Professional Documents
Culture Documents
(7407/7408) Class:
Author:
Date:
Time: 391
Marks: 353
Comments:
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Colonel Frank Seely School
Q1.A stone is projected horizontally by a catapult consisting of two rubber cords. The cords, which
obey Hooke’s law, are stretched and released. When each cord is extended by x, the stone
is projected with a speed v. Assuming that all the strain energy in the rubber is transferred to
the stone, what is the speed of the stone when each cord is extended by 2x?
A v
C 2v
D 4v
(Total 1 mark)
Q2.The force on a sample of a material is gradually increased and then decreased. The graph of
force against extension is shown in the diagram.
A R
B P+Q
C P+Q+R
D P+Q−R
(Total 1 mark)
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Colonel Frank Seely School
Q3.Figure 1 and Figure 2 both show the side view of a steel bolt.
Figure 1 Figure 2
(a) Show on Figure 1 forces acting on the bolt which would produce a tensile strain.
(1)
(b) The ultimate tensile stress of steel is 5.0 × 108 Pa, the elastic limit is 2.5 × 108 Pa and
the Young modulus of steel is 2.0 × 1011 Pa.
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(1)
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(1)
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(1)
(c) When the main engines of a space shuttle are fired, they develop a total thrust of
4.5 × 106 N. In a test firing the shuttle is held to the launch pad by 8 steel bolts each of
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Colonel Frank Seely School
diameter 9.0 × 10–2 m. Using data given in (b):
(i) calculate the strain for each bolt during the test;
(4)
(ii) determine the minimum number of bolts that could have been used when
carrying out the test.
(3)
(Total 11 marks)
Q4.The graph shows the variation of stress with strain for a ductile alloy when a specimen is
slowly stretched to a maximum strain of εm and the stress is then slowly reduced to zero.
A represents the work done per unit volume when stretching the specimen
represents the energy per unit volume recovered when the stress is
B
removed
(Total 1 mark)
Q5.A load of 4.0 N is suspended from a parallel two-spring system as shown in the diagram.
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Colonel Frank Seely School
The spring constant of each spring is 20 N m–1. The elastic energy, in J, stored in the system
is
A 0.1
B 0.2
C 0.4
D 0.8
(Total 1 mark)
Q6.The figure below shows a person of weight 800 N, crossing the gap between two buildings on
a nylon rope.
Before the crossing commenced the rope was horizontal and just taut. When the person is
halfway across the rope sags by 5.0°.
(a) Explain briefly why, however taut the rope is, the rope must sag when the person is
on it.
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(1)
(b) By calculation or scale drawing, determine the tension in the rope when the person is
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Colonel Frank Seely School
half way across.
(3)
(c) The nylon rope has an ultimate tensile stress of 7.0 × 107 Pa. Calculate the minimum
diameter of the rope that could be used.
(3)
(Total 7 marks)
Q7.For which of the following relationships is the quantity y related to the quantity x by the
relationship
x y
A energy stored in a spring extension of the spring
(Total 1 mark)
Q8.The four bars A, B, C and D have diameters, lengths and loads as shown. They are all made
of the same material.
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Colonel Frank Seely School
(Total 1 mark)
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(3)
(b) A steel piano wire has a diameter of 1.8 × 10−3 m and a length of 1.55 m. When
tightened to emit a note of the required frequency it extends by 1.3 × 10−3 m. The
Young modulus of the steel is 2.1 × 1011 Pa.
(i) Calculate the force exerted on the frame of the piano by this wire.
(3)
Q10.The diagram below shows a lorry of mass 1.2 × 103 kg parked on a platform used to weigh
vehicles. The lorry compresses the spring that supports the platform by 0.030 m.
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Colonel Frank Seely School
(Total 3 marks)
Q11.(a) Explain why an engineer needs to consider the yield stress of a metal such as steel
when deciding on its suitability for use in the construction of a building or a bridge.
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(2)
(b) In order to prevent the collapse of walls of old buildings a metal rod is often used to tie
opposite walls together, as shown below.
In one case a steel tie rod of diameter 19 mm is used as shown above. When the nuts
are tightened, the rod extends by 1.5 mm. The Young modulus of steel is 2.1 × 1011
Pa.
Calculate:
(ii) the elastic strain energy in the rod when it is extended by 1.5 mm.
(2)
(Total 7 marks)
Q12.
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Colonel Frank Seely School
The mass of a retort stand and clamp is 1.6 kg and their combined centre of mass lies along
the line XY. A spring which has a negligible mass is attached to the clamp and supports a
mass of 0.90 kg, as shown in the diagram. The spring requires a force of 6.0 N to stretch it
100 mm.
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(2)
(b) Show that this arrangement will not tip (i.e. will not rotate about A) when the 0.90 kg
mass is at rest in its equilibrium position.
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(2)
(c) If the mass is lifted up and released, it will vibrate about the equilibrium position.
Explain, without calculation, why the stand will tip if the amplitude exceeds a certain
value.
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(3)
(Total 7 marks)
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(2)
(b) A car and its suspension can be treated as a simple mass-spring system. When four
people of total weight 3000 N get into a car of weight 6000 N, the springs of the car are
compressed by an extra 50 mm.
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(ii) Show that, when the system is displaced vertically and released, the time period
of the oscillations is 0.78 s.
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(3)
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(c) The loaded car in part (b) travels at 20 m s–1 along a road with humps spaced 16 m
apart.
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(ii) Hence, state and explain the effect the road will have on the oscillation of the
car.
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(3)
(Total 8 marks)
Q14. (a) The graph shows the variation of tensile stress with tensile strain for two wires X
and Y, having the same dimensions, but made of different materials. The materials
fracture at the points FX and FY respectively.
You may be awarded marks for the quality of written communication provided in your
answer to the following questions.
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Colonel Frank Seely School
(i) obeys Hooke’s law up to the point of fracture,
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(iii) is ductile,
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(iv) has the greater elastic strain energy for a given tensile stress.
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(8)
(b) An elastic cord of unstretched length 160 mm has a cross-sectional area of 0.64 mm . 2
The cord is stretched to a length of 190 mm. Assume that Hooke’s law is obeyed for
this range and that the cross-sectional area remains constant.
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(5)
(Total 13 marks)
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(1)
(b) Brass, an alloy of copper and zinc, consists of 70% by volume of copper and 30% by
volume of zinc.
(i) Determine the mass of copper and the mass of zinc required to make a rod of
brass of volume 0.80 × 10 m . –3 3
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(4)
(Total 5 marks)
Q16. The diagram below shows how the impact force on the heel of a runner’s foot varies
with time during an impact when the runner is wearing cushioned sports shoes.
(a) Estimate the maximum stress on the cartilage pad in the knee joint as a result of this
force acting on the cartilage pad over a contact area of 550 mm . 2
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(4)
(b) On the diagram above, sketch the graph of force against time you would expect to
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Colonel Frank Seely School
see if a sports shoe with less cushioning had been used.
(3)
(Total 7 marks)
Q17. (a) When determining the Young modulus for the material of a wire, a tensile stress
is applied to the wire and the tensile strain is measured.
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(3)
(b) The diagram below shows two wires, one made of steel and the other of brass, firmly
clamped together at their ends. The wires have the same unstretched length and the
same cross-sectional area.
One of the clamped ends is fixed to a horizontal support and a mass M is suspended
from the other end, so that the wires hang vertically.
(i) Since the wires are clamped together the extension of each wire will be the
same.
If E is the Young modulus for steel and E the Young modulus for brass, show
S B
that
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where F and F are the respective forces in the steel and brass wire.
S B
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(ii) The mass M produces a total force of 15 N. Show that the magnitude of the
force
F = 10 N.
S
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(iii) The cross-sectional area of each wire is 1.4 × 10 m and the unstretched –6 2
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(6)
(Total 9 marks)
Q18. (a) State Hooke’s law for a material in the form of a wire and state the conditions
under which this law applies.
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(2)
(b) A length of steel wire and a length of brass wire are joined together. This combination
is suspended from a fixed support and a force of 80 N is applied at the bottom end, as
shown in the figure below.
(i) Calculate the total extension produced when the force of 80 N is applied.
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(ii) Show that the mass of the combination wire = 4.4 × 10 kg. –2
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(7)
(c) A single brass wire has the same mass and the same cross-sectional area as the
combination wire described in part (b). Calculate its length.
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(2)
(Total 11 marks)
(a) The wavelength of the radiation transmitted from the wire is twice the length of the
copper wire. Calculate the frequency of the transmitted radiation.
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(1)
(b) The ends of the copper wire are fixed to masts of height 12.0 m. The masts are held in
a vertical position by cables, labelled P and Q, as shown in the figure above.
(i) P has a length of 14.0 m and the tension in it is 110 N. Calculate the tension in
the copper wire.
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(ii) The copper wire has a diameter of 4.0 mm. Calculate the stress in the copper
wire.
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(iii) Discuss whether the wire is in danger of breaking if it is stretched further due to
movement of the top of the masts in strong winds.
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(7)
(Total 8 marks)
Q20. (a) (i) Describe the behaviour of a wire that obeys Hooke’s law.
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(iii) Define the Young modulus of a material and state the unit in which it is
measured.
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(5)
(b) A student is required to carry out an experiment and draw a suitable graph in order to
obtain a value for the Young modulus of a material in the form of a wire.
A long, uniform wire is suspended vertically and a weight, sufficient to make the wire
taut, is fixed to the free end. The student increases the load gradually by adding
known weights. As each weight is added, the extension of the wire is measured
accurately.
(i) What other quantities must be measured before the value of the Young
modulus can be obtained?
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(ii) Explain how the student may obtain a value of the Young modulus.
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(iii) How would a value for the elastic energy stored in the wire be found from the
results?
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(6)
(Total 11 marks)
Q21. (a) (i) Explain what is meant by the spring constant k of a spring.
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(2)
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In bungee jumping, the participant jumps from a high point attached to an elastic cord
(step 1). After a period of free fall, the cord slows the fall of the jumper (step 2) with the
system eventually undergoing oscillation (step 3).
A bungee jump is to be set up from a suspension bridge with the jumper of weight 700
N falling towards the river below. The roadway of the bridge is 76 m above the river
surface. The bungee cord is adjusted so that the jumper just reaches the river surface
at the bottom of the first oscillation.
(i) Calculate the time taken before the cord begins to stretch.
(ii) Show that, when jumping from the bridge to the river, the jumper loses about 53
kJ of gravitational potential energy.
(iii) Calculate the extension of the cord when the jumper is at the bottom of the first
oscillation.
(c) (i) Calculate the tension in the cord when the jumper comes to rest for the first
time.
(ii) Forces on astronauts and ‘thrill seekers’ are often specified in terms of the g
force acting on the participants.
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(iii) Hardened thrill seekers prefer their sports to generate 3g or more. Without
carrying out detailed calculations, suggest the changes that would need to be
made to the cord in order to produce a greater g force for the 700 N jumper.
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(6)
(Total 20 marks)
Q22. A student investigated how the extension of a rubber cord varied with the force used
to extend it. She measured the extension for successive increases of the force and then for
successive decreases. The diagram below shows a graph of her results.
(a) (i) Give a reason why the graph shows the rubber cord does not obey Hooke’s
law.
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(1)
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(ii) Give a reason why the graph shows the rubber cord does not exhibit plastic
behaviour.
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(1)
(iii) What physical quantity is represented by the area shaded on the graph
between the loading curve and the extension axis?
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(1)
(b) Describe, with the aid of a diagram, the procedure and the measurements you would
make to carry out this investigation.
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(6)
(Total 9 marks)
Q23. English longbows from the time of Henry VIII were found on board a sunken Tudor
warship.
The diagram below shows how the horizontal force, F, exerted by an archer on the bow
string varies with the horizontal displacement, d, of the arrow as the bow is drawn.
Fmaxdmax
where Fmax is the maximum force in the bow and dmax is the maximum
displacement of the bow string.
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(2)
(ii) Show that the maximum speed, v, with which an arrow can leave the bow is
given by
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Colonel Frank Seely School
v=
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(2)
(b) Each arrow had a mass of 0.060 kg and the bow string was displaced by a maximum
of 0.60 m before releasing the arrow. The archers needed to exert a maximum force
of 650 N.
(i) Show that the maximum speed of the arrow as it leaves the bow is about 80 m
s .
–1
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(2)
(ii) State one reason why the speed of the arrow as it leaves the bow is likely to be
less than 80 m s . –1
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(1)
(c) The initial speed of an arrow as it leaves a bow is 65 m s . When leaving the bow the –1
arrow travels at an angle of 55° to the horizontal. Assume that the air resistance is
negligible.
(i) Show that the vertical component of the initial speed of the arrow is about
53 m s . –1
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(1)
(ii) The arrow is fired from ground level across a flat, level field.
Show that the arrow is in flight for about 11 s.
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(3)
(iii) Calculate the horizontal distance travelled by the arrow when fired from level
ground.
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Q24. Heavy duty coil springs are used in vehicle suspensions. The pick-up truck shown in
the diagram below has a weight of 14 000 N and length of 4.5 m. When carrying no load, the
centre of mass is 2.0 m from the rear end. The part of the vehicle shown shaded in grey is
supported by four identical springs, one near each wheel.
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(2)
(ii) State and explain which pair of springs, front or rear, will be compressed the
most.
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(2)
(iii) By taking moments about axle B, calculate the force exerted on the truck by
each rear spring.
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answer = ...................................... N
(4)
(b) The spring constant for each of these springs is 100 000 N m . –1
Calculate the distance that each of these rear springs is compressed by this vehicle
as shown in the diagram above.
answer = ..................................... m
(2)
(c) The springs must not be compressed by more than an additional 0.065 m. Calculate
the maximum load that could be placed at point X, which is directly above the centre
of the rear axle A, as shown in the diagram above.
answer = ...................................... N
(2)
(Total 12 marks)
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(a) Calculate the average power required due to the gravitational force on the walker
during the climb.
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(b) The walker uses a spring loaded walking pole that changes in length by 15 mm when
the full weight of the walker is applied to it.
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unit .....................................
(3)
(Total 6 marks)
Q26. A small negatively charged sphere is suspended from a fine glass spring between
parallel horizontal metal plates, as shown in the figure below.
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(a) Initially the plates are uncharged. When switch S is set to position X, a high voltage dc
supply is connected across the plates. This causes the sphere to move vertically
upwards so that eventually it comes to rest 18 mm higher than its original position.
(i) State the direction of the electric field between the plates.
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(1)
(ii) The spring constant of the glass spring is 0.24 N m . Show that the force –1
(1)
(iii) The pd applied across the plates is 5.0 kV. If the charge on the sphere is
–4.1 × 10 C, determine the separation of the plates.
–8
answer = ..................................... m
(3)
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(b) Switch S is now moved to position Y.
(i) State and explain the effect of this on the electric field between the plates.
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(2)
(ii) With reference to the forces acting on the sphere, explain why it starts to move
with simple harmonic motion.
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(3)
(Total 10 marks)
Q27. A rubber cord is used to provide mechanical resistance when performing fitness
exercises. A scientist decided to test the properties of the cord to find out how effective it
was for this purpose. The graph of load against extension is shown in the figure below for a
0.50 m length of the cord.
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(a) State which feature of this graph confirms that the rubber cord is elastic.
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(1)
(b) Explaining your method, use the graph (curve A) to estimate the work done in
producing an extension of 0.30 m.
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answer = ................................... J
(3)
(c) Assuming that line A is linear up to an extension of 0.040 m, calculate the Young
modulus of the rubber for small strains.
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answer = ................................ Pa
(3)
(d) The scientist compared this cord with a steel spring that reached the same extension
for the same maximum load without exceeding its limit of proportionality.
(i) On the figure above, draw the load-extension line for this spring up to a load of
50 N and label it C.
(1)
(ii) With reference to the spring, explain what is meant by limit of proportionality.
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(1)
(Total 9 marks)
Q28. A climber falls 2.3 m before being stopped by his climbing rope that is secured above
him.
The weight of the climber is 840 N.
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(b) The figure below shows a force-extension graph for the rope being used.
(b) (i) Use the figure above to find the stiffness of the rope when it is being used with
forces up to 350 N. Give the appropriate unit.
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stiffness .................................................................................
unit .................................................................................
(4)
(ii) Use the figure above to determine the energy stored in the rope when it is
stretched by 0.25 m.
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energy ................................................................................. J
(3)
(Total 9 marks)
Q29. A cable car system is used to transport people up a hill. The figure below shows a
stationary cable car suspended from a steel cable of cross-sectional area 2.5 × 10 m . –3 2
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(i) Draw a line of best fit on the graph.
(2)
(ii) Use the graph to calculate the initial gradient, k, for this sample of the cable.
answer = ............................ N m –1
(2)
(b) The cable breaks when the extension of the sample reaches 7.0 mm. Calculate the
breaking stress, stating an appropriate unit.
answer = .....................................
(3)
(c) In a cable car system a 1000 m length of this cable is used. Calculate the extension of
this cable when the tension is 150 kN.
answer = ..................................m
(2)
(Total 9 marks)
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Q30. A type of exercise device is used to provide resistive forces when a person applies
compressive forces to its handles. The stiff spring inside the device compresses as shown
in the figure below.
(a) The force exerted by the spring over a range of compressions was measured.
The results are plotted on the grid below.
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Colonel Frank Seely School
(i) State Hooke’s law.
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(2)
(ii) State which two features of the graph confirm that the spring obeys Hooke’s law
over the range of values tested.
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(2)
(iii) Use the graph to calculate the spring constant, stating an appropriate unit.
answer = .....................................
(3)
(b) (i) The formula for the energy stored by the spring is
Explain how this formula can be derived from a graph of force against
extension.
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(3)
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(ii) The person causes a compression of 0.28 m in a time of 1.5 s. Use the graph in
part (a) to calculate the average power developed.
answer = ..................................W
(3)
(Total 13 marks)
Q31. In a reverse bungee experience a ‘rider’ is catapulted high into the air.
A designer creates a less extreme version for more timid participants, as shown in the figure
below.
The rider is strapped into a rigid harness attached to one end of an elastic rope PR. The
rider and the rope behave in the same way as a mass-spring system.
The rider is initially held at rest at ground level. The top end of the rope, P, is raised to
stretch the rope. The rider is then released and moves upwards, reaching a maximum
height when the rope is at its unstretched (natural) length. The rider then oscillates vertically
until eventually coming to rest, suspended above the ground.
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The rope has an unstretched length of 20 m. When stretched, the rope obeys Hooke’s law
and has a stiffness of 92 Nm . In the following questions ignore the mass of the rope.
–1
(a) (i) The rider and harness have a total mass of 55 kg.
Calculate the overall length of the rope when the rider comes to rest, suspended
above the ground, at the end of the ride.
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(ii) At the start of the ride, the lower end of the rope R is attached to the rigid
harness at a point which is 2.6 m above the ground.
The top end of the rope, P, has to be adjusted so that the rope just becomes
unstretched when the rider is at the highest point of the ride.
Determine the height of P above the ground.
Neglect air resistance in this part of the question.
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.............................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................
(b) (i) Show that the frequency of oscillation of the rider on the end of the rope
is about 0.2 Hz.
.............................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................
(3)
(ii) Calculate the maximum speed reached by the rider when the amplitude of the
oscillation is 4.2 m.
.............................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................
(2)
(iii) In practice, air resistance has an effect. Sketch below, a graph showing how
you would expect the velocity to vary with time over the first two complete
oscillations, from the instant the rider was released from ground level. Take an
upward velocity as being positive.
Label the time axis with a suitable scale. No scale is required on the velocity
axis.
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Colonel Frank Seely School
(3)
(c) (i) A rider of greater mass now uses the ride. Explain how the height of P has to be
changed to produce the same initial amplitude of oscillations as that for the
previous rider.
.............................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................
(3)
(ii) A safety officer examines the design of the ride and thinks that, if the end P of
the rope is raised too high so that the rope is stretched too much at the start,
there is a risk that the rider could hit the ground after the first oscillation and
suffer an injury.
Describe what would happen to the rider during the ride in this case and explain
why, even if air resistance is negligible, the safety officer’s concerns are
unfounded.
.............................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................
(3)
(Total 18 marks)
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Colonel Frank Seely School
Q32. The figure below shows a rollercoaster train that is being accelerated when it is pulled
horizontally by a cable.
(a) The train accelerates from rest to a speed of 58ms in 3.5 s. The mass of the fully
–1
answer = ...................................... ms –2
(2)
(ii) Calculate the average tension in the cable as the train is accelerated, stating an
appropriate unit.
answer = ...............................................
(3)
(iii) Calculate the distance the train moves while accelerating from rest to 58ms . –1
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Colonel Frank Seely School
answer = ...................................... m
(2)
answer = ..................................... W
(3)
(b) After reaching its top speed the driving force is removed and the rollercoaster train
begins to ascend a steep track. By considering energy transfers, calculate the height
that the train would reach if there were no energy losses due to friction.
answer = ...................................... m
(3)
(Total 13 marks)
Calculate the extension of the spring when a weight of 8.0 N is suspended on it.
Give your answer in metres.
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Colonel Frank Seely School
Q34. The two diagrams in the figure below show a student before and after she makes a
bungee jump from a high bridge above a river. One end of the bungee cord, which is of
unstretched length 25 m, is fixed to the top of a railing on the bridge. The other end of the
cord is attached to the waist of the student, whose mass is 58 kg. After she jumps, the
bungee cord goes into tension at point P. She comes to rest momentarily at point R and
then oscillates about point Q, which is a distance d below P.
BEFORE AFTER
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Colonel Frank Seely School
(a) (i) Assuming that the centre of mass of the student has fallen through a vertical
distance of 25 m when she reaches point P, calculate her speed at P.
You may assume that air resistance is negligible.
answer = ........................... ms –1
(2)
Calculate the distance d, from P to Q, assuming the cord obeys Hooke’s law.
answer = ................................ m
(2)
(b) As the student moves below P, she begins to move with simple harmonic motion for
part of an oscillation.
answer = ................................ s
(2)
(ii) Use your answers from parts (a) and (b)(i) to show that the amplitude A, which is
the distance from Q to R, is about 25 m.
(3)
(c) Explain why, when the student rises above point P, her motion is no longer simple
harmonic.
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Colonel Frank Seely School
........................................................................................................................
........................................................................................................................
........................................................................................................................
........................................................................................................................
........................................................................................................................
........................................................................................................................
........................................................................................................................
(2)
(d) (i) Where is the student when the stress in the bungee cord is a maximum?
...............................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................
(1)
(ii) The bungee cord has a significant mass. Whereabouts along the bungee cord is
the stress a maximum? Explain your answer.
...............................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................
(2)
(Total 14 marks)
Q35. The two diagrams in the figure below show a student before and after she makes a
bungee jump from a high bridge above a river. One end of the bungee cord, which is of
unstretched length 25 m, is fixed to the top of a railing on the bridge. The other end of the
cord is attached to the waist of the student, whose mass is 58 kg. After she jumps, the
bungee cord goes into tension at point P. She comes to rest momentarily at point R and
then oscillates about point Q, which is a distance d below P.
BEFORE AFTER
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Colonel Frank Seely School
(a) (i) Assuming that the centre of mass of the student has fallen through a vertical
distance of 25 m when she reaches point P, calculate her speed at P.
You may assume that air resistance is negligible.
answer = ........................... ms –1
(2)
Calculate the distance d, from P to Q, assuming the cord obeys Hooke’s law.
answer = ................................ m
(2)
(b) As the student moves below P, she begins to move with simple harmonic motion for
part of an oscillation.
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Colonel Frank Seely School
(i) If the arrangement can be assumed to act as a mass-spring system, calculate
the time taken for one half of an oscillation.
answer = ................................ s
(2)
(ii) Use your answers from parts (a) and (b)(i) to show that the amplitude A, which is
the distance from Q to R, is about 25 m.
(3)
(c) Explain why, when the student rises above point P, her motion is no longer simple
harmonic.
........................................................................................................................
........................................................................................................................
........................................................................................................................
........................................................................................................................
........................................................................................................................
........................................................................................................................
........................................................................................................................
(2)
(d) (i) Where is the student when the stress in the bungee cord is a maximum?
...............................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................
(1)
(ii) The bungee cord has a significant mass. Whereabouts along the bungee cord is
the stress a maximum? Explain your answer.
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Colonel Frank Seely School
...............................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................
(2)
(Total 14 marks)
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Colonel Frank Seely School
M1.C
[1]
M2.B
[1]
(2)
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Colonel Frank Seely School
or the object returns to its original shape when (deforming forces) are
removed
(c) (i) force on each bolt = 0.56 MN (ie total force divided by 8)
or
cross-sectional area each bolt = πr2 plus correct substitution 6.4 × 10–3 m2
C1
= 1.4 bolts
or = 2.8 bolts
A1
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Colonel Frank Seely School
[11]
M4.C
[1]
M5.B
[1]
M6.(a) rope has to provide an upward force to balance that of the weight down
B1
(1)
M7.C
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Colonel Frank Seely School
[1]
M8.A
[1]
(b) (i) strain = 8.4 × 10–4 (1.3 × 10–3 / 1.55 seen) (allow if in E = FL / AΔ L)
B1
or area of cross section = 2.54 × 10–6
or π (0.9 × 10–3)2
stress = E × strain (explicit or numerically) and
stress = F / A or E = FL / AL
C1
force = 440 – 450 N(cao)
A1
(3)
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Colonel Frank Seely School
A = 2.8 × 10 m or
–4 2
or π(9.5 × 10–3)2 seen
C1
Stress = 7.0 × 107 Pa
C1
2 max for C marks
Force = 19.6 to 19.8 (20) kN
A1
(3)
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Colonel Frank Seely School
(b) no tipping if moment of weight of clamp about A > moment of 0.90 kg (1)
moment of 0.90 kg about A = 0.90 g × 0.18 = 0.16 g
moment of weight of clamp about A = 1.60 g × 0.12 = 0.19 g
∴ no tipping (1)
(2)
(ii) forced: oscillation due to (external) periodic driving force [or oscillation at
the frequency of another vibrating system] (1)
2
(ii) T = 2π = 2π
(ii) Y (1)
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Colonel Frank Seely School
has lower breaking stress (or force/unit area is less) (1)
(iii) Y (1)
exhibits plastic behaviour (1)
(iv) Y (1)
for given stress, Y has greater extension
[or greater area under graph] (1)
8
QWC 2
= (1)
(1) for data into correct equation, (1) for correct area
= 2.4 N (1)
= 36 × 10 J (1)
–3
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Colonel Frank Seely School
(volume of zinc = 0.24 × 10 m ) –3 3
ρ =
b = 8.4 × 10 kg m (1)
3 –3
max 4
[5]
M16. (a) maximum force (from graph) = 1840 (N) (±100 N) (1)
= 3.3 × 10 N m (1)
6 –2
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Colonel Frank Seely School
tensile strain: extension per unit length or with e and l defined (1)
(b) (i)
(ii) = 2 (1)
F = 2F (1)
B
F + F = 15 N (1) gives F = 10 N
S B S
(iii) e= = (1)
6
[9]
M18. (a) Hooke’s law: the extension is proportional to the force applied (1)
up to the limit of proportionality or elastic limit
[or for small extensions] (1)
2
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Colonel Frank Seely School
= 1.3 × 10 (m) (1) (1.33 × 10 (m))
–4 –4
(ii) m = ρ × V (1)
m = 7.9 × 10 × 2.4 × 10 × 0.8 = 15.2 × 10 (kg) (1)
s
3 –6 –3
2
[11]
MHz (1)
1
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Colonel Frank Seely School
(ii) cross-sectional area (= p(2.0 × 10 ) ) –3 2
=1.3 × 10 (m ) (1)
–5 2
(1.26 × 10 (m )) –5 2
stress (1)
= 4.4 × 10 Pa (1)
6
(4.38 × 10 Pa) 6
M20. (a) (i) the extension produced (by a force) in a wire is directly
proportional to the force applied (1)
applies up to the limit of proportionality (1)
(iii) the Young modulus: ratio of tensile stress to tensile strain (1)
unit: Pa or Nm (1) –2
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Colonel Frank Seely School
gradient = (1)
(ii) N m (1)
-1
t – 12/4.9 (1)
2
1.6 s (1)
53200 J (1)
(iii) 76 – 12 = 64 m (1)
12
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Colonel Frank Seely School
25.9 N (1)
subst (1)
1.2 s (1)
2.4 g (1)
M22. (a) (i) the lines are not straight (owtte) (1)
(b) the mark scheme for this part of the question includes an overall
assessment for the Quality of Written Communication
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Colonel Frank Seely School
variable force. They should know that measurements are to
be made as the force is increased then as it is decreased. In
addition, they should know how to calculate/measure the
extension of the cord. At least five different masses/’large
number’ of masses are used. Minimum 7 masses to
reach 6 marks. The diagram should be detailed.
poor- The candidate knows that the extension or cord length is to 1-2
limited be measured for different forces – may be apparent from the
diagram. They may not appreciate that measurements are
also to be made as the cord is unloaded.
They may not state how to calculate the extension of the cord.
The diagram may not have been drawn.
incorrect,
inappropriate No answer at all or answer refers to unrelated, incorrect or
0
or no inappropriate physics.
response
procedure
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Colonel Frank Seely School
B1
B1
B1
2
M1
v = F d /m shown
2
max max
A1
2
M1
81(80.6) (m s ) –1
A1
2
B1
B1
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Colonel Frank Seely School
B1
1
B1
1
B1
B1
B1
B1
53t = ½ × 9.8 × t 2
B1
B1
3
C1
A1
2
[13]
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Colonel Frank Seely School
C1
use of p = Fv
power = 750 × (300)/(2400)
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Colonel Frank Seely School
or 750 × their velocity (eg seen 750 × 300/40)
C1
A1
3
C1
5.0 × 10 4
A1
A1
3
[6]
M26. (a) (i) (vertically) downwards [or top to bottom, or down the page] (1)
1
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Colonel Frank Seely School
(b) (i) electric field becomes zero (or ceases to exist) (1)
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Colonel Frank Seely School
(c) (E =) (1)
use of 50 (N) and 0.04 (m) giving 1.25 × 10 (Pa) gains 2 marks
8
(d) (i) straight line through origin finishing at the same point as the
rubber ± 1 small division (1)
1
C1
A1
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Colonel Frank Seely School
2
C1
C1
1170
A1
Nm –1
B1
4
B1
B1
32.5 to 35 (J)
B1
3
[9]
M29. (a) (i) straight best fit line from 0 → (at least) extension of 4.0 × 10 m (1)
–3
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Colonel Frank Seely School
= 5.1 × 10 7
and x axis interval ≥ 3.0 (1) (5.06 to 5.14 × 10 N m ) ecf from graph
7 –1
N m or N/m kg s (1)
–1 –2
(b) (i) (ΔW = FΔs) so area (beneath line from origin to ΔL)
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Colonel Frank Seely School
represents (work done or) energy (to compress/extend) (1)
C1
extension = 5.9 m
A1
B1
3
B1
1
B1
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Colonel Frank Seely School
B1
B1
3
C1
A1
2
B1
B1
B1
B1
3
B1
B1
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Colonel Frank Seely School
needed to reach the same height
B1
3
B1
B1
the PE gained (at the top of the flight) can (at most)
only be converted back to the elastic energy that was
stored in the rope at the start
B1
3
[18]
= 96000
N
3
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Colonel Frank Seely School
(iii)
h= or h =
accept use of kinematics equation
= 170
3
[13]
C1
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Colonel Frank Seely School
0.064 (m)
A1
2
[2]
= 22(.1) (m s )
–1
= 11 (10.5) (m)
2
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Colonel Frank Seely School
from which A = 25.2 (m) ]
3
because stress = F/A and force at this point includes weight of whole cord
= 22(.1) (m s )
–1
= 11 (10.5) (m)
2
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Colonel Frank Seely School
because stress = F/A and force at this point includes weight of whole cord
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Colonel Frank Seely School
E3.(a) The question asked for the forces required. Many showed only one force. Some showed
only arrows below the surface. Many candidates appeared to have had little
experience of drawing force diagrams.
(b) There was frequently a lack of precision in stating the meaning of the terms. Although
definition of any terms used was asked in the question, many simply quoted, for
example, F / A. In (ii) the ‘length’ involved was often not defined clearly. In part (iii)
many candidates wrote that the elastic limit is ‘the point at which the material would
not return to its original length when the force is removed’. This should have been
expressed as the maximum force for which the material would return to its original
length when the force is removed. The phrase ‘when the force is removed’ was often
omitted from otherwise good answers.
(c) (i) Working was often hard to follow in many responses. Candidates should be
encouraged to state briefly what they are trying to determine when they use a
formula as often there seemed no logic to what was being attempted. With
some explanation it might have been possible to gain some credit. The ‘divide
by 8’ aspect of the problem often appeared in odd places in the process and
lack of analysis of the problem often led to this being done twice. Many failed
because they did not know how to calculate area of cross section and others did
not read data accurately and used the diameter given as the radius. Obtaining a
strain as if one bolt had been used and then dividing by 8 was an unconvincing
approach used by many.
(ii) The best answers showed that candidates had good problem solving ability and
that they could set out a sensible argument. The obvious approach is to
determine the cross sectional area of steel required and divide by the area of
one bolt to determine the number of bolts (rounding up). The use of elastic limit
or breaking stress was acceptable.
E9.(a) It was expected that within the answer candidates would show that they understood the
meaning of stress. Only a minority of the candidates did this. The idea that small
increases in stress would produce large increases in strain was not commonly given.
Many simply stated that the material would become plastic.
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Colonel Frank Seely School
(b) (i) Most candidates were able to gain 2 or 3 marks for this question. Some made
mistakes in arithmetic following use of the correct formula and substitution.
Others used the wrong formula for area of cross section, 2πr2 or πr2L being
seen frequently.
(ii) This was usually well done but a significant proportion of the candidates
misread the question and gave the strain rather than the strain energy as the
answer. Some made the going hard by using ½ stress × strain × volume. Others
simply determined ½ stress × strain thinking that this was the strain energy.
E10.Errors in this question were usually the omission of g (i.e. using mass for weight) or the
assumption that the energy lost by the lorry is all transferred to the spring (i.e. using mgΔh).
Again, significant figure mistakes were very common.
E11.(a) Although there were many good answers this was not well understood by the majority of
the candidates. Many candidates seemed unaware of the term and wrote only of
breaking or bending. Weak answers implied that for stresses below the yield stress
the material (bridge or building) would not ‘deform’ at all.
(b) (i) Most candidates were able to gain one or two marks here by making some
progress toward the answer. Common errors were use of the diameter value in
πr2 or failure to convert the mm dimensions to m. Weak candidates often related
the ‘original length’ to 19 mm.
(ii) Allowing the error carried forward there were many correct answers. A minority
simply calculated the strain and some thought that ½ stress × strain gave the
energy stored. Using ½ stress × strain × volume made it hard going but those
using it usually succeeded. Some following this route used the increase in
volume rather than the total volume of the rod.
E13.The better candidates answered this question well, particularly parts (b) and (c).
There were a few good answers to part (a), but there were also many poor ones.
Candidates often wrote too much. Attempts to say that no forces acted in a free vibration
often implied that no initial force was required or that no damping was allowed. Many
candidates thought that free vibrations occurred at the natural frequency whilst forced ones
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Colonel Frank Seely School
did not, and there was much confusion with resonance. Those candidates who simply gave
a good example in each case were given some credit.
Full marks were often scored in parts (b) and (c). Those candidates who knew how to
calculate k in part (b)(i) sometimes used 9000 N as the load or omitted the unit. An
appreciable number of candidates forgot F = ke and tried to use T = to calculate
k, assuming T from part (b)(ii).
Many candidates drew the correct conclusion in part (c) that, because the calculated time
was close to the period of the spring, there would be resonance and large amplitude
oscillations. Other candidates thought that the small difference in time (0.02s) was
important and, if their ideas were correct, they were given some credit.
E14. Examiners were pleased to find that part (a) was answered satisfactorily and that
candidates not only chose the correct wire but were very often able to provide the correct
reason for doing so. Many candidates gained full marks, while a large number only lost one
or two marks.
Part (i) was usually correct, although reasons such as ‘the graph is a straight line’ were not
accepted. A ‘constant gradient’ was accepted but few candidates gave this as a reason,
most giving the proportionality of the quantities involved. In part (ii) answers such as ‘Y
broke before X’ was not accepted. Examiners were looking for a reason in terms of lower
breaking stress.
Answers to part (iii) were not so good and candidates who did not know the correct answer
attempted an answer in terms of the gradients of the curves or the bending of curve Y as the
tensile strain increased. Part (iv) gave the most trouble. Many candidates again tried an
explanation in terms of the gradient, but a significant number followed the correct track and
gave a reason in terms of the area under such a graph. Unfortunately the majority of these
candidates referred to the area under the whole curve, whereas it should have been the
area under the curve at a given tensile stress. Surprisingly, many candidates, even when
using a given stress, gave the area under X as being greater than that under Y.
The final calculation in part (b) did not cause too much difficulty and, provided the initial
equation for the Young modulus was correct, candidates produced a correct answer with
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Colonel Frank Seely School
correct units. One common error which again arose from not reading the question
thoroughly, was using the extended length of the elastic cord as the extension. Converting
the cross-sectional area of the cord from mm to m caused some problems, but this error
2 2
was carried forward after the initial penalty had been imposed. The calculation in part (ii)
was also done well by those who knew the expression for the energy stored, or were aware
that it was given in the data sheet. Some answers, resulting from a carry forward of an
incorrect force in part (i) gave energies amounting to several million joules. This attracted no
comment.
E15. This is the first time since this Specification was introduced that a question on density
has been set. The examiners were pleased to find that the majority of candidates seemed to
understand the topic very well and gained full marks. Unfortunately, candidates who gave
density as ρ = mass × volume were, because of the nature of the question, penalised quite
heavily, but they could however earn marks for calculating the volume in part (b)(i) and
adding the masses together in part (ii).
E16. In part (a), most candidates read off the maximum force correctly from the graph and
also knew how to use this maximum force to calculate the stress. Some candidates were
unable to convert the contact area successfully into m . Again, in part (b), most candidates
2
correctly sketched the second curve higher and narrower than the first, although few
candidates showed or stated that the area under the second curve was the same as that
under the first curve.
E17. Normally, the question on elasticity realizes high marks. Not so this time, although
there were many completely correct answers. The three definitions were usually correct
although, as in past papers, the Young modulus was defined in terms of stress and strain,
rather than tensile stress and tensile strain. There also appeared this year, references to the
stiffness constant of the wire. It should be pointed out that the stiffness constant is not the
same as the Young modulus.
The algebra involved in parts (i) and (ii) of (b) caused problems and a significant number of
candidates failed on this section. However, part (iii) proved to be a straightforward
calculation for the majority of candidates.
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Colonel Frank Seely School
E18. Hooke’s law, in part (a), was generally known to candidates although many did not
state the condition under which it applied. Many introduced temperature into the argument.
The calculation in part (b) was usually correct with comparatively few candidates adding the
two lengths or adding the values of the Young moduli to perform just one calculation.
Questions on density, similar to those in part (b) (ii), are usually done well, and this question
was no exception. Full marks were quite common in part (b).
Part (c) also proved to be relatively easy with the large majority of candidates obtaining the
correct answer. Those who failed were usually those who tried to tackle it from a Young
modulus point of view.
E19. Most candidates gave a correct frequency calculation in part (a), although
unfortunately some made a significant figure error in their final answer.
In part (b) (i), many candidates correctly calculated the angle between cable P and the
ground or the mast. Many were then able to calculate the tension correctly, although some
lost the final mark because they mistakenly doubled their answer, presumably on the
grounds that the copper wire pulled on each mast. In part (ii), most candidates knew the
correct expression for the stress but a significant number of candidates lost a mark through
making an arithmetical error in the calculation of the cross-sectional area of the wire, or lost
the final two marks as a result of using the expression for the surface area of the wire
instead of the cross-sectional area. Other candidates lost the final mark as a result of a unit
error in the final answer or an arithmetical error in the final calculation.
Many candidates scored two marks in part (iii) by comparing the breaking stress with their
own calculated value and reaching a valid conclusion. Some candidates gained these
marks by calculating the breaking force and comparing that with the tension in the wire.
Very few candidates considered other relevant points such as the ductile nature of copper.
E20. Few candidates gained the maximum mark of five for part (a). In part (i), the
necessary condition that the wire had not been stretched beyond the elastic limit or beyond
the limit of proportionality was usually omitted. In part (iii) the Young modulus was often
defined as stress/strain, which was not acceptable, and finally a large number of candidates
failed to give the unit of the Young modulus, many going for the easy option of stating that it
had no units.
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Colonel Frank Seely School
Candidates who took the trouble to read the stem of the question carefully usually gave
good answers, but those who thought that part (b) required a description of the experiment
failed miserably. In part (i) the usual answer of measuring the cross-sectional area was not
accepted. The only answers that gained both allocated marks were the diameter and the
length of the wire. In part (ii) a graph of force vs extension, or stress vs strain (provided both
were defined) were acceptable, but many who opted for the stress vs strain graph then went
on in part (iii) to give the answer as the area under the graph, which, of course, is wrong,
unless they referred to the energy per unit volume.
E22. Most scored very well on parts (a) (i) and (ii), which were fairly straightforward
questions, though occasionally the answers to (a) (i) and (a) (ii) were given the wrong way
round.
In part (b) Quality of Written Communication was assessment. Many candidates did not
specify a distance measuring instrument (a ruler); perhaps failing to state the obvious.
Very few recognised the need to specify a suitable number of different loads over the
complete range. This would be important in order to obtain the true shape of the curve; six
marks were only awarded if the candidate specified seven or more loads.
Many candidates forgot to include the unloading of the rubber cord in their answers and
would have benefited greatly from re-reading the question and their answer here.
E23. In part (a) (i), only partial credit was available to those who failed to relate the area
under the graph to the stored energy.
Many were able to successfully begin part (a) (ii) by equating the stored energy with kinetic
energy. But, from this point on, explanations became poor with the full detail of the algebraic
manipulations either not being shown or being fudged.
The straightforward substitution and evaluation from the equation in (a) (ii) was done well in
part (b) (i).
Full credit was rare to part (b) (ii). Candidates are too fond of stating .air resistance. as their
full answer without suggesting the seat of the energy loss. There are a number of air
resistance possibilities in this situation and many candidates left it to the examiners to
decide which one was operating here. There were frequent answers that suggested air
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Colonel Frank Seely School
resistance when the arrow had left the bow despite the question’s focus on the initial
acceleration of the arrow whilst in the bow. Examiners are looking for more awareness of
the context in this type of question.
Those who attempted the three parts to part (c), all of which examined the use of kinematic
equations and vector components, did well, often achieving full credit. However, many
(about one-fifth) did not attempt (c) (iii).
E24. In part (a) (i), the majority of candidates stated ‘force × perpendicular’ distance but
only 16% stated the full definition. Many did not recall the definition accurately or did not say
the distance was between the line of action of the force and the point. Many said ‘force ×
perpendicular distance from the line of action’ or ‘force × perpendicular distance to the
point’. These candidates were only awarded one mark. A significant number of candidates
stated the Law of moments rather than the definition of a moment and some produced a
vague description of a turning effect rather than a definition. Students should be
encouraged to learn the full definition off by heart.
In part (a) (ii) 57% scored two marks very easily. However, a surprising number selected the
front springs rather than the rear due to ‘a larger distance from the pivot causing a greater
moment on the front’; confusing the centre of mass with the ‘pivot’. Some candidates
assumed the centre of mass is always closer to the front of a truck. However, the question
shows a rear-engined pick-up. Some candidates thought that the rear springs were 2.0 m
from the centre of mass having incorrectly interpreting the dimensions on the diagram.
Some felt that since the truck was in equilibrium, both sets of springs would be equally
compressed.
For such a simple moments question, part (a) (iii) was done poorly by the majority. Perhaps
the context made it seem more difficult than it really was, but many chose the wrong
distances and equated a moment with a force rather than another moment. Common
incorrect answers were 14000 × 1.4 = 19600 and 14000 × 1.4 = 14000 × 1.1. Many common
answers given were greater than the weight of the truck. Most of those who couldn’t pick up
any marks for the moments calculation did realise that it would be necessary to divide by
two at the end and so most scored at least one mark.
In part (b) most gained two marks with the error carried forward from their previous answer.
The poor response to part (c) was very surprising. Only 5% gained two marks with 47%
getting zero and 18% not attempting the question. Perhaps those who had struggled on
previous parts of this question made the assumption that this would be difficult as it was the
final part of the question. However, it was perhaps the easiest part of the question and was
independent of the previous parts.
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E25. More than half of the candidates answered part (a) correctly and most gained some
credit for making some progress with the question. Incorrectly converting 40 minutes to
seconds was common. A significant proportion did not appreciate the difference between
mass and weight. The weight was given in N but many multiplied this by g in there working.
The unit prefix again presented problems for many when attempting to convert 15 mm to
mm in part (b) and 106 was not uncommon. The vast majority divided 750 by 15 or 15 × 10.3
but then gave an inconsistent unit.
E26. Far fewer correct answers were seen to part (a) (i) than might have been expected.
Deducing the correct direction for the electric field involved spotting that the electrostatic
force on the sphere acted upwards, and that the sphere carried a negative charge. The vast
majority of answers to part (a) (ii) showed that students had not forgotten Hooke’s law from
Unit 2 of AS Physics; 0.24 × 0.018 readily gave 4.32 × 10 N. Part (a) (iii) was also well
–3
Attempts to answer both sections of part (b) showed that many candidates had little
understanding of what would happen when switch S was moved to position Y. The fact that
the immediate effect would be to short out the plates, causing them to discharge and
therefore reduce the field strength to zero, escaped a very large number of candidates.
Common answers to part (b) (i) were that the field was reversed, or that the field became an
alternating one. Answers which suggested that an electric force would still be acting
received no further credit in part (b) (ii). What was required here was an understanding that,
when the field was removed, the sphere would fall under its own weight, extending the
spring downwards. The resultant force on the sphere would be proportional to the change in
the extension of the spring, producing an acceleration that was proportional to the
displacement from equilibrium but acted in the opposite direction to the displacement ie the
condition for shm.
E27. It was a little surprising that more candidates did not gain the mark to part (a). A
common incorrect answer was ‘curve B’.
In part (b), the majority of candidates did not know that the work done is the area under the
line or they did not know a suitable method to estimate area. The most common approach
was to treat the curve as a straight line and use W = ½ FΔL.
The most reliable method in this case is to count the number of large squares, treating all
part squares as half a square, and then multiply the total by the value of one square (0.5 J).
If this method is taught, the candidates will always get the answer that appears on the mark
scheme.
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The typical Young modulus of rubber can be found in most data books. This is obtained for
small values of strain. The majority of candidates knew what to in part (c) and many gained
all three marks. Unfortunately, a significant number of candidates were careless in reading
the question and used 0.40 instead of 0.040 and therefore 50 N instead of 10 N.
The majority of candidates were successful in part (d) (i). A common error was to draw
another curve or a straight line at a tangent to initial slope of A.
Part (d) (ii) was another definition that caused problems for many candidates. Some failed
to gain credit by confusing limit of proportionality with elastic limit. Some neglected to say
‘point beyond which the load and extension will no longer be proportional’.
E28. Most candidates correctly answered the calculation in (a), with the most common error
being the introduction of a spurious factor of g. Nearly all candidates successfully completed
the graph work in part (b).
E29. In part (a) (i), the line of best fit had to start very near to the origin and go between the
fifth and sixth points on the graph. Most candidates did this very well. Very few candidates
who attempted a freehand line made their line smooth or straight enough to gain the first
mark. A smooth curve was expected for the last few points on the graph. Most candidates
knew that this is how a spring is likely to behave and assumed a curve would be more
appropriate than another straight section.
Many candidates did not get the powers of ten correct or simply ignored them when
calculating the gradient in part (a) (ii). There was a general lack of care with the precision of
the gradient measurement. Often a line would not go exactly through the origin and this
would not be taken into account by the candidate. Gradients were often calculated from less
than half of the available length of the line.
Part (b) was done well. However, a surprising number of candidates misread the force as
2.6 or 2.7 or 2.85 × 10 N. Marks were often lost on the unit. The unit (Pa or N m ) needed to
5 –2
For part (c), many candidates successfully used Hooke’s law to find the extension of a 10 m
length of the cable with a force of 150 kN. Many did not realise that they then needed to
multiply by 100 to get the extension of a 1000 m section. Some multiplied by 1000 instead of
100. A considerable number thought they needed to divide by 1000. Surprisingly, very few
realised they simply could read off the extension from the graph for a 10 m length at 150 kN
and then multiply by 100. It was also common to see the Young modulus equation used, but
this was unnecessarily complicated and rarely yielded the correct answer. The suspicion is
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that this question caught many candidates out, because a certain amount of manipulation of
numbers was necessary, in addition to substitution into an equation. This is a skill that will
be essential for those continuing to A2.
E30. The definition of Hooke’s law in part (a) (i) was done very well. Some missed the
second mark by not mentioning the limit of proportionality.
Most candidates pointed out that the line was straight in part (a) (ii), but many did not score
the second mark for saying that the line passed through the origin.
In part (a) (iii) many candidates either gave incorrect units, including Pa, J, Nm, or no units
at all. Most correctly calculated the gradient, though some did not use a wide enough range
to score full marks.
For part (b) (i), most candidates pointed out that energy stored is found from the area and
that area is half base times height for a triangle. For the third mark, it was necessary to
relate the area to the work done and this response was rarely seen. Work has been done on
the spring to compress it (or work is done by the spring if it is being released) and the area
represents the work done and therefore also the energy stored. Some lost marks because
they explained how to calculate energy from the graph rather than how to derive the
equation.
Surprisingly, only a relatively small number of candidates got full marks on part (b) (ii). Many
used P = Fv or P = W/t and did not realise they would need to half their answer. A surprising
number misread the force from the graph as 340 N, 370 N or 380 N rather than 360 N for
instance. Another common error was to divide force by time (360/1.5) believing 360 to be
the work done.
E31. It was disappointing that more candidates could not successfully solve the simple
problem in part (a)(i). In the rest situation mg = k ΔL and so the overall length = 20 + ΔL.
Some dubious physics was seen in responses where candidates used T = 2π√(m/k) to find
T and then T = 2π√(L/g) to find L.
It was rarely clear in responses whether candidates knew that in this instance .L. in the
formula was the equilibrium extension. Many candidates did not add on the 20 m to give
their final answer.
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Analysing the problem in part (a)(ii) proved too difficult for the majority of the candidates. To
find the height of P, most candidates added either 2.6 m or the extension or both of these to
20 m.
For part (b)(i), candidates needed to state the equation or equations they were using, show
clear substitution of data and then answer to more significant figures that the value given in
the question, so demonstrate that they have done the arithmetic. One or more of these
steps were often omitted.
For part (b)(iii), there were a number of aspects that needed to be thought about to draw a
correct sketch. Only careful candidates were able to score three marks for the question
even though the marking allowed for one aspect to be overlooked. Many graphs were drawn
far too carelessly, even for a sketch graph. Although no values were required on the v axis it
was essential that the 0 was evident either explicitly or by implication. If this was not the
case then the positive and negative velocities during the oscillation could not be shown.
Graphs needed to show two complete (reasonably sinusoidal) oscillations with an
unchanging period; the correct period of about 5 s on the time axis; a velocity that started at
0 and increased in a positive direction initially and a decaying amplitude.
Part (c)(i) was a demanding question and although most candidates appreciated, perhaps
intuitively, that P would need to be raised, few were able to make a sensible comment as to
why this should be the case and even fewer to give a convincing response worth full marks.
Concentrating on tension (.more tension to overcome the weight.) rarely led anywhere.
Candidates needed to consider the rider.s position above the ground when the rider comes
to rest or, for example, to use energy considerations to discuss the maximum height that the
rider would reach without any change in the height of P etc.
There were some very good responses to part (c)(ii) that used conservation of energy and
the best went on to explain that the rider could not go below the start point unless there was
some extra energy input at some stage during the first oscillation. Many gained some credit
for responses that concentrated on the loss of energy that occurs when there was air
resistance – rather than what would happen without.
The part of the question that asked what would happen to the rider? was usually ignored.
This was a descriptive part which required candidates to appreciate that the rope would
reach an unstretched length while the rider would still have KE and do go into free flight
before returning.
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E32. Part (a)(i) was answered correctly by a very high proportion of candidates.
Another straight-forward question followed with part (a)(ii); incorrect or missing units
accounted for most of the lost marks. ‘Pa’ and ‘Nm’ were frequently quoted wrong units.
Inappropriate use of 9.81 for acceleration was also seen.
There were very few mistakes in part (a)(iii), apart from the occasional use of s = vt = 58 ×
3.5 instead of using ‘suvat’.
Candidates found part (a)(iv) tricky, with many using P = Fv with v as the final velocity
rather than the average. This would give twice the average power. Many candidates found
20% of the power output and didn’t realise that the power output is 20% of the input power
and they should therefore multiply by five rather than divide.
A surprisingly number of candidates made no attempt at part (b) because they did not know
where to start. Most of those candidates who knew how to approach the question, gained
full marks. The use of ‘suvat’ could only gain two marks out of three. Marks were often lost
here due to arithmetic errors in calculations; typically, forgetting to square the speed.
E33. This question was well answered by most students. When students made mistakes
these mostly occurred due to errors in re–arranging the formula. Some students attempted
to multiply 8 by 125 or divide 125 by 8 without any supporting equation or other working.
E34. This question, based on bungee jumping, tested simple harmonic motion in an
unfamiliar context and at the same time to provide a synoptic test of some AS content.
Examiners were pleased to see that a high proportion of the students were able to cope
competently with this unfamiliar situation.
Part (b) (i), which required the time for half of an oscillation, only caused problems for the
small number of students who misinterpreted the wording and determined the time for
one-and-a-half oscillations. Part (b) (ii) was much more challenging and turned out to be a
question that many students returned to answer on a supplementary sheet. The most direct
solution came by applying the equation , with careful choice of the
earlier values obtained for v and x, and of the derived value for f. Most students seemed to
think a quick solution could be arrived at by applying v = 2πfA, but this is incorrect. It is
max
possible to reach a correct solution from energy considerations; this needs particular care
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over the balance of gravitational pe lost, ke gained and elastic pe gained at some consistent
point in the motion. Nevertheless, a few correct solutions using this approach were seen.
In part (c) most students realised that the bungee cord would cease to exert a force on the
bungee jumper once she was higher than point P. Few went on to mention that her motion
was then purely under gravity or that her acceleration became constant, although
references to the fact that acceleration would no longer be proportional to displacement
were quite common.
Almost all students gave the correct answer – point R – in part (d) (i). The responses in part
(d) (ii) revealed a widespread misunderstanding of the significance of centre of mass, with
statements such as ‘the stress is a maximum at the centre of the cord because that is where
the weight acts’ seen. Acceptable answers included at the point where the cord is attached
to the railing (where the greatest weight is supported) and (because of possible thinning)
half way along the cord. It was expected that students would show that they understood
what is meant by stress when formulating their reason, whichever point in the cord they
gave.
E35. This question, based on bungee jumping, tested simple harmonic motion in an
unfamiliar context and at the same time to provide a synoptic test of some AS content.
Examiners were pleased to see that a high proportion of the students were able to cope
competently with this unfamiliar situation.
Part (b) (i), which required the time for half of an oscillation, only caused problems for the
small number of students who misinterpreted the wording and determined the time for
one-and-a-half oscillations. Part (b) (ii) was much more challenging and turned out to be a
question that many students returned to answer on a supplementary sheet. The most direct
solution came by applying the equation , with careful choice of the
earlier values obtained for v and x, and of the derived value for f. Most students seemed to
think a quick solution could be arrived at by applying v = 2πfA, but this is incorrect. It is
max
possible to reach a correct solution from energy considerations; this needs particular care
over the balance of gravitational pe lost, ke gained and elastic pe gained at some consistent
point in the motion. Nevertheless, a few correct solutions using this approach were seen.
In part (c) most students realised that the bungee cord would cease to exert a force on the
bungee jumper once she was higher than point P. Few went on to mention that her motion
was then purely under gravity or that her acceleration became constant, although
references to the fact that acceleration would no longer be proportional to displacement
were quite common.
Almost all students gave the correct answer – point R – in part (d) (i). The responses in part
(d) (ii) revealed a widespread misunderstanding of the significance of centre of mass, with
statements such as ‘the stress is a maximum at the centre of the cord because that is where
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the weight acts’ seen. Acceptable answers included at the point where the cord is attached
to the railing (where the greatest weight is supported) and (because of possible thinning)
half way along the cord. It was expected that students would show that they understood
what is meant by stress when formulating their reason, whichever point in the cord they
gave.
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