Cambridge International AS & A Level

MATHEMATICS 9709/41
Paper 4 Mechanics October/November 2023
MARK SCHEME
Maximum Mark: 50

Published

This mark scheme is published as an aid to teachers and candidates, to indicate the requirements of the
examination. It shows the basis on which Examiners were instructed to award marks. It does not indicate the
details of the discussions that took place at an Examiners’ meeting before marking began, which would have
considered the acceptability of alternative answers.

Mark schemes should be read in conjunction with the question paper and the Principal Examiner Report for
Teachers.

Cambridge International will not enter into discussions about these mark schemes.

Cambridge International is publishing the mark schemes for the October/November 2023 series for most
Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge International A and AS Level components, and some Cambridge O Level
components.

This document consists of 13 printed pages.

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9709/41 Cambridge International AS & A Level – Mark Scheme October/November 2023
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Generic Marking Principles

These general marking principles must be applied by all examiners when marking candidate answers. They should be applied alongside the specific content of the
mark scheme or generic level descriptors for a question. Each question paper and mark scheme will also comply with these marking principles.

GENERIC MARKING PRINCIPLE 1:

Marks must be awarded in line with:

• the specific content of the mark scheme or the generic level descriptors for the question
• the specific skills defined in the mark scheme or in the generic level descriptors for the question
• the standard of response required by a candidate as exemplified by the standardisation scripts.

GENERIC MARKING PRINCIPLE 2:

Marks awarded are always whole marks (not half marks, or other fractions).

GENERIC MARKING PRINCIPLE 3:

Marks must be awarded positively:

• marks are awarded for correct/valid answers, as defined in the mark scheme. However, credit is given for valid answers which go beyond the scope of the
syllabus and mark scheme, referring to your Team Leader as appropriate
• marks are awarded when candidates clearly demonstrate what they know and can do
• marks are not deducted for errors
• marks are not deducted for omissions
• answers should only be judged on the quality of spelling, punctuation and grammar when these features are specifically assessed by the question as
indicated by the mark scheme. The meaning, however, should be unambiguous.

GENERIC MARKING PRINCIPLE 4:

Rules must be applied consistently, e.g. in situations where candidates have not followed instructions or in the application of generic level descriptors.

GENERIC MARKING PRINCIPLE 5:

Marks should be awarded using the full range of marks defined in the mark scheme for the question (however; the use of the full mark range may be limited
according to the quality of the candidate responses seen).

GENERIC MARKING PRINCIPLE 6:

Marks awarded are based solely on the requirements as defined in the mark scheme. Marks should not be awarded with grade thresholds or grade descriptors in
mind.

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Mathematics-Specific Marking Principles

1 Unless a particular method has been specified in the question, full marks may be awarded for any correct method. However, if a calculation is required
then no marks will be awarded for a scale drawing.

2 Unless specified in the question, non-integer answers may be given as fractions, decimals or in standard form. Ignore superfluous zeros, provided that the
degree of accuracy is not affected.

3 Allow alternative conventions for notation if used consistently throughout the paper, e.g. commas being used as decimal points.

4 Unless otherwise indicated, marks once gained cannot subsequently be lost, e.g. wrong working following a correct form of answer is ignored (isw).

5 Where a candidate has misread a number or sign in the question and used that value consistently throughout, provided that number does not alter the
difficulty or the method required, award all marks earned and deduct just 1 A or B mark for the misread.

6 Recovery within working is allowed, e.g. a notation error in the working where the following line of working makes the candidate’s intent clear.

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Mark Scheme Notes

The following notes are intended to aid interpretation of mark schemes in general, but individual mark schemes may include marks awarded for specific reasons
outside the scope of these notes.

Types of mark

M Method mark, awarded for a valid method applied to the problem. Method marks are not lost for numerical errors, algebraic slips or errors in
units. However, it is not usually sufficient for a candidate just to indicate an intention of using some method or just to quote a formula; the
formula or idea must be applied to the specific problem in hand, e.g. by substituting the relevant quantities into the formula. Correct application
of a formula without the formula being quoted obviously earns the M mark and in some cases an M mark can be implied from a correct answer.

A Accuracy mark, awarded for a correct answer or intermediate step correctly obtained. Accuracy marks cannot be given unless the associated
method mark is earned (or implied).

B Mark for a correct result or statement independent of method marks.

DM or DB When a part of a question has two or more “method” steps, the M marks are generally independent unless the scheme specifically says
otherwise; and similarly, when there are several B marks allocated. The notation DM or DB is used to indicate that a particular M or B mark is
dependent on an earlier M or B (asterisked) mark in the scheme. When two or more steps are run together by the candidate, the earlier marks are
implied and full credit is given.

FT Implies that the A or B mark indicated is allowed for work correctly following on from previously incorrect results. Otherwise, A or B marks are
given for correct work only.

• A or B marks are given for correct work only (not for results obtained from incorrect working) unless follow through is allowed (see abbreviation FT above).
• For a numerical answer, allow the A or B mark if the answer is correct to 3 significant figures or would be correct to 3 significant figures if rounded (1
decimal place for angles in degrees).
• The total number of marks available for each question is shown at the bottom of the Marks column.
• Wrong or missing units in an answer should not result in loss of marks unless the guidance indicates otherwise.
• Square brackets [ ] around text or numbers show extra information not needed for the mark to be awarded.

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Abbreviations

AEF/OE Any Equivalent Form (of answer is equally acceptable) / Or Equivalent

AG Answer Given on the question paper (so extra checking is needed to ensure that the detailed working leading to the result is valid)

CAO Correct Answer Only (emphasising that no “follow through” from a previous error is allowed)

CWO Correct Working Only

ISW Ignore Subsequent Working

SOI Seen Or Implied

SC Special Case (detailing the mark to be given for a specific wrong solution, or a case where some standard marking practice is to be varied in the
light of a particular circumstance)

WWW Without Wrong Working

AWRT Answer Which Rounds To

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Question Answer Marks Guidance

1 3 1 B1 For either the correct potential energy or kinetic energy

1.6 g  x  [=9.6x] or  1.6  202 [= 320] term. Need not be evaluated.
5 2

1 3 M1 Attempt at energy equation; 2 relevant terms.

 1.6  202 = 1.6 g  x sin  where sin = Dimensionally correct but allow sign errors.
2 5
Allow sin/cos mix and sin(36.869…) but sin  (oe) must
3
have been substituted. M0 for 1.6 g  x  .
4

100 A1 Allow 33.3.

x=
3

Question Answer Marks Guidance

2 Attempt to resolve horizontally or vertically to form an equation. *M1 Correct number of terms; allow sin/cos mix; allow sign
errors – do not award this mark if using T for both (see
SC later).

T1 cos35 = T2 cos 40 A1 Must be different Ts.

T1 sin 35 + T2 sin 40 = 2.4 g A1 If same Ts, then SC B2 only for this equation.

Attempt to solve for either tension. DM1 From equations with correct number of relevant terms.
Must get a value for at least one tension.
 cos 40 
E.g. T2   sin 35 + sin 40  = 24
 cos35 

T1 = 20.4 N and T2 = 19.0 N A1 T1 = 19.033621 T2 = 20.353166

awrt 20.4 for T1 www and 19(.0) for T2.

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Question Answer Marks Guidance

3(a) Distance = 50.4m B1 252

Allow .
5

3(b) v1 = 12.6 − ( 62 − 48 ) a M1 Use of suvat for first section of deceleration.

12.6  (62 − 48)a only.

0 = v1 − 2a  ( 70 − 62 ) M1 Use of suvat for second section of deceleration. An

expression for the velocity at 62 seconds must be
2a  (70 − 62).

a = 0.42 A1 –0.42 scores A0.

3(c) Speed at time t = 62 is 6.72 m s-1 B1 This may be seen in part (b) but must be used in part (c)
to get this mark.

s2 = ( 48 − 8 )  12.6  = 504 B2FT B2 FT for any 2 correct, B1 FT for any 1 correct – follow
through their value of v1 where 0  v1  12.6 but must
 3381 
s3 = 0.5  (12.6 + their 6.72 )  ( 62 − 48 )  = 135.24 or oe  have come from the correct equations seen in part (b).
 25  Allow correct value of v1 from a = −0.42 where
or their 6.72  ( 62 − 48 ) + 0.5  ( 62 − 48 )  (12.6 − their 6.72 ) v1 = 12.6 + (62 − 48)a and v1 = −2a  (70 − 62).
 672 
s4 = 0.5  their 6.72  ( 70 − 62 )  = 26.88 or oe
 25 

Average speed =10.236 m s-1 B1 2559 59

Allow 10.2 or better oe e.g. , 10 .
250 250

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Question Answer Marks Guidance

4(a) −0.4  6 g = 6a *B1 Resolve horizontally using Newton’s second law; 2

relevant terms; must be either −0.4  6 g = 6a or
0.4  6 g = 6a.

v2 = 202 + 2  ( −4) 12.5 DM1 Use complete suvat method to get an equation in v or v 2 –
must be using u = 20, s = 12.5 and their a.

v 2 = 300  v = 10 3 A1 AG. Condone correct expression for v or v2 followed by

correct answer.

Alternative method for Question 4(a)

RF = 0.4  6 g *B1 Correct application of F =  R for P.

0.5  6  202 − 0.5  6  v 2 = 12.5  (0.4  6 g ) DM1 3 relevant terms; dimensionally correct; allow sign errors
only.

v 2 = 300  v = 10 3 A1 AG. Condone correct expression for v or v2 followed by

correct answer.

4(b) 6 10 3 = ( 6 + 2) v ' M1 For use of conservation of momentum, 3 non-zero terms,

allow sign errors. Use of 20 is M0.

v ' = 7.5 3 A1 12.99038…

1
( ) = 900 B1 Either initial kinetic energy or final kinetic energy correct.
2
Initial KE =  6  10 3 Allow unsimplified.
2
1
( ) = 675
2
Final KE =  8  7.5 3
2

Loss of KE = 225 J A1

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Question Answer Marks Guidance

4(c)
( ) M1 Use complete suvat method to find distance. This must be
2
0 = their 7.5 3 + 2  ( their − 4 )  s
using their v from part (b), so it is dependent on scoring
the first M mark in part (b) and either their a from part
(a), or from 0.4  8g = 8a.

[Distance =] 21.1 m A1 21.1 or better (21.09375).

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Question Answer Marks Guidance

5 Resolving parallel to the slope at A or B to form an equation. *M1 Correct number of terms; allow sign errors; allow sin/cos
mix.

1.6 g sin 50 − T − FB = 0 A1 If using the same Fs, then M1A1A0B1 max.

T − FA − 1.2 g sin 40 = 0 A1 System equation (must be four different terms):

1.6 g sin 50 − FB − FA − 1.2 g sin 40 = 0 only scores
M1A1A1. Any sign errors scores M1 only.

RA = 1.2 g cos 40 or RB = 1.6 g cos50 *B1 Either correct. Must be explicitly linked to the correct
contact (so could be seen on a diagram), or as part of a
resolving parallel to the slope equation(s) (so must be
combined with  ).

FA = 1.2 g  cos 40 or FB = 1.6 g  cos50 *M1 Use of F =  R at either A or B. Must be explicitly linked
to the correct contact (could be seen on a diagram) or as
part of a resolving parallel to the slope equation(s). Allow
sin/cos mix error only.

1.6 g sin50 − 1.6 g  cos50 = 1.2 g sin 40 + 1.2 g  cos 40 DM1 Eliminating T, FA and FB to form an equation in  only.

 1.6 g sin 50 − 1.2 g sin 40  A1 0.23326119…

  = 1.2 g cos 40 + 1.6 g cos50   = 0.233
 

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Question Answer Marks Guidance

6(a)(i) Power = 19.5 kW B2 Or B1 for either 650  30 or 19 500.

6(a)(ii) their19500 + 9000 = DF  30 B1FT Oe FT their 19.5 in watts only.

DF − 650 = 1300a M1 Newton’s second law horizontally; 3 relevant terms;

dimensionally correct but allow sign errors; allow with
their driving force or just DF.

3 A1 0.23076923…
a= = 0.231 m s–2
13

Alternative scheme for 6(a)(ii)

9000 = DF  30 *B1 9000

oe e.g. DF = .
30

DF = 1300a DM1 Resolving horizontally using Newton’s second law; 2

relevant terms; dimensionally correct but allow sign
errors.

3 A1 0.23076923…
a= = 0.231 m s–2
13

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Question Answer Marks Guidance

6(b) 11500 B1 oe e.g. DF  v = 11500.

DF =
v

Attempt at Newton’s second law. M1 4 relevant terms, their DF or just DF; allow sign errors:
allow sin/cos mix; allow g missing.

11500 A1 Correct equation.

+ 1300  g  0.08 − (1000 + 20v ) = 0
v

Speed = 25 m s–1 A1

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Question Answer Marks Guidance

7 1600 *M1 Use velocity at t = 8 to set up a linear equation in k only.

30.6 − 0.9  8 = + 8k Allow a slip in one value or sign only.
82

k = −0.2 A1

1600 DM1 Attempt to find the value of t when the particle comes to
+ ( their k )  t = 0  t =  rest using the correct expression for v, set equal to zero
t2
with their negative value of k. Must find a positive value
for t (for reference, t = 20).

Attempt to integrate v for one of the 3 intervals *M1 Increase power by 1 and a change in coefficient in at least
one term (which must be the same term); s = vt is M0.

7.2 3 A1 May be unsimplified (for reference, limits are from 0 to

s= t ( +c ) 2).
3

0.9 2 A1 May be unsimplified (for reference, limits are from 2 to

s = 30.6t − t ( +c ) 8).
2

1600 −1 k 2 A1FT May be unsimplified (for reference limits are from 8 to

s= t + t ( +c ) 20). Follow through their value of k or just k only.
−1 2

Either 19.2 or 156.6 or 86.4 B1 One correct distance found. Allow unsimplified e.g.
1
( 216 − 59.4 ) or  (8 − 2)  ( 28.8 + 23.4) etc.
2

Distance = 19.2 + ( 216 − 59.4) + ( −120 − ( −206.4)) = 262.2 m B1 This mark can be awarded if no integration is shown oe.
1311
e.g. . Condone 262 www.
5

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