Q1.

A trolley is attached to two identical springs.

The trolley is pushed to the left and then released.

Figure 1 shows the horizontal forces acting on the trolley just after it is released.

Figure 1

(a) Write the equation which links acceleration, mass and resultant force.

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(1)

(b) The trolley has a mass of 0.75 kg

Calculate the acceleration of the trolley just after it is released.

Give the unit.

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 ___________________________________________________________________

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Acceleration = ____________________ Unit ____________________

(4)

An elastic cord is fixed to the trolley.

Figure 2 shows the arrangement viewed from above.

Figure 2

When the trolley is pushed and released a wave travels along the cord.

(c) What type of wave travels along the cord?

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Give the reason for your answer.

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(2)

(d) Suggest one change that could be made to the apparatus shown in Figure 2 to
produce a wave with a lower frequency.

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(1)

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 (Total 8 marks)

Q2.
Two students investigated how the acceleration of a trolley depends on the force applied
to the trolley.

Before starting the investigation, each student wrote a hypothesis.

Hypothesis of student A:

‘The acceleration of the trolley is directly proportional to the force applied to the trolley.'

Hypothesis of student B:

‘Changing the force applied to the trolley will change the acceleration of the trolley.'

(a) Consider the hypothesis of student A.

Predict what would happen to the acceleration of the trolley if the force applied to
the trolley is doubled.

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(1)

(b) Why is it difficult to make a valid prediction using the hypothesis of student B?

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(1)

Figure 1 shows some of the equipment used by the students.

Figure 1

(c) Write a list of any other equipment the students will need to complete the
investigation.

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 ___________________________________________________________________
(2)

(d) Why should the students use a sloping runway?

Tick one box.

To reduce the effect of friction on the trolley.

To decrease the acceleration of the trolley.

To stop the trolley rolling back up the runway.

(1)

(e) Describe a method the students could have used for their investigation.
(6)

(f) The students used the same trolley throughout the investigation.

Suggest why.

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(2)

The students' results are shown as a graph in Figure 2.

Figure 2

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(g) Explain why hypothesis A gives a better explanation of the results.

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(2)
(Total 8 marks)

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Mark schemes

Q1.
(a) (resultant) force = mass × acceleration
allow F = ma
symbols must be correct
1

(b) (2.7 – 1.5) = 0.75 × a

an answer of 1.6 scores 3 marks
1

allow compensation marks for correct use of incorrect

resultant force
1

a = 1.6
1

m/s2
1

(c) transverse
1

the oscillation / vibration is perpendicular to the direction of

energy transfer
allow wave travel for energy transfer
1

(d) use springs with a smaller spring constant

allow use weaker springs

or
use a trolley with greater mass
allow use a heavier trolley
do not accept use a larger trolley
allow add a mass / weight to the trolley
1
(Total 8 marks)

Q2.
(a) double
1

(b) the hypothesis does not say how increasing / decreasing the
force increases / decreases the acceleration
1

(c) appropriate equipment to apply and measure force

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 eg newtonmeter or slotted masses + string + pulley
1

appropriate equipment to measure change in velocity and

time
eg ticker timer + tape or light gates + datalogger
1

(d) to reduce the effect of friction on the trolley

1

(e)
Level 3: The method would lead to the production of a
valid outcome. All key steps are identified and logically 5-6
sequenced.

Level 2: The method would not necessarily lead to a

valid outcome. Most steps are identified, but the plan is 3-4
not fully logically sequenced.

Level 1: The method would not lead to a valid

outcome. Some relevant steps are identified, but links 1-2
are not made clear.

No relevant content 0

Indicative content

• method by which the trolley is to be accelerated

• how the accelerating force is varied to give a

suitable range of results

• how the accelerating force is measured

• the use of suitable apparatus to measure the

change in velocity of the trolley over a given
distance or time

• what data is to be collected in order to calculate

acceleration

• how the data required is to be measured

6

(f) so that the mass is constant

fair test is insufficient
1

as changing mass would change the acceleration (produced

by a given force)
or
so there is only one independent variable
1

(f) hypothesis A because

A must be identified to gain either mark

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 1

the results give a straight line that passes through the origin

showing direct proportionality

1
[15]

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