mechanics 234
June Variant 2
2011 1 Question 2
Fig. 2.1 shows a conveyor belt transporting a package to a raised platform. The belt is driven by a
motor.
conveyor belt
package
motor
Fig. 2.1
(a) State three types of energy, other than gravitational potential energy, into which the electrical
energy supplied to the motor is converted.
1. ...............................................................................................................................................
2. ...............................................................................................................................................
3. ...........................................................................................................................................[2]
(b) The mass of the package is 36 kg. Calculate the increase in the gravitational potential energy
(p.e.) of the package when it is raised through a vertical height of 2.4 m.
increase in p.e. = ...........................................................[2]
(c) The package is raised through the vertical height of 2.4 m in 4.4 s. Calculate the power needed
to raise the package.
power = .......................................................... [2]
(d) Assume that the power available to raise packages is constant. A package of mass greater
than 36 kg is raised through the same height. Suggest and explain the effect of this increase
in mass on the operation of the belt.
...................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................................[3]
[Total: 9]
Physics O.L
Mechanics 235
November Variant 2
2011 2 Question 2
The racing car shown in Fig. 2.1 uses a Kinetic Energy Recovery System (KERS). This system
stores within the car some of the kinetic energy lost when the car slows down for a corner. The
driver can later release the stored energy when maximum power is required.
Fig. 2.1
(a) The car approaches a corner and decelerates from 82 m / s to 61 m / s in 0.90 s.

Calculate the deceleration.
deceleration = .......................................................... [2]
(b) (i) The energy lost during the braking in (a) is 8.4 × 105 J. 40% of this lost energy is directed
to the KERS system. Determine the amount of energy stored.
energy stored = ...............................................................
(ii) The driver later uses all of this stored energy to give 60 kW of useful extra power for 3.0 s.
Calculate the energy released.
energy released = ...............................................................
(iii) Calculate the efficiency of the KERS system.
efficiency = ...............................................................
[4]
Physics O.L
Mechanics 236
(c) Suggest a possible device to store energy when a moving vehicle slows down. For this device,
state the change that occurs as more energy is stored.
device .......................................................................................................................................
change ......................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................. [2]
[Total: 8]
Physics O.L
Mechanics 237
June Variant 2
2012 3 Question 3
Fig. 3.1 shows a water turbine that is generating electricity in a small tidal energy scheme.
barrage
sea-water level at high tide
3.0 m
water level in tidal basin
turbine connected to
electricity generator
Fig. 3.1
At high tide, 1.0 m3 of sea-water of density 1030 kg / m3 flows through the turbine every
second.
(a) Calculate the loss of gravitational potential energy when 1.0 m3 of sea-water falls
through a vertical distance of 3.0 m.
loss of gravitational potential energy = ................................................. [3]
(b) Assume that your answer to (a) is the energy lost per second by the sea-water passing
through the turbine at high tide. The generator delivers a current of 26 A at 400 V.
Calculate the efficiency of the scheme.
efficiency = ..............................................% [3]
Physics O.L
Mechanics 238
(c) At low tide, the sea-water level is lower than the water level in the tidal basin.
(i) State the direction of the flow of water through the turbine at low tide.
..................................................................................................................................
(ii) Suggest an essential feature of the turbine and generator for electricity to be
generated at low tide.
..................................................................................................................................
..................................................................................................................................
..................................................................................................................................
[2]
[Total: 8]
Physics O.L
Mechanics 239
November Variant 2
2012 4 Question 6
Solar panels are positioned on the roof of the house shown in Fig. 6.1. They use thermal
energy from the Sun to provide hot water in an environmentally friendly way.
solar
panels
Fig. 6.1
Cold water flows to the panels at 15 °C. During the day, the panels supply 3.8 kg of hot water
at 65 °C every hour.
(a) Calculate the average energy that the solar panels deliver to the water in one hour.
Specific heat capacity of water = 4200 J / (kg °C).
energy = ................................................. [3]
(b) The solar power incident on the roof during this heating period is 170 W / m2. The solar
panels have a total area of 8.0 m2.
Calculate the solar energy incident on the panels in one hour.
solar energy = ................................................. [2]
(c) Calculate the efficiency of the solar panels, stating the equation you use.
efficiency = ................................................. [2]
Physics O.L
Mechanics 240
(d) Explain why solar energy is called renewable energy.
..........................................................................................................................................
..................................................................................................................................... [1]
(e) State one disadvantage of using solar energy.
..........................................................................................................................................
..................................................................................................................................... [1]
[Total: 9]
Physics O.L
Mechanics 241
November Variant 3
2012 5 Question 3
Fig. 3.1 shows an aeroplane of mass 3.4 × 105 kg accelerating uniformly from rest along a
runway.
Fig. 3.1
After 26 s it reaches a speed of 65 m / s.
(a) Calculate
(i) the acceleration of the aeroplane,
acceleration = ................................................. [2]
(ii) the resultant force on the aeroplane.
force = ................................................. [2]

(b) Just after taking off, the aeroplane continues to accelerate as it gains height.
(i) State two forms of energy that increase during this time.
1. ..............................................................................................................................
2. ......................................................................................................................... [2]
(ii) State one form of energy that decreases during this time.
............................................................................................................................. [1]
(iii) State why the total energy of the aeroplane decreases during this time.
..................................................................................................................................
............................................................................................................................. [1]
(c) When the aeroplane reaches its maximum height, it starts to follow a curved path at a
constant speed.
State the direction of the resultant force on the aeroplane.
..................................................................................................................................... [1]
[Total: 9]
Physics O.L
Mechanics 242
June Variant 2
2014 6 Question 3
When a salmon swims up a river to breed, it often has to jump up waterfalls. Fig. 3.1 shows a
salmon jumping above the surface of the water. On this occasion the salmon falls back down into
the river.
salmon
waterfall
river
Fig. 3.1
The salmon has a mass of 2.0 kg.
(a) The salmon leaves the water vertically with a kinetic energy of 16.2 J.
(i) Calculate the speed of the salmon as it leaves the water.
speed = ........................................................ [2]
(ii) Calculate the maximum height gained by the salmon. Ignore air resistance.
gain in height = ........................................................ [3]
(iii) After the salmon has re-entered the river, it has lost nearly all its original kinetic energy.
State what has happened to the lost energy.
...........................................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................... [2]
Physics O.L
Mechanics 243
(b) Another salmon, of much greater mass, leaves the water vertically with the same speed.
State and explain how the height of this salmon’s jump compares to the height reached by the
first salmon.
...................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................. [2]
[Total: 9]
Physics O.L
Mechanics 244
June Variant 2
2015 7 Question 3
An athlete of mass 64 kg is bouncing up and down on a trampoline.
At one moment, the athlete is stationary on the stretched surface of the trampoline. Fig. 3.1 shows
the athlete at this moment.
springs
Fig. 3.1
(a) State the form of energy stored due to the stretching of the surface of the trampoline.
...............................................................................................................................................[1]
(b) The stretched surface of the trampoline begins to contract. The athlete is pushed vertically
upwards and she accelerates. At time t, when her upwards velocity is 6.0 m / s, she loses
contact with the surface.
(i) Calculate her kinetic energy at time t.
kinetic energy = .........................................................[2]
(ii) Calculate the maximum possible distance she can travel upwards after time t.
maximum distance = .........................................................[3]
Physics O.L
Mechanics 245
(iii) In practice, she travels upwards through a slightly smaller distance than the distance
calculated in (ii).
Suggest why this is so.
...........................................................................................................................................
.......................................................................................................................................[1]
(c) The trampoline springs are tested. An extension-load graph is plotted for one spring. Fig. 3.2
is the graph.
extension
0
0 load
Fig. 3.2
(i) State the name of the point X.
.......................................................................................................................................[1]
(ii) State the name of the law that the spring obeys between the origin of the graph and
point X.
.......................................................................................................................................[1]
[Total: 9]
Physics O.L
Mechanics 246
November Variant 2
2015 8 Question 3
(a) (i) Define power.
.......................................................................................................................................[1]
(ii) In the following list, tick the two boxes next to the two quantities needed to calculate the
work done on an object.
mass of the object
force acting on the object
speed of the object
acceleration of the object
distance moved by the object [1]
(b) A lift (elevator) in a high building transports 12 passengers, each of mass 65 kg, through a
vertical height of 150 m in a time of 64 s.
(i) Calculate the power needed to transport the passengers through this height.
power = ...........................................................[4]
(ii) The lift (elevator) is driven by an electric motor.
State a reason, other than friction, why the power supplied by the motor is greater than
the power needed to transport the passengers.
...........................................................................................................................................
.......................................................................................................................................[1]
[Total: 7]
Physics O.L
Mechanics 247
June Variant 2
2016 9 Question 3
Fig. 3.1 shows a cabin used to transport passengers up a hillside.
NOT TO
SCALE C
drive pulley
connected to
electric motor
pulley 50 m
cable
pulley A B
pulley
cabin
support cabin
Fig. 3.1
The cabin is attached to a cable which moves horizontally from A to B, then up the hill from B to C.
(a) There is an electrical input of energy to the motor which moves the cable.
Place two ticks against types of energy that increase as the cabin moves horizontally at
constant speed from A to B.
kinetic energy of the cabin
gravitational potential energy of the cabin
gravitational potential energy of the cable
internal energy of the surroundings
internal energy of the wires of the motor

[2]
(b) The cabin and passengers have a total mass of 800 kg. The vertical distance between
B and C is 50 m.
Calculate the increase of gravitational potential energy of the cabin and passengers when they
move from B to C.
energy = ................................................................. [2]
Physics O.L
Mechanics 248
(c) The cabin then descends back from C to B.

The weight of the cabin pulls the cable, which rotates the motor. The electric motor acts as a
generator when rotated in this way.
Explain the environmental and economic benefits of this arrangement.
...........................................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................................
........................................................................................................................................... [3]
[Total: 7]
Physics O.L
Mechanics 249
November Variant 2
2017 10 Question 3
(a) State the name of a fuel that is burnt to produce large amounts of electrical energy.
Describe a process by which electrical energy is obtained from the chemical energy stored in
this fuel.
Name of fuel: ............................................................................................................................
Description of process: .............................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................................[4]
(b) Explain why the Sun is the source of the energy stored in the fuel in (a).
...................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................................[2]
(c) Explain whether the process in (a) is renewable.
...................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................................[2]
[Total: 8]
Physics O.L
Mechanics 250
November Variant 3
2017 11 Question 3
Fig. 3.1 shows solar cells that use radiation from the Sun to generate electricity.
Fig. 3.1
(a) (i) State the name of the process which releases energy in the Sun.
.......................................................................................................................................[1]
(ii) A reaction takes place in the Sun as energy is released.
Describe what happens in this reaction.

...........................................................................................................................................
.......................................................................................................................................[2]
(b) Apart from solar cells, there are other energy resources used on Earth for which the radiation
from the Sun is the source.
State the name of one of these energy resources and explain whether it is renewable.
...................................................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................................[2]
(c) State two advantages and two disadvantages of using solar cells to generate electricity.
advantage 1 ..............................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
advantage 2 ..............................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
disadvantage 1 .........................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
disadvantage 2 .........................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
[4]
[Total: 9]
Physics O.L
Mechanics 251
June Variant 2
2018 12 Question 3
Fig. 3.1 shows an aircraft on the deck of an aircraft carrier.
Fig. 3.1
The aircraft accelerates from rest along the deck. At take-off, the aircraft has a speed of 75 m / s.
The mass of the aircraft is 9500 kg.
(a) Calculate the kinetic energy of the aircraft at take-off.
kinetic energy = ...........................................................[3]
(b) On an aircraft carrier, a catapult provides an accelerating force on the aircraft. The catapult
provides a constant force for a distance of 150 m along the deck.
Calculate the resultant force on the aircraft as it accelerates. Assume that all of the kinetic
energy at take-off is from the work done on the aircraft by the catapult.
force = ...........................................................[2]
[Total: 5]
Physics O.L
Mechanics 252
June Variant 3
2018 13 Question 2
A rifle fires a bullet of mass 0.020 kg vertically upwards through the air. As it leaves the rifle, the
speed of the bullet is 350 m / s.
(a) Calculate
(i) the kinetic energy of the bullet as it leaves the rifle,
kinetic energy = ...........................................................[3]
(ii) the maximum possible height that the bullet can reach.
maximum height = ...........................................................[2]
(b) The actual height reached by the bullet is less than the value calculated in (a)(ii).
(i) Explain, in terms of the forces acting on the bullet, why this is so.
...........................................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................................
.......................................................................................................................................[2]
(ii) As the bullet rises through the air, its kinetic energy decreases.
State what happens to this energy.
...........................................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................................
.......................................................................................................................................[2]
[Total: 9]
Physics O.L
Mechanics 253
Mark Scheme
1 (a) kinetic energy (of the package / belt / motor)
heat / thermal / internal energy / work done against friction
sound energy B2
(b) mgh OR 36 × 10 × 2.4 C1

= 864 J OR N m A1
(c) P = E/t in any form: words, symbols or numbers

OR E/t OR 864 / 4.4 C1
= 196 W OR J / s A1
(d) P = E/t in any form, words or symbols

OR mass is increased AND power is constant B1
increase in potential energy of mass is greater

OR work done / energy used (to raise mass) is greater B1
speed reduced / time taken is longer B1 [9]
2 (a) (i) use of a = ∆v/t in any form C1

23.3 m/s2 ignore sign A1 [2]
(b) (i) 336 000 J B1 [1]

2
(ii) use of power × time C1
= 180 000 J A1 [2]
(iii) 54% OR 0.54

ecf from (i) and (ii) B1 [1]
accept (= 180 000/840 000) 21% OR 0.21
(c) anything sensible for a moving vehicle, e.g. flywheel / capacitor / battery M1
appropriate change for this device, for example:
flywheel: speed or kinetic energy
capacitor: voltage or charge or electrical energy
battery: voltage or charge or electrical or chemical energy A1 [2]
Physics O.L
Mechanics 254
3 (a) (mass flow rate =) 1030 (kg/s) C1

use of mgh C1
loss of GPE = 1030 × 10 × 3 = 30 900 J or Nm ecf from 1st line A1 [3]
(b) output power = (26 × 400 =) 10 400 (W) C1

efficiency = output (power)/input (power) with/without 100
OR= output/input with/without 100 OR any numbers
that clearly show relationship the correct way up is intended C1
efficiency = (100 × 10 400/30 900 = ) 33.7% at least 2 s.f. A1 [3]
allow ecf from (a) and 1st line of (b)
(c) (i) from basin/to sea/from right/to left B1
(ii) turbine design allows rotation in both directions

OR meaningful comment on change of pitch
OR generator works when rotating in either direction B1 [2]
[Total: 8]
4 (a) Q = mc∆T in any form or mc∆T C1

∆T = 50 C1
Q = 798 000 J A1 [3]
(b) use of E = Pt OR 170 × 8 OR see 1 360 OR see 81 600 (= 1 360 × 60) C1

energy = (170 × 8 × 3 600) = 4 896 000 J A1 [2]
(c) efficiency = output(energy)/input (energy) OR his (a)=÷ his (b)

accept power for energy but not wrong/mixed quantities. Accept useful for output,
ignore total for input C1
efficiency = 0.16 or 16% ecf from 6(a) and 6(b) A1 [2]
(d) source not finite/will not run out ignore can be re-used/replaced
Give for right idea e.g. accept sun always shines B1 [1]
(e) one point from:

doesn’t work at night/cloud cover/no sun/variable output
high (initial) cost (of panels)
do not accept too low unless appropriate for a clearly stated context B1 [1]
Physics O.L
Mechanics 255
5 (a) (i) (a =) v/t or 65/26 C1

2.5 m/s2 *Unit penalty applies A1
(ii) (F =)ma or 3.4 × 105 × 2.5 ecf from 3(a)(i) C1

8.5 × 105 N *Unit penalty applies ecf from 3(a)(i) A1
(b) (i) any two of: KE or GPE or heat/internal energy/thermal energy B2
(ii) chemical energy not heat B1
(iii) thermal energy/sound is lost (to the atmosphere) or KE of air B1
(c) perpendicular to path or towards centre of circle or centripetal B1 [9]
6 (a) (i) ½mv2 in words, symbols or numbers C1
(v = √(2 × ½ × 16.2) =) 4.0 m / s accept 4 A1
(ii) mgh or KE / mg or v = √(2gh) or v2 = u2 + 2as words, symbols or numbers C1
correct substitution e.g. h = 16.2 / 2 × 10 C1
0.81 m allow e.c.f. from 3(a)(i) A1
(iii) heating of water o.w.t.t.e. B2

compensation mark: award B1 for one of heat, internal energy, sound, KE of water
ignore intermediate states throughout 3(a)(iii) e.g. KE / PE of splashed water
(b) same height M1
m affects both KE and GPE (in same way) / v2 = u2 + 2as applies in both cases
ignore “height doesn’t depend on mass” A1
special case : M1 for logical argument about not all KE becoming GPE
A1 for consequent statement about height gained
Physics O.L
Mechanics 256
7 (a) strain / elastic (potential) (energy) B1
(b)
(i) (KE =) ½ m v2 in any form C1
1200 J A1
(ii) (G)PE (gained) = KE (lost) in any form C1
(G)PE = m g h OR h = PE ÷ mg in any form C1
1.8 m e.c.f. from (b)(i) A1
(iii) friction with air OR air resistance OR thermal energy / heat produced/lost B1
(c) (i) limit of proportionality B1
(ii) Hooke’s law B1
8 (a) (i) (power =) work (done) / time (taken) OR energy (supplied) / time (taken) OR rate of doing
work OR rate of supplying energy B1
(ii) box 2 (force acting on the object) AND box 5 (distance moved by the object) B1
(b) (i) multiplies mass of all passengers by h C1

(increase in gpe =) mgh OR uses 12 × 650 × 150 C1
(power = increase in) gpe / time C1
1.8 × 104 W OR 18 kW A1
(ii) energy to raise the lift OR weight / load / mass of lift OR more weight / load / mass B1
[Total: 7]
9(a) internal energy of surroundings Box 4 B1

internal energy of wires of motor Box 5 B1
(b) (change of g.p.e. =) mgh C1
(800 × 10 × 50 = ) 400 000 J OR 400 kJ A1
(c) electrical energy generated } any B3
sensible use of electrical energy } three
}
}
sensible economic comment } from
}
sensible environmental comment } four
Total: 7
Physics O.L
10(a) suitable fuel for a power station B1
any three from five: B3

• thermal energy / heat (from fuel)
Physics O.L
• water / steam / gas heated OR steam produced
• (steam / gas) turns / moves / drives turbine
• (turbine) turns / moves / drives generator

• 2 correct energy transfers
(b) sun is energy source for plants / living matter (to grow) o.w.t.t.e. B1
plant / animal (remains compressed) into fuel OR carbon / chemical energy stored / trapped in plant / animal (remains) B1
(c) not renewable (as fuel is consumed) M1
could only be replaced over very long time period (e.g. clearly > 50 years) A1
11(a)(i) nuclear fusion B1
(a)(ii) nuclei combine / join together B1
small nuclei to larger nuclei or hydrogen to helium (in some way) or loss of mass B1
(b) any suitable resource e.g. fossil fuels; hydroelectric; wave; wind M1
renewable or not (according answer) and matching explanation A1

Mechanics
(c) two advantages from: no polluting gases / quiet / low maintenance / can be placed on roofs / clean / cheap to run B2
two disadvantages from: intermittent supply / unattractive / takes up space / uses land / d.c. output B2
Dr. Mostafa Allam

257
12(a) (KE = ) ½ × m × v2 1
(KE = ) ½ × 9500 × 752 1

(KE = ) 2.7 × 107 J 1
Physics O.L
(b) KE = F × l OR (F = )KE ÷ l 1
OR (F =) 2.671875 × 107 × 150

OR v2 – u2 = 2ax OR (a =) v2 – u2 ÷ (2 × x)
OR (a = ) 752 ÷ (2 × 150) = 18.75
(F = ) 1.8 × 105 N 1
OR ((F =) m × a = 9500 × 18.75) = 1.8 × 105 N
13(a)(i) (KE =) ½ × m × v2 C1
½ × 0.020 × 3502 C1
1200 J A1
(a)(ii) (∆h =) KE ÷ mg OR 1200 ÷ (0.020 × 10) OR 1225 ÷ (0.020 × 10) C1
6000/6100 m A1
(b)(i) (force of) air resistance acts downwards M1
adds to gravitational force/resultant force increases/deceleration increases/deceleration > g A1

Mechanics
(b)(ii) (kinetic energy) to gravitational potential energy B1
Dr. Mostafa Allam

(kinetic energy) to thermal/internal energy B1
258
Mechanics 259
7. Pressure, Barometer & Manometer
November Paper 3
1994 1 Question 2
7
(a) A fully loaded, flat-bottomed tanker with vertical sides has a weight of 135x 10 N. It Is
3,
floating In sea-water of density 1.05x 1D3kg/m and the keel of the tanker Is 18m
below the surface ol lhe sea.
Assume g . 1 o rn1 s 2 .
Calculate the water pressure at a depth of 18 m. (3]
(b) The tanker, unloaded, Is taken Into a dry dock and settled on to keel blocks of total
7
area 1ooom2. The unloaded weight of the tanker ls GOx 10 N.
Calculate the pressure which the tanker exerts on each, Le. any one, of the keel
blocks. (2)
Physics O.L
Mechanics 260
(c) Sea-water Is gradually aUowed Into the dry dock until the keel blocks, which are each
2 mhlgh, are Immersed and the sea-water reaches a final depth ol 20 m (see Fig. 2.1 )•
keel blocl<s
... .
these diagrams are not to scale
Ag. 2.1
On the axes of Fig. 2.2. sketch a graph to show how the pressure on each of the keel
blocks changes as the depth of water Increases. [5]
pressure on
a block
0 4 8 12 16 20 24
depth of water In dock/ m
Ag. 2.2
(d) The power of the tanker's engines Is 45000kW whilst the tanker Is travelling at a
constant speed of 7 mis. Calculate the magnitude of the forces resisting the tanker's
motion. [3]
Physics O.L
Mechanics 261
June Variant 1
2011 2 Question 3
During a period of hot weather, the atmospheric pressure on the pond in Fig. 3.1 remains constant.
Water evaporates from the pond, so that the depth h decreases.
force due to
air pressure
Fig. 3.1
(a) Study the diagram and state, giving your reason, what happens during this hot period to
(i) the force of the air on the surface of the pond,
...........................................................................................................................................
.......................................................................................................................................[1]
(ii) the pressure at the bottom of the pond.
...........................................................................................................................................
.......................................................................................................................................[1]
(b) On a certain day, the pond is 12 m deep.
(i) Water has a density of 1000 kg / m3.
Calculate the pressure at the bottom of the pond due to the water.
pressure due to the water = ...........................................................[2]
Physics O.L
Mechanics 262
(ii) Atmospheric pressure on that day is 1.0 × 105 Pa.
Calculate the total pressure at the bottom of the pond.
total pressure = ...........................................................[1]
(iii) A bubble of gas is released from the mud at the bottom of the pond. Its initial volume is
0.5 cm3.
Ignoring any temperature differences in the water, calculate the volume of the bubble as
it reaches the surface.
volume = ...........................................................[2]
(iv) In fact, the temperature of the water is greater at the top than at the bottom of the pond.
Comment on the bubble volume you have calculated in (b)(iii).
...........................................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................................
.......................................................................................................................................[1]
[Total: 8]
Physics O.L
Mechanics 263
November Variant 1
2011 3 Question 4
(a) Complete Fig. 4.1 to show a simple mercury barometer. Insert the correct labels in the
boxes. Label with the letter h the measurement required to calculate the pressure of the
atmosphere.
[3]
Fig. 4.1
(b) The value of h taken using this barometer is 0.73 m. The density of mercury is 13 600 kg / m3.
Calculate the value of the atmospheric pressure suggested by this measurement.
Use g = 10 m / s2.
atmospheric pressure = ...........................................................[2]
(c) Standard atmospheric pressure is 0.76 m of mercury. Suggest a reason why the value of h in
(b) is lower than this.
...................................................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................................[1]
[Total: 6]
Physics O.L
Mechanics 264
June Variant 1
2012 4 Question 4
Fig. 4.1 represents part of the hydraulic braking system of a car.
piston X piston Y
F1
F2
Fig. 4.1
The force F1
pistons X and Y is filled with oil which cannot be compressed. The force F2
moves piston Y. This force is applied to the brake mechanism in the wheels of the car.
The area of cross-section of piston X is 4.8 cm2.
(a) The force F1 is 90 N. Calculate the pressure exerted on the oil by piston X.
pressure = ................................................. [2]
(b)
the force F2 is greater than the force F1.
..........................................................................................................................................
..................................................................................................................................... [1]
(c) Piston Y moves a smaller distance than piston X. Explain why.
..........................................................................................................................................
..................................................................................................................................... [2]
(d) Suggest why the braking system does not work properly if the oil contains bubbles of air.
..........................................................................................................................................
..................................................................................................................................... [2]
[Total: 7]
Physics O.L
Mechanics 265
June Variant 1
2014 5 Question 5
(a) A water tank has a rectangular base of dimensions 1.5 m by 1.2 m and contains 1440 kg of
water.
Calculate
(i) the weight of the water,
weight = ............................................... [1]
(ii) the pressure exerted by the water on the base of the tank.
pressure = ............................................... [2]
(b) Fig. 5.1 shows two water tanks P and Q of different shape. Both tanks are circular when
viewed from above. The tanks each contain the same volume of water. The depth of water in
both tanks is 1.4 m.
1.4 m
P Q
Fig. 5.1
(i) The density of water is 1000 kg / m3. The pressures exerted by the water on the base of
the two tanks are equal.
Calculate this pressure.
pressure = ............................................... [2]
(ii) Equal small volumes of water are removed from each tank.
State which tank, P or Q, now has the greater water pressure on its base. Explain your
answer.
...........................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................... [2]
[Total: 7]
Physics O.L
Mechanics 266
November Variant 1
2014 6 Question 3
(a) Fig. 3.1 shows an oil can containing only air at atmospheric pressure.
can
Fig. 3.1
Atmospheric pressure is 1.0 × 105 Pa.
The pressure of the air in the can is reduced by means of a pump. The can collapses when
the pressure of the air in the can falls to 6000 Pa.
(i) Explain why the can collapses.
...........................................................................................................................................
.......................................................................................................................................[1]
(ii) The surface area of face X of the can is 0.12 m2.
Calculate the resultant force on face X when the can collapses.
force = ................................................[3]
Physics O.L
Mechanics 267
(b) Mercury is poured into a U-shaped glass tube. Water is then poured into one of the limbs of
the tube. Oil is poured into the other limb until the surfaces of the mercury are at the same
level in both limbs.
Fig. 3.2 shows the result.
oil
water
0.32 m
0.25 m
mercury
Fig. 3.2
(i) State a condition that must be true in order for the mercury surfaces to be at the same
level in both limbs of the tube.
.......................................................................................................................................[1]
(ii) The height of the water column is 0.25 m. The height of the oil column is 0.32 m. The
density of water is 1000 kg / m3.
Calculate
1. the pressure exerted by the water on the surface of the mercury,
pressure = ................................................[2]
2. the density of the oil.
density = ................................................[2]
[Total: 9]
Physics O.L
Mechanics 268
June Variant 1
2015 7 Question 2
A large stone block is to be part of a harbour wall. The block is supported beneath the surface of
the sea by a cable from a crane. Fig. 2.1 shows the block with its top face a distance h beneath the
surface of the sea.
cable
surface of sea
h
block
Fig. 2.1
The force acting downwards on the top face of the block, due to the atmosphere and the depth h
of water, is 3.5 × 104 N.
(a) The top face of the block has an area of 0.25 m2.
(i) Calculate the pressure on the top face of the block.
pressure = ................................................ [2]
(ii) The atmospheric pressure is 1.0 × 105 Pa.
Calculate the pressure on the top face of the block due to the depth h of water.
pressure = ................................................ [1]
(iii) The density of sea water is 1020 kg / m3.
Calculate the depth h.
h = ................................................ [2]
Physics O.L
Mechanics 269
(b) Suggest two reasons why the tension force in the cable is not 3.5 × 104 N.
1. ..............................................................................................................................................
2. ..............................................................................................................................................
[2]
(c) The block is lowered so that it rests on the sea-bed.
State what happens to the tension force in the cable.
.............................................................................................................................................. [1]
[Total: 8]
Physics O.L
Mechanics 270
June Variant 1
2016 8 Question 3
Fig. 3.1 shows an oil tank that has a rectangular base of dimensions 2.4 m by 1.5 m.
oil
depth of oil
1.5 m
1.5 m
2.4 m
Fig. 3.1
3
The tank is filled with oil of density 850 kg / m to a depth of 1.5 m.
(a) Calculate
(i) the pressure exerted by the oil on the base of the tank,
pressure = ................................................................. [2]
(ii) the force exerted by the oil on the base of the tank.
force = ................................................................. [2]
Physics O.L
Mechanics 271
(b) The force calculated in (a)(ii) is the weight of the oil.
Calculate the mass of oil in the tank.
mass = ................................................................. [1]
(c) When he is checking the level of oil in the tank, a man drops a brass key into the oil and it
sinks to the bottom of the oil.
(i) State what this shows about the density of brass.
................................................................................................................................ [1]
(ii) Explain how attaching the key to a piece of wood could prevent the key from sinking.
................................................................................................................................
................................................................................................................................
................................................................................................................................ [1]
[Total: 7]
Physics O.L
Mechanics 272
November Variant 1
2016 9 Question 2
Fig. 2.1 represents the cross-section of an oil tanker in a river.
tanker
15 m river
water
Fig. 2.1
(a) The bottom of the tanker is 15 m below the surface of the water. The area of the bottom of the
tanker is 6000 m2. The density of the water is 1000 kg / m3.
(i) Calculate the pressure due to the water at the depth of 15 m.
pressure =
...........................................................[2]
(ii) Calculate the force due to the water pressure on the bottom of the tanker.
force =
...........................................................[2]
(iii) Deduce the weight of the tanker.
weight =
...........................................................[1]
Physics O.L
Mechanics 273
(b) The tanker sails out onto a calm sea. The density of sea-water is greater than the density of
river water.
State and explain any change in the depth of the bottom of the tanker below the surface.
...................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................................[3]
[Total: 8]
Physics O.L
Mechanics 274
November Variant 1
2016 10 Question 3
(a) A closed container holds a quantity of gas.
Explain, in terms of momentum, how molecules of the gas exert a force on a wall of the
container.
...................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................................[2]
(b) Fig. 3.1 shows a glass tube containing mercury.
mercury
h
air
Q
Fig. 3.1
The mercury traps a fixed mass of air in the left-hand arm of the tube. The right-hand arm of
the tube is open to the atmosphere. The difference in mercury levels in the two arms is h.
(i) The pressure of the atmosphere on the surface of the mercury in the right-hand arm of
the tube is 760 mm Hg. The distance h is 120 mm.
Calculate the total pressure at level Q, in mm of mercury (mm Hg), due to the atmosphere
and the mercury above Q.
pressure = .............................................. mm Hg [1]
(ii) State the pressure exerted by the air in the left-hand arm of the tube.
pressure = .............................................. mm Hg [1]
Physics O.L
Mechanics 275
(iii) Initially, the volume of air trapped in the left-hand arm of the tube is 12 cm3.
More mercury is poured into the right-hand arm of the tube. The volume of the trapped
air decreases. The temperature does not change. The difference in levels, h, becomes
240 mm.
Calculate the new volume of the trapped air.
volume = ...........................................................[3]
[Total: 7]
Physics O.L
Mechanics 276
November Variant 1
2017 11 Question 3 -C.ii
(ii) In a laboratory on the Moon, the plastic cube is held stationary, using a clamp, in a
beaker of the oil of density 850 kg / m3.
The arrangement is shown in Fig. 3.2.
clamp
cube
3.0 cm clamp
stand
oil
bench
Fig. 3.2
The lower face of the cube is 3.0 cm below the surface of the oil.
Use your answer to (c)(i) to calculate the pressure due to the oil on the lower face of the
cube.
pressure = ...........................................................[2]
[Total: 8]
Physics O.L
Mechanics 277
June Variant 1
2018 12 Question 3
A rectangular container has a base of dimensions 0.12 m × 0.16 m. The container is filled with a
liquid. The mass of the liquid in the container is 4.8 kg.
(a) Calculate
(i) the weight of liquid in the container,
weight = ...........................................................[1]
(ii) the pressure due to the liquid on the base of the container.
pressure = ...........................................................[2]
(b) Explain why the total pressure on the base of the container is greater than the value calculated
in (a)(ii).
...................................................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................................[1]
(c) The depth of liquid in the container is 0.32 m.
Calculate the density of the liquid.
density = ...........................................................[2]
[Total: 6]
Physics O.L
Mechanics 278
November Variant 1
2018 13 Question 4
(a) Fig. 4.1 shows liquid in a cylinder.
cylinder
liquid
Fig. 4.1
The depth of the liquid is 10 cm and the radius of the cylinder is 3.0 cm. The weight of the
liquid in the cylinder is 2.5 N.
Calculate the density of the liquid.
density = ...........................................................[3]
(b) Fig. 4.2 shows a device that measures the pressure of a gas supply.
gas supply
liquid
Fig. 4.2
(i) State the name of the device. .......................................................................................[1]
Physics O.L
Mechanics 279
(ii) The difference h between the two liquid levels is 2.0 cm. The density of the liquid is
800 kg / m3.
Calculate the difference between the pressure of the gas and atmospheric pressure.
pressure difference = ...........................................................[2]
(iii) A similar device with a tube of smaller cross-sectional area is connected to a gas supply
at the same pressure.
State and explain any effect on the value of h.
...........................................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................................
.......................................................................................................................................[2]
[Total: 8]
Physics O.L
Mechanics 280
Mark Scheme
1. (a) Water pressure = h p g
3)
= 18 (1.05 x 10 10
5 2
= 1.89 x 10 N/ m
(b) Pressure of tanker= FIA

7
= (60 x 10 )/1000
5 2
= 6 x 10 N/m
(c)
pressure on
a block
2
0 4 8 12 16 20 24
depth of water in dock/ m
(d) Power = Force x Velocity

7)
(4.S x 10 == Force x 7
6
Force = 6.43 x 10 N
Physics O.L
Mechanics 281
2 (a) (i) smaller because area smaller B1
(ii) smaller because depth/height smaller ignore less water B1
(b) (i) hρg OR 12 × 1000 × 10 C1

1.2 × 105 Pa OR 1.1772 × 105 Pa OR 1.176 × 105 Pa accept N/m2 A1
(ii) candidate’s (i) + 1.0 × 105 Pa correctly evaluated with unit (correct value
2.2 × 105) B1
(iii) p1V1 = p2V2 in any form C1

1.1 cm3
OR 0.5 × candidate’s (ii)/105 correctly evaluated A1
(iv) value in (iii) too small OR volume larger o.w.t.t.e. B1 [8]
3 (a) surfaces shown at realistic levels in dish and tube AND vertical height h between
levels clearly shown B1
top label: vacuum / mercury vapour B1
bottom label: mercury B1
(b) (P =) hdg OR 0.73 × 13600 × 10 C1
99280 Pa at least 2 s.f. B1
(c) one from:
abnormal weather / atmospheric conditions o.w.t.t.e.
air in space above mercury in tube
barometer is in a high altitude location o.w.t.t.e.
space above mercury is not a vacuum B1 [6]
ignore atmospheric pressure varies ignore temperature
4 (a) (p =) F/A OR in words OR 90/4.8 OR 90 / 0.00048 C1

= 18.75 N/cm2 OR 1.875 × 105 Pa OR 187500 Pa
OR 187.5 kPa OR 0.1875 MPa at least 2 s.f. A1
(b) Area of Y bigger (than area of X so force greater) B1
(c) Volume of oil moved at Y = volume of oil moved at X B1
Area of Y × distance moved by Y = Area of X × distance moved by X (so distance
move by Y smaller) B1
OR
Work done by piston X = work done on piston Y (B1)
Work = force × distance and F2 is greater than F1 so distance moved by Y smaller
(than distance moved by X) (B1)
(d) Air bubbles compress when pressure applied M1
More movement of piston X required for same movement of piston Y
OR Y moves less (for same movement of X)
OR Driver must push the brake pedal further / do more work
OR Pressure reduced / force on Y reduced
OR System is less efficient A1
[Total: 7]
Physics O.L
Mechanics 282
5 (a) (i) (W = mg =1440 × 10 =) 14 400 N B1
(ii) (P =) F / A OR 14 400 / (1.5 × 1.2) C1
8000 Pa OR N / m2 A1
(b) (i) (P =) hρg OR 1.4 × 1000 × 10 C1
14 000 Pa OR N / m2 A1
(b) (ii) pressure on base of P smaller / Q greater M1
(with same volume removed) smaller decrease in depth in Q
OR height in Q is greater A1
[Total: 7]
6 (a) (i) force / pressure greater on outside surface owtte B1

(ii) p = F / A in any form OR (F =) pA C1
= (1.0 × 105 – 6000) × 0.12 C1
11280 N to at least 2 sig. figs. A1
(b) (i) pressure of oil = pressure of water B1
(ii) 1. (p=) hρg C1

(= 0.25 × 1000 × 10 =) 2500 Pa A1
2. hρg = 2500 C1
(ρ = 2500 / (0.32 × 10) =) 781 kg / m3 to at least 2 sig. figs. A1
[Total: 9]
7 (a) (i) (P =) F÷A OR 3.5 × 104 ÷ 0.25 C1

= 1.4 × 105 Pa ecf (i) A1
(ii) (1.4 × 105 – 1.0 × 105 =) 4(.0) × 104 Pa ecf (ii) B1
(iii) P = h ρ g in any form OR (h =) P÷ρ g OR 4.0 × 104 ÷ (1020 × 10) C1

= 3.9 m OR 4 m A1
(b) any 2 from: max. B2
• weight of block
• upward force of water (on block) / upthrust (of water on block)
• weight of cable
(c) (tension force) becomes smaller or zero B1

[Total: 8]
Physics O.L
Mechanics 283
8(a)(i) (P =) hdg OR 1.5 × 850 × 10 C1

OR
mg / area of base OR 850 × 2.4 × 1.5 × 1.5 × 10 / (2.4 × 1.5) (C1)
13 000 Pa or N/m2 A1
(a)(ii) P = F/A OR (F =) PA OR 12 750 × 1.5 × 2.4 OR 12 750 × 3.6 C1
46 000 N A1
OR
(Force = ) weight of oil = mg = 2.4 × 1.5 × 1.5 × 850 × 10 (C1)
46 000 N (A1)
(b) (46000 / 10 = ) 4600 kg
OR m = Vd = (2.4 × 1.5 × 1.5) × 850 = 4600 kg B1
(c)(i) (density of brass) greater than that of oil / 850 kg / m3
OR brass denser than oil B1
c)(ii) (It won’t sink as average) density of wood + key less than density of oil B1
Total: 7
9(a)(i) (P =) hdg OR 15 × 1000 × 10 C1

1.5 × 105 or 150 000 Pa or N / m2 or 150 kPa or kN / m2 A1
(a)(ii) (F =) PA OR 150 000 × 6000 C1
9.0 x 108 N / 9.0 × 105 kN A1
(a)(iii) Same value as (a)(ii) or 9.0 × 108 N B1
(b) Weight of tanker has to be equal to upward force of water B1
Depth (below surface) is / becomes less OR Tanker rises M1
(Tanker rises) because pressure / force on bottom of tanker
is greater OR because upthrust greater
OR At same depth as in river, pressure / force on bottom of
tanker is higher so tanker rises A1
Total: 8
10(a) (Molecules / they) collide with / hit walls of container OR B1

rebound from walls of container
Change of momentum OR Rate of change of momentum
occurs OR F = (mv – mu) / t B1
(b)(i) (760 + 120 =) 880 mmHg B1
(b)(ii) Same value as (b)(i) or 880 mmHg B1
(b)(iii) New pressure = (760 + 240 =) 1000 (mmHg) C1
PV = constant OR P1V1 = P2V2 OR 12 × 880 = V × 1000 C1
11 cm3 A1
Total: 7
Physics O.L
11(c)(ii) (P =) hdg OR 0.030 × 850 × 1.6 C1
41 Pa A1
Physics O.L
Paper 4 - Variant 1
12(a)(i) W = (4.8 × 10 =) 48 N 1
(a)(ii) (P = ) F ÷ A OR 48 ÷ (0.12 × 0.16) 1
2500 Pa 1
(b) Atmospheric pressure (in addition to liquid pressure) 1
(c) P = hdg or in words OR (d =) P ÷ hg OR 2500 ÷ (0.32 × 10) 1
780 kg / m3 1
OR d = M ÷ V = 4.8 ÷ (0.12 × 0.16 × 0.32) (1)
780 kg / m3 (1)
Mechanics
Dr. Mostafa Allam

284
13(a) mass = 0.25 (kg) OR ρ = m / V C1
volume = (π × 0.032 × 0.1 = 2.8 × 10–4 (m3)) C1
Physics O.L
density = (0.25 / 2.8 × 10–4) = 890 kg / m3 A1
Paper 4 - Variant 1
OR
mass = 250 (g) OR ρ = m / V
volume = (π × 32 × 10 =) 280 cm3
density = (250 / 280 =) 0.89 g / cm3
OR
ρ = F / A = hρg
ρ = F / Ahg OR 2.5 / π × 0.032 × 0.1 × 10
= 890 kg / m3
(b)(i) manometer B1
(b)(ii) (P =) hdg OR 0.02 × 800 × 10 C1
160 Pa A1
(b)(iii) Value of h stays the same M1

Mechanics
Difference in height not dependent on cross-sectional area of tube A1

OR Pressure of a liquid column depends only on values of h, d and g
Dr. Mostafa Allam

285
Mechanics 286
November Variant 3
2011 1 Question 4
A soldier wears boots, each having an area of 0.016 m2 in contact with the ground.
The soldier weighs 720 N.
(a) (i) Write down the equation that is used to find the pressure exerted by the soldier on the
ground.
(ii) Calculate the pressure exerted by the soldier when he is standing to attention, with both
boots on the ground.
pressure = ...............................................................
[2]
(b) The soldier is crossing a sandy desert.
Explain, stating the relevant Physics, why this soldier is at an advantage over another soldier
who has the same weight but smaller feet.
...................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................................[2]
(c) The soldier’s unit is sent to a cold country, and on one occasion he has to cross a frozen lake.
Suggest one way that the soldier can reduce the risk of the ice breaking under his weight.
...................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................................[1]
[Total: 5]
Physics O.L
Mechanics 287
June Variant 2
2013 2 Question 1
Fig. 1.1 shows a side view of a large tank in a marine visitor attraction.
sea-water
viewing
panel
M
tank
The tank is 51 m long and 20 m wide. The sea-water in the tank is 11 m deep and has a
density of 1030 kg / m3.
(a) Calculate the mass of water in the tank.
mass = ................................................. [3]
(b) The pressure at point M, halfway down the large viewing panel, is 60 kPa more than
atmospheric pressure.
Calculate the depth of M below the surface of the water.
depth = ................................................. [2]
Physics O.L
Mechanics 288
(c) The viewing panel is 32.8 m wide and 8.3 m high.

Calculate the outward force of the water on the panel. Assume that the pressure at M is
the average pressure on the whole panel.
force = ................................................. [2]
[Total: 7]
Physics O.L
Mechanics 289
June Variant 3
2013 3 Question 4
A large crane has a mass of 8500 kg. Fig. 4.1 shows the crane on a muddy building-site.
lifting-arm
hook
axle
caterpillar tracks
Fig. 4.1
(a) Calculate the weight of the crane.
weight = .................................................. [1]
(b) The crane rests on two caterpillar tracks each of which has a contact area with the
ground of 3.4 m2.
(i) Calculate the pressure that the crane exerts on the ground.
pressure = .................................................. [2]
(ii) As the crane driver walks towards the crane, he starts to sink into the mud. He lays
a wide plank of wood on the mud and he walks along the plank.
Explain why he does not sink into the mud when he walks along the plank.
..................................................................................................................................
..................................................................................................................................
............................................................................................................................. [2]
Physics O.L
Mechanics 290
(c) When the crane lifts a heavy load with its hook, the load exerts a moment on the
lifting-arm about the axle.
(i) Explain what is meant by moment of a force.
..................................................................................................................................
............................................................................................................................. [1]
(ii) Despite the moment exerted on the lifting-arm, the crane remains in equilibrium.
State the two conditions required for any object to be in equilibrium.
1. ..............................................................................................................................
2. ..............................................................................................................................
[2]
[Total: 8]
Physics O.L
Mechanics 291
June Variant 2
2016 4 Question 4
An archaeologist is investigating a shipwreck and discovers a wooden box on the seabed.
surface of sea
NOT TO
SCALE
15 m
lid
wooden box
0.80 m
1.2 m
Fig. 4.1
The dimensions of the lid of the box are 1.2 m by 0.80 m and the pressure of the atmosphere
5
is 1.0 × 10 Pa. The lid is 15 m below the surface of the sea.
3
(a) The density of sea-water is 1020 kg / m .
Calculate
(i) the pressure on the lid of the box due to the sea-water,
pressure = ................................................................. [2]
(ii) the total pressure on the lid,
pressure = ................................................................. [1]
Physics O.L
Mechanics 292
(iii) the downward force that the total pressure produces on the lid.
force = ................................................................. [2]
(b) The force needed to open the lid is not equal to the value calculated in (a)(iii).
Suggest two reasons for this.
1. .......................................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................................
2. .......................................................................................................................................
........................................................................................................................................... [2]
[Total: 7]
Physics O.L
Mechanics 293
November Variant 2
2016 5 Question 3
Fig. 3.1 shows a mercury barometer correctly set up to measure the atmospheric pressure in
mm Hg (millimetres of mercury).
tube
mercury
dish
Fig. 3.1
(a) (i) State what is in the space labelled P.
...................................................................................................................................... [1]
(ii) On Fig. 3.1, mark carefully the length which gives the atmospheric pressure. [1]
(iii) The tube containing mercury is pushed further down into the dish.
State what happens, if anything, to the vertical distance between the mercury surface in
the tube and the mercury surface in the dish.
...................................................................................................................................... [1]
(b) Another barometer is set up incorrectly. The space P contains some air which exerts a
pressure equivalent to 15 mm Hg. The true atmospheric pressure is 760 mm Hg.
(i) Calculate the reading of atmospheric pressure given by the barometer.
reading = ............................................. mm Hg [1]
Physics O.L
Mechanics 294
(ii) The tube is now pushed down into the dish so that the volume of the space P is reduced
from 12.0 cm3 to 4.0 cm3.
Calculate the new reading of atmospheric pressure given by the barometer.
reading = ............................................. mm Hg [4]
[Total: 8]
Physics O.L
Mechanics 295
November Variant 3
2016 6 Question 4
A manometer containing a liquid X, is used to measure the pressure of a gas supply. Fig. 4.1
shows the manometer.
gas
supply
liquid X
Fig. 4.1
Atmospheric pressure is 9.9 × 104 Pa.
(a) The height h is 0.36 m. The density of liquid X is 840 kg / m3.
Calculate
(i) the pressure due to a column of liquid X of height 0.36 m,
pressure = .......................................................... [2]
(ii) the pressure of the gas supply.
pressure = .......................................................... [1]
(b) The pressure of the gas supply stays constant.

Describe what happens to the liquid levels when
(i) the liquid X is replaced by the same volume of a liquid of greater density,
...........................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................... [2]
(ii) a manometer tube with a slightly smaller area of cross-section, containing an identical
volume of liquid X, is used.
...........................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................... [2]
[Total: 7]
Physics O.L
Mechanics 296
June Variant 2
2017 7 Question 2
Fig. 2.1 shows a vehicle designed to be used on the Moon.
Fig. 2.1
The brakes of the vehicle are tested on Earth.

1
(a) The acceleration of free fall on the Moon is one sixth ( 6 ) of its value on Earth.
Tick one box in each column of the table to predict the value of that quantity when the vehicle
is used on the Moon, compared to the test on Earth.
mass of vehicle on weight of vehicle on deceleration of vehicle

Moon Moon on Moon with same
braking force
10 # value on Earth
6 # value on Earth
same as value on Earth
1
# value on Earth
6
1
# value on Earth
10
[3]
Physics O.L
Mechanics 297
(b) Fig. 2.2 shows the brake pedal of the vehicle.
pivot
piston
cylinder
7.0 cm
24 cm
link
oil force exerted
by driver
pedal
The driver exerts a force on the pedal, which increases the pressure in the oil to operate the
brakes.
The area of the piston in the cylinder is 6.5 # 10–4 m2 (0.00065 m2). The pressure increase in
the oil is 5.0 # 105 Pa (500 000 Pa).
Calculate the force exerted by the driver on the brake pedal.
force = ........................................................... [4]
[Total: 7]
Physics O.L
Mechanics 298
June Variant 3
2017 8 Question 4
In the braking system of a car, the brake pedal rotates about a pivot when the pedal is pressed.
Fig. 4.1 shows part of the braking system.
pivot
piston
cylinder
8.0 cm
22 cm
link
oil 200 N
pedal
The driver exerts a force of 200 N on the pedal at a distance 22 cm from the pivot. As the pedal
rotates about the pivot, a force is exerted on the piston and the pressure of the oil increases.
The area of the piston in the cylinder is 5.0 × 10 –4 m2 (0.00050 m2).
Calculate the increase in the pressure of the oil.
increase in pressure = ...........................................................[4]
[Total: 4]
Physics O.L
Mechanics 299
June Variant 3
2017 9 Question 6
Fig. 6.1 shows a child releasing a balloon filled with helium.
Fig. 6.1
The pressure of the helium in the balloon keeps the balloon inflated.
(a) Explain how the particles of helium produce this pressure.
...................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................................[3]
(b) As the balloon travels upwards through the atmosphere, the volume of the helium increases.
The temperature of the helium remains constant.
(i) State an equation that relates the volume of the helium to its pressure.
.......................................................................................................................................[1]
Physics O.L
Mechanics 300
(ii) Fig. 6.2 shows how the air pressure in the atmosphere changes with the height above
ground level.
120
pressure
kPa 100
80
60
40
20
0
0 2000 4000 6000 8000
height / m
Fig. 6.2
1. Using Fig. 6.2, determine the pressure at ground level. Give the unit.
pressure = ............................................ unit = ......................... [2]
2. Using Fig. 6.2, determine the height at which the volume of the helium in the balloon
is twice the volume at ground level.
height = ...........................................................[2]
[Total: 8]
Physics O.L
Mechanics 301
June Variant 2
2018 10 Question 2
Fig. 2.1 shows a hollow metal cylinder containing air, floating in the sea.
surface
of sea air
1.8 m
1.2 m
seawater
bottom
Fig. 2.1
(a) The density of the metal used to make the cylinder is greater than the density of seawater.
Explain why the cylinder floats.
...................................................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................................[1]
(b) The cylinder has a length of 1.8 m. It floats with 1.2 m submerged in the sea. The bottom of
the cylinder has an area of cross-section of 0.80 m2.
The density of seawater is 1020 kg / m3. Calculate the force exerted on the bottom of the
cylinder due to the depth of the seawater.
force = ...........................................................[4]
(c) Deduce the weight of the cylinder. Explain your answer.
weight = ...............................................................
explanation ...............................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
[2]
[Total: 7]
Physics O.L
Mechanics 302
June Variant 3
2018 11 Question 3
On a particular day, the atmospheric pressure is 1.0 × 105 Pa. A bubble of gas forms at a point
5.0 m below the surface of a lake. The density of water is 1000 kg / m3.
(a) Determine
(i) the total pressure at a depth of 5.0 m in the water,
pressure = ...........................................................[3]
(ii) the pressure of the gas in the bubble.
pressure = ...........................................................[1]
(b) As the bubble rises to the surface, the mass of gas in the bubble stays constant. The
temperature of the water in the lake is the same throughout.
Explain why the bubble rises to the surface and why its volume increases as it rises.
...................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................................[3]
[Total: 7]
Physics O.L
Mechanics 303
November Variant 3
2018 12 Question 3
The density of mercury is 1.4 × 104 kg / m3.

(a) Fig. 3.1 shows an instrument that is being used to determine the atmospheric pressure.
space A
760 mm
mercury

(i) State the name of the instrument.
.......................................................................................................................................[1]
(ii) State what is in space A.

.......................................................................................................................................[1]
(iii) Calculate the atmospheric pressure.
atmospheric pressure = ...........................................................[2]
(b) Fig. 3.2 shows mercury stored in a cylindrical glass jar of internal radius 4.0 cm. The depth of
mercury in the jar is 12 cm.
mercury
12 cm
8.0 cm

Calculate the weight of mercury in the jar.
weight = ...........................................................[3]
[Total: 7]
Physics O.L
Mechanics 304
Mark Scheme
1 (a) (i) ( P =) F/A words or symbols B1
(ii) 22 500 Pa B1
(b) less pressure B1

less sinking B1
(c) any suggestion which involves increasing the area in contact with the ice
e.g. snow shoes / skis B1 [5]
2 (a) V = W × L × D in any form words, symbols or numbers C1

use of M = ρV in any form OR ρV words, symbols or numbers C1
(M = 51 × 20 × 11 × 1030 = 11 556 600 =) 1.2 × 107 kg A1 [3]
(b) p = ρg(∆)h in any form words, symbols or numbers C1

(∆h = 60 000 / (1030 × 10) =) 5.8(25) m A1 [2]
(c) use of F = pA in any form or pA words, symbols or numbers C1

(F = 60 000 × 32.8 × 8.3 = 60 000 × 272.2 =) 1.6(33) × 107 N A1 [2]
e.c.f. from (b)
[Total: 7]
3 (a) 85 000 N (accept 83 300 N) B1
(b) (i) (P = )F/A OR 85 000/3.4 OR 85 000/3.4 × 2 OR 85 000/6.8 (e.c.f. from (a)(i)) C1

1.2/1.25/1.3 × 104 Pa (e.c.f. from (a)(i)) A1
(ii) larger area M1

smaller pressure A1
(c) (i) (measure of) turning effect OR F × x B1
(ii) no resultant/net force B1

no resultant/net turning effect/moment B1 [8]
Physics O.L
Mechanics 305
4(a)(i) P = hρg in any form or hρg C1

(15 × 1020 × 10 =) 150 000 Pa / 150 kPa A1
(a)(ii) 250 000 Pa / 250 kPa B1
(a)(iii) use of P = F / A in any form or PA C1
(253 000 × 1.2 × 0.8 =) 240 000 N A1
(b) weight of lid } any B2
(there is a) pressure inside box }
OR upthrust on lid } two
moment of force changes } from
friction (of hinge) } five
drag of water }
Total: 7
5(a)(i) vacuum / mercury vapour B1
(a)(ii) (arrowed) line between mercury surfaces B1
(a)(iii) (distance stays the) same B1
(b)(i) (760 – 15 =) 750 (mm Hg) B1
(b)(ii) p1V1 = p2V2 in any form OR p1V1/V2 C1

correct substitution of 12.0 and 4.0 C1
correct calculation of p2 from cand’s p1 and correct V1 and V2 A1
(reading = 760 – 45 = 715 = ) 720 mm Hg B1
6(a)(i) (p = )hρg or 0.36 × 840 × 10 C1

3.0(24) × 103 Pa A1
(a)(ii) 1.0(2024) × 105 Pa (allow 1.0 × 105 Pa with evidence of addition) B1
(b)(i) left level not as low B1

right level not as high B1
or
one level higher and one level lower
smaller h / height (difference)
(b)(ii) both / liquid levels higher B1

same / 0.36 m h / height (difference) B1
Total 5
Physics O.L
Mechanics 306
7(a) Column 1 Box 3 mass same B1

Column 2 Box 4 weight 1/6 B1
Column 3 Box 3 deceleration same B1
(b) P=F / A in any form or (F=) PA C1
(F1 = 500 000 × 0.00065 = ) 330 (N) C1
F1d1 = F2d2 in any form or F1d1/d2 C1
(F2 = 325 × 7/24 = ) 95 N A1
Total: 7
8 F1d1 C1
F1d 1 = F2d 2 OR (F2 = )
d2
OR 200 × 22 ÷ 8.0
550 (N) or 200 × 22 ÷ 8.0 C1
F C1
(p = ) OR 550 ÷ 0.00050
A
OR 200 × 22 ÷ (8.0 × 0.00050)
1.1 × 106 Pa A1
Total: 4
9(a) molecules/they move/collide B1
molecules/they move/collide with walls B1
change of momentum OR force on area B1
(b)(i) pV = constant OR p1V1 = p2V2 B1
(b)(ii)1 100 (kPa) OR 1.0 × 105 (Pa) M1
Pa OR kPa A1
(b)(ii)2 (p = )50 (kPa) C1
3700 m < p < 3900 m A1
Total: 8
Physics O.L
10(a) average/overall/combined density (of the metal and air contained) less (than density of sea water) 1
(b) (P =) h × ρ × g OR (V=) A × l in any form 1
Physics O.L
(P= 1.2 × 1020 × 10 =) 12 000 (Pa) OR (V= 0.8 × 1.2 = ) 0.96 (m3) 1
P = F ÷ A OR (F =) P × A OR (W =) V × ρ × g 1

(F = 12240 × 0.80 =) 9800 N OR (F = W = ) 9800 N 1
(c) same numerical answer as (b) 1
resultant/net (vertical) force = 0 OR downward force = upward force OR forces are balanced 1
11(a)(i) (p =) h × ρ × g or 5.0 × 1000 × 10 C1
50 000 (Pa) C1
(total pressure = 50 000 + 1.0 × 105 =) 1.5 × 105 Pa A1
(a)(ii) 1.5 × 105 Pa B1
(b) (rises because) density of gas is less than density of OR resultant upward force on bubble B1
(as bubble rises) pressure (of gas in bubble) decreases B1

Mechanics
(volume of bubble increases because) p × V = constant OR V∝ 1 ÷ p B1
Dr. Mostafa Allam

307
Physics O.L
12(a)(i) (mercury) barometer B1
(a)(ii) vacuum or nothing or (low pressure) mercury vapour B1
(a)(iii) (p) = hρ g or 0.76 × 1.4 × 104 × 10 C1
1.1 × 105 Pa A1
(b) (m =)ρ V or ρ πr 2l or ρ πd2l / 4 or in numbers C1
(W =)ρ Vg or ρ πr 2l g or ρ πd 2l g / 4 or in numbers C1
84 N A1
Mechanics
Dr. Mostafa Allam

308

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Physics

Dr. Mustafa Allam

best value = .....................................................................................................................

(a) Define density.

mass of sheet = 60.7 g

Calculate the student’s values for

(i) the volume of the sheet,

volume = .................................................. [2]

(ii) the average thickness of the sheet.

thickness = .................................................. [2]

(i) Name a measuring instrument she could use.

(a) State the formula needed to calculate the density.

Fig 1.1 shows part of a measuring instrument.

(a) State the name of this instrument.

(b) Record the reading shown in Fig. 1.1.

(b) Time a minimum of 2 (successive) oscillations B1

2 (a) (density =) mass/volume OR mass per unit volume

(b) (i) (vol =) mass/density OR 60.7/2.70 C1

(ii) V = A × (average) thickness OR thickness = V/A

(c) (i) micrometer/screw gauge / (vernier/digital) callipers B1

measure thickness of sheet in different places

3 (a) (density =) mass / volume B1

(b) water used in measuring / graduated cylinder B1

volume of water known or read / recorded / taken B1

place the coins / several coins in the water (B1)

collect overflow (B1)

measure volume of overflow water using measuring graduated cylinder (B1)

(c) one from:

4 (a) micrometer OR screw gauge OR vernier scale NOT vernier callipers B1

(c) check/set zero )

A student wishes to determine the density of a small, irregularly shaped stone.

(ii) State the formula that is used to calculate the density.

(a) The order to stop is given at time t = 0 s.

(i) State the speed of the car at t = 0 s.

(i) the deceleration of the car between t = 0.9 s and t = 4.0 s,

(ii) the total distance travelled by the car from t = 0 s.

The list below gives the approximate densities of various metals.

Was the statue made of gold? (Tick one box.)

water AND initial reading OR known volume

(c) attach weight to wood

accuracy mark must match method

(ii) (0.90 s is) driver’s time to react B1

(b) (i) (a =) (v – u) / t OR ∆v / t OR either in words OR (18 – 0) / 3.1 OR 18 / 3.1 C1

(Driver) hits steering wheel / windscreen / dashboard B1

3 (a) measuring cylinder with liquid B1

(b) (D =) M/V OR 600/65 B1

‘NO’ ticked if justified by previous work in (a) or (b).

(a) Define acceleration. Explain any symbols in your definition.

(a) Describe her motion

(i) from A to B, ..............................................................................................................

(ii) from B to C, ..............................................................................................................

(iii) from C to D. ..............................................................................................................

(i) her average speed from A to D,

average speed = ................................................. [2]

(ii) her maximum speed.

maximum speed = ................................................. [3]

(i) the distance between the two stations,

(ii) the acceleration of the train in the first 10 s.

(b) The mass of the train is 1.1 × 105 kg.

Calculate the resultant force acting on the train in the first 10 s.

resultant force = ................................................. [2]

(a) Underline the vectors in the following list of quantities.

density energy force mass velocity volume [2]

Use the graph to find,