Mark Scheme (Results)

October 2024

Pearson Edexcel International Advanced

Subsidiary Level In Physics (WPH11) Paper 01
Mechanics and Materials
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October 2024
Question Paper Log Number P78391A
Publications Code WPH11_01_2410_MS
All the material in this publication is copyright
© Pearson Education Ltd 2024
General Marking Guidance

• All candidates must receive the same treatment. Examiners

must mark the first candidate in exactly the same way as they
mark the last.
• Mark schemes should be applied positively. Candidates must be
rewarded for what they have shown they can do rather than
penalised for omissions.
• Examiners should mark according to the mark scheme not
according to their perception of where the grade boundaries
may lie.
• There is no ceiling on achievement. All marks on the mark
scheme should be used appropriately.
• All the marks on the mark scheme are designed to be awarded.
Examiners should always award full marks if deserved, i.e. if the
answer matches the mark scheme. Examiners should also be
prepared to award zero marks if the candidate’s response is not
worthy of credit according to the mark scheme.
• Where some judgement is required, mark schemes will provide
the principles by which marks will be awarded and
exemplification may be limited.
• When examiners are in doubt regarding the application of the
mark scheme to a candidate’s response, the team leader must
be consulted.
• Crossed out work should be marked UNLESS the candidate has
replaced it with an alternative response.
Mark scheme notes

Underlying principle
The mark scheme will clearly indicate the concept that is being rewarded, backed up by
examples. It is not a set of model answers.

1. Mark scheme format

1.1 You will not see ‘wtte’ (words to that effect). Alternative correct wording should
be credited in every answer unless the MS has specified specific words that
must be present. Such words will be indicated by underlining e.g. ‘resonance’
1.2 Bold lower case will be used for emphasis e.g. ‘and’ when two pieces of
information are needed for 1 mark.
1.3 Round brackets ( ) indicate words that are not essential e.g. “(hence) distance is
increased”.
1.4 Square brackets [ ] indicate advice to examiners or examples e.g. [Do not
accept gravity] [ecf].

2. Unit error penalties

2.1 A separate mark is not usually given for a unit but a missing or incorrect unit
will normally mean that the final calculation mark will not be awarded.
2.2 This does not apply in ‘show that’ questions or in any other question where the
units to be used have been given, for example in a spreadsheet.
2.3 The mark will not be awarded for the same missing or incorrect unit only once
within one clip in epen.
2.4 Occasionally, it may be decided not to insist on a unit e.g the candidate may be
calculating the gradient of a graph, resulting in a unit that is not one that
should be known and is complex.
2.5 The mark scheme will indicate if no unit error is to be applied by placing
brackets around the unit.

3. Significant figures
3.1 Use of too many significant figures in the theory questions will not prevent a
mark being awarded if the answer given rounds to the answer in the MS.
3.2 Too few significant figures will mean that the final mark cannot be awarded in
‘show that’ questions where one more significant figure than the value in the
question is needed for the candidate to demonstrate the validity of the given
answer.
3.3 The use of one significant figure might be inappropriate in the context of the
question e.g. reading a value off a graph. If this is the case, there will be a clear
indication in the MS.
3.4 The use of g = 10 m s−2 or 10 N kg−1 instead of 9.81 m s−2 or 9.81 N kg−1 will be
penalised by one mark (but not more than once per clip). Accept 9.8 m s−2 or
9.8 N kg−1
3.5 In questions assessing practical skills, a specific number of significant figures
will be required e.g. determining a constant from the gradient of a graph or in
uncertainty calculations. The MS will clearly identify the number of significant
figures required.
4. Calculations
4.1 use of the formula means that the candidate demonstrates substitution of
physically correct values, although there may be conversion errors e.g. power
of 10 error.
4.2 If a ‘show that’ question is worth 2 marks, then both marks will be available for
a reverse working. If the question is worth 3 marks then only 2 marks will be
available.
4.3 The mark scheme will show a correctly worked answer for illustration only.

5. Quality of Written Expression

5.1 Questions that asses the ability to show a coherent and logically structured
answer are marked with an asterisk.
5.2 Marks are awarded for indicative content and for how the answer is
structured.
5.3 Linkage between ideas, and fully-sustained reasoning is expected.
Question
Answer Mark
Number
1 The only correct answer is D (J s-1) 1

A is not correct because this is equivalent to the joule

B is not correct because this is the unit for stiffness
C is not correct because the watt is the joule per second

2 The only correct answer is A (acceleration, weight) 1

B is not correct because kinetic energy is a scalar quantity

C is not correct because strain is a scalar quantity
D is not correct because Young modulus is a scalar quantity

3 The only correct answer is D (The displacement at 4 hours divided by a time 1

of 4 hours)

A is not correct because the area under a displacement-time graph has no

significance
B is not correct because this would give the instantaneous speed at the end of the
marathon
C is not correct because this would give the instantaneous speed at 2 hours

4 The only correct answer is B (The gravitational pull of the cable car on the 1
Earth)

A is not correct because air resistance is not a gravitational force

C is not correct because upthrust is not a gravitational force
D is not correct because normal contact force is not a gravitational force

5 The only correct answer is A (The component of the weight parallel to the 1
slope is equal to the sum of the resistive forces)

B is not correct because this would cause the box to accelerate

C is not correct because the component of the weight perpendicular to the slope
does not affect the speed of the box
D is not correct because the component of the weight perpendicular to the slope
does not affect the speed of the box

6 𝟓𝟎𝟎𝟎
The only correct answer is C ( 𝟒𝟐×𝟎.𝟔𝟑 ) 1

A is not correct because the useful output power should not be inverted
B is not correct because the useful output power should not be inverted and should
be divided by 0.63
D is not correct because the useful output power should be divided by 0.63

7 The only correct answer is A (the wire is elastically deformed) 1

B is not correct because only elastic deformation occurs below the elastic limit.
C is not correct because plastic deformation beyond the elastic limit increases the
extension
D is not correct because the wire can be extended beyond the elastic limit before it
snaps
8 The only correct answer is B (
𝟐
𝒗) 1
𝟑

A is not correct because the momentum and mass of the ball should not be
multiplied together
C is not correct because the mass of the ball should not be divided by the
momentum of the ball
D is not correct because the momentum and mass of the cricket ball should not be
multiplied together

9 The only correct answer is C (𝑭𝐀 𝐜𝐨𝐬(𝟑𝟏°) + 𝑭𝐁 𝐜𝐨𝐬(𝟐𝟕°)) 1

A is not correct because sin (31°) gives a component perpendicular to the

forwards direction
B is not correct because sin(27°)and sin (31°) give components perpendicular to
the forwards direction
D is not correct because sin (27°) gives a component perpendicular to the
forwards direction

10 The only correct answer is A (

𝑭𝒙
+ 𝑭) 1
𝒚

𝐹𝑥
B is not correct because W = +𝐹
𝑦
𝐹𝑥
C is not correct because W = 𝑦 + 𝐹
𝐹𝑥
D is not correct because W = 𝑦 + 𝐹
Question
Answer Mark
Number
11 Correct vector triangle with arrows in correct directions. (1)

Resultant force = 2600 (N)

(allow an answer between 2550 and 2650 N) (1) 2

Example

Resultant
force

Total for question 11 2

Question
Answer Mark
Number
12 Use of ∆𝐹 = 𝑘∆𝑥 to calculate ∆𝑥 (1)

Length = 0.46 m (1) 2

Example calculation
7.0 N = 25 N m−1 × ∆𝑥

7.0 N
∆𝑥 = = 0.28 m
25 N m−1

𝑙 = 0.28 m + 0.18 m = 0.46 m

Total for question 12 2

Question
Answer Mark
Number
13(a) Use of appropriate trigonometry (1)

Use of moment of force = Fx (1)

Moment = 110 N m (1) 3

Example calculation
580 N × 0.21 m × cos(24°) = 111 N m

13(b) The horizontal/perpendicular distance between W and the pivot decreases

Or
The component of W perpendicular to the lever decreases
Or
cos (𝜃) decreases (from 1 to zero) (1)

So the moment (of W about the pivot) decreases and F decreases (to zero) (1) 2

Total for question 13 5

Question
Answer Mark
Number
14(a) The ball fell a smaller distance (during each flash of the laboratory strobe)
Or
Each image of the ball would be smaller (using the laboratory strobe) (1)

The uncertainty was less (with the laboratory strobe)

MP2 dependent on MP1 (1) 2

14(b)(i) (allow a for g throughout)

1 (1)
𝑠 = (𝑢𝑡+) 2 𝑔𝑡 2 and g is constant

1
Comparison of 𝑠 = 2 𝑔𝑡 2 (+𝑢𝑡) with 𝑦 = 𝑚𝑥 (+𝑐)
Or
s is proportional to t2 so the gradient of graph is constant (1) 2

14(b)(ii) 1
Use of 𝑠 = 𝑎𝑡 2 and a pair of corresponding values from the graph
2
Or
(1)
Pair of corresponding values from the graph used to determine gradient

g = 10.0 m s−2
(allow answers in the range 9.8 m s−2 to 10.1 m s−2)
(dependent on MP1)
(1) 2
(answer must be consistent with their calculation)

Example of calculation
∆ℎ 0.30
2
= = 5.00
∆𝑡 0.060

𝑔 = 5.00 m s−2 × 2 = 10.00 m s−2

Total for question 14 6

Question
Answer Mark
Number
15(a) By Newton’s third law, the ground exerts an upwards force of 890 N on the
athlete
Or
By Newton’s third law, the ground exerts a force equal (in magnitude) and
opposite (in direction) on the athlete (1)

The upwards force is greater than the athlete’s weight

Or 890 N > 680 N
Or 890 N – 680 N = 210 N (1)

(So) there is a resultant force (upwards on the athlete) (1) 3

15(b)(i) Use of 𝑊 = 𝑚𝑔 (1)
1
Use of 𝐸k = 2 𝑚𝑣 2 (1)

(1) 3
𝑣 = 3.44 (m s−1 )

Example calculation
680 N
𝑚= = 69.3 kg
9.81 N kg −1

2 × 409 J
𝑣=√ = 3.436 m s −1
69.3 kg

15(b)(ii) Use of equations of motion to calculate final vertical velocity (1)

Or
Use of ∆𝐸𝑔𝑟𝑎𝑣 = ∆𝐸k

Use of Pythagoras’ equation (1)

Magnitude of final velocity = 6.3 m s−1 (allow ecf from (b)(i)) (1)
(show that value gives 6.2 m/s)

Use of appropriate trigonometry using velocities (1)

Angle from vertical = 33° (allow ecf from (b)(i)) (1)

OR

Use of 𝑊 = 𝑚𝑔 and use of 𝐸k = 𝑚𝑣 2

1 (1)
2
(1)
Use of conservation of energy
(1)
Magnitude of final velocity = 6.3 m s−1 (allow ecf from (b)(i))
(show that value gives 6.2 m/s)

Use of appropriate trigonometry using velocities (1)

Angle from vertical = 33° (allow ecf from (b)(i)) (1) 5
Example calculation
𝑣vertical = √2 × 9.81 m s −1 × 1.4 m = 5.24 m s−1

Magnitude of final velocity = √(5.24 m s−1 )2 + (3.44 m s −1 )2 = 6.27 m s−1

3.44
Angle = tan−1 (5.24) = 33.3°

Total for question 15 11

Question
Answer Mark
Number
16(a) Upwards arrow labelled upthrust or U
and downwards arrow labelled weight / W / mg (1)

Arrows of equal length (1) 2

16(b)(i) Any two from

• The upthrust is equal to the weight of water displaced
• The upthrust equals the weight of the hydrometer
Or The upthrust is the same (in both types of water)
• The weight of displaced water equals the weight of the hydrometer
Or The weight of displaced water is the same in both types of water (2)

(So) a smaller volume of seawater needs to be displaced (because seawater

has a greater density) (1) 3

16(b)(ii) Use of 𝑊 = 𝑚𝑔 (1)

𝑚
Use of 𝜌 = to calculate volume of displaced water (1)
𝑉

(1)
Use of V= 𝜋𝑟 2 𝑙
(1)
Subtracts position in seawater from position in pure water
(1) 5
Change in vertical position = 8 mm

Example of calculation
0.324 N
Mass of hydrometer = = 0.033 kg
9.81 N kg−1

0.033 kg
Volume of pure water displaced = = 3.31 × 10−5 m3
997 kg m−3

4×3.31×10−5 m3
Depth of hydrometer in pure water = π×(1.23×10−2 )2
= 0.2786 m

0.033 kg
Volume of seawater displaced = 1025 kg m−3 = 3.22 × 10−5 m3

4×3.22×10−5 m3
Depth of hydrometer in seawater = = 0.2710 m
π×(1.23×10−2 )2

∆𝐿 = 0.2786 m − 0.2710 m = 0.0076 m

Total for question 16 10

Question
Answer Mark
Number
*17(a) This question assesses a student’s ability to show a coherent and logically
structured answer with linkages and fully-sustained reasoning. Marks are
awarded for indicative content and for how the answer is structured and shows
lines of reasoning. The following table shows how the marks should be awarded
for indicative content.
IC points IC mark Max linkage mark Max final mark
6 4 2 6
5 3 2 5
4 3 1 4
3 2 1 3
2 2 0 2
1 1 0 1
0 0 0 0

The following table shows how the marks should be awarded for structure and
lines of reasoning.
Number of marks awarded for
structure of answer and
sustained line of reasoning
Answer shows a coherent and logical
2
structure with linkages and fully sustained
lines of reasoning demonstrated throughout
Answer is partially structured with some 1
linkages and lines of reasoning
Answer has no linkages between points and 0
is unstructured

Indicative content
IC1 Initially, weight is greater than tension (so resultant force is
downwards)
IC2 So acceleration is downwards
IC3 Tension increases (as length of rope increases)
IC4 (Between A and B) resultant force decreases, so acceleration
decreases
IC5 At B, resultant force is zero so acceleration is zero.
Or At B, tension is equal to weight so acceleration is zero
Or At B, forces are balanced so acceleration is zero
IC6 Below B resultant force is upwards and the student decelerates 6
17(b) Use of Δ𝐸grav = 𝑚𝑔∆ℎ (1)

1
Use of 𝛥𝐸el = 2 𝐹Δ𝑥
Or (1)
𝐹 = 𝑘Δ𝑥
(1)
(At 35 m below bridge) Δ𝐸grav = 22 kJ and 𝛥𝐸el = 41 kJ

Comparison of calculated values for Δ𝐸grav and 𝛥𝐸el and consistent (1) 4
conclusion

Example of calculation
Δ𝐸grav = 65 kg × 9.81 Nkg −1 × 35 m = 22 300 J

𝐹 = 250 N m−1 × (35 m − 17 m) = 4500 N

1
𝛥𝐸el = 4500 N × (35 m − 17 m) = 40 500 J
2

40 500 J > 22 300 J so the student will not reach the river

Total for question 17 10

Question
Answer Mark
Number
18(a) Use of 𝐴 = 𝜋𝑟 2 (1)

Use of 𝜎 =
𝐹 (1)
𝐴

(1) 3
𝐹 = 4.9 × 10−5 N

Example calculation
𝐴 = π × (1.9 × 10−6 m)2 = 1.13 × 10−11 m2

𝐹 = 4.3 × 106 Pa × 1.13 × 10−11 m2 = 4.88 × 10−5 N

𝜎
18(b) Use of 𝐸 = (1)
𝜀

∆𝑥
Use of 𝜀 = 𝑥 (1)

Use of stretched length = 𝑥 + ∆𝑥 (1)

Length at limit of proportionality = 25.9 m (1) 4

Example calculation
300 × 106 Pa
𝜀= = 3.448 × 10−2
8.70 × 109 Pa

∆𝑥 = 3.448 × 10−2 × 25.0 m = 0.862 m

𝐿 = 25 m + 0.862 m = 25.86 m
18(c)(i) Straight line steeper than spider silk line, starting from the origin (1)

Line extending to a slightly greater stress than the spider silk line (dependent
on MP1) (1) 2

18(c)(ii) The force applied to the steel is (slightly) greater than that applied to the
spider silk (1)

The extension / strain of the spider silk is much greater than the
extension / strain of the steel (1)

(So) elastic strain energy of the spider silk is greater than the elastic strain
energy of the steel (dependent on MP2) (1)

OR

Elastic strain energy is proportional to area under graph (1)

The area under the spider silk graph is greater than the area under the steel
graph (1)

(So) elastic strain energy of the spider silk is greater than the elastic strain
energy of the steel (dependent on MP2) (1) 3

Total for question 18 12

Question
Answer Mark
Number
19(a)(i) Small, spherical object
Or
Spherical object with low speed (1)

laminar flow
Or
flow is not turbulent (1) 2
𝑠
19(a)(ii) Use of 𝑣 = 𝑡 (1)

4 (1)
Use of 𝑉 = 𝜋𝑟 3
3

Use of 𝐹 = 6π𝜂𝑟𝑣 (1)

𝐹 = 0.035 N (1)

comparison of their calculated force with 4.6 (N) and consistent conclusion (1) 5

Example calculation
25 m
𝑣= = 69.4 m s−1
0.36 s

3 3 × 45 × 10−6 m3
𝑟=√ = 0.0221 m
4×π

𝐹 = 6 × π × 1.2 × 10−3 Pa s × 0.0221 m × 69.4 m s−1 = 0.0347 N

0.0347 N < 4.6 N so Stokes’ law does not apply.

19(b)(i) The areas between the line and the x-axis should be determined
Or
The area between the line and the x-axis represents displacement (1)

The diver will be at the surface if the area below the x-axis (before 25 s) is
equal to the area above the x-axis (after 25 s).
Or
The diver will be at the surface if the total (positive and negative values of)
area is equal to zero (1) 2

19(b)(ii) Draws tangent at 70 s (1)

Determines values for Δv and Δt (1)

Acceleration = (−)0.008 m s−2

(allow an answer in the range (−)0.007 m s−2 to (−)0.01 m s−2) (1) 3

Example calculation
−0.50 m s−1
Acceleration = 65 s
= −0.0077 m s−2

Total for question 19 12

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