MOIZ DAWOODI

O’ LEVEL
O/A LEVEL PHYSICS

Forces

1.5
ST U D E N T N A M E

PHYSICS WITH
0315 0805775
O'Levels

1.5 Forces
1.5.1 Balanced & Unbalanced Forces
1.5.2 Friction
1.5.3 Elastic Deformation
1.5.4 Circular Motion
1.5.5 Turning Effect of Forces
1.5.6 Center of Gravity
1 A skydiver falls from rest through the air and reaches terminal velocity.

What is the acceleration of the skydiver during his fall?

A constant at 0 m / s2
B constant at 10 m / s2
C starting at 0 m / s2 and increasing to 10 m / s2
D starting at 10 m / s2 and decreasing to 0 m / s2 [MJ2011/P11/Q3]

2 A car moves in a circle at constant speed.

What is the direction of the resultant force acting on the car?

centre of circle
A B turned by car

[MJ2011/P11/Q6]
3 A uniform beam is balanced at its midpoint. An object is placed on the beam, as shown.
30 cm

60 N

Which force will rebalance the beam?

A 30 N acting upwards, 60 cm to the left of the midpoint

B 30 N acting upwards, 60 cm to the right of the midpoint
C 45 N acting downwards, 45 cm to the right of the midpoint
D 90 N acting downwards, 20 cm to the left of the midpoint [MJ2011/P11/Q8]

4 A student finds the centre of mass of a triangular lamina PQR.

He drills a small hole at Q. He suspends the lamina from a pin through the hole at Q so that the
lamina swings freely. He then hangs a plumb-line from the pin at Q, as shown. He marks the
position of the plumb-line on the lamina.

To determine the location of the centre of mass, the student then repeats the experiment but with
one change.

What is the change?

A He suspends the lamina from the hole at Q, with R on the left and P on the right.
B He suspends the lamina from a pin through a hole at R.
C He uses a heavier weight on the plumb-line.
D He uses a longer plumb-line. [MJ2011/P11/Q9]
5 The propeller on a boat pushes water backwards with a force of 2000 N. The boat moves through
the water against a total resistive force of 1800 N.

direction of motion of boat

resistive force force on water

on boat 1800 N 2000 N due to propeller

According to Newton’s third law, what is the forward force on the propeller due to the water?

A 200 N B 1800 N C 2000 N D 3800 N [ON2011/P11/Q4]

6 The diagrams show a parachutist in four positions after she jumps from a high balloon.
At which position does she have terminal velocity?

A not yet moving

B accelerating

C not accelerating

D not moving
[ON2011/P11/Q5]
7 An engine pulls a truck at constant speed on a level track.
engine
link
truck

track

The link between the truck and the engine breaks. The driving force on the engine remains
constant.

What effect does this have on the truck and on the engine?

truck engine

A slows down speed stays constant

B slows down speeds up
C stops immediately speed stays constant
D stops immediately speeds up [ON2011/P11/Q6]
8 The extension of a spring is measured as weights are added. The graph shows the results.

Which point is the spring’s limit of proportionality?

D
extension
C
B

0
0
weight added [ON2011/P11/Q8]
9 A metal cone with a circular base is placed on a flat surface.
The stability of the cone depends on

A its weight only.

B the diameter of its base and the position of its centre of mass.
C the diameter of its base only.
D the position of its centre of mass only.
[ON2011/P11/Q9]
10 A hard stone hits the ground and comes to rest almost immediately.
As the stone hits the ground, what is the direction and the size of the force acting on the ground?

A downwards and equal to the weight of the stone

B downwards and larger than the weight of the stone
C upwards and equal to the weight of the stone
D upwards and larger than the weight of the stone [MJ2012/P11/Q5]

11 A car of mass 1500 kg is towing a trailer of mass 1100 kg along a level road. The acceleration of
the car is 1.30 m / s2.

Ignoring friction and air resistance, what is the driving force on the car?

A 1430 N B 1950 N C 2000 N D 3380 N [MJ2012/P11/Q6]

12 A beam pivoted at one end has a force of 5.0 N acting vertically upwards on it as shown. The
beam is in equilibrium.

5.0 N

2.0 cm 3.0 cm

pivot

weight
of beam

What is the weight of the beam?

A 2.0 N B 3.0 N C 3.3 N D 5.0 N [MJ2012/P11/Q7]

13 Four objects of equal mass rest on a table. The centre of mass of each object is labelled G.
Which object is the least stable?

A B C D

G
G
G G

[MJ2012/P11/Q8]
14 A 100 g mass is suspended from a spring next to a vertical metre rule. The top of the spring is
level with the 0.0 cm mark. The bottom of the spring is level with the 27.2 cm mark.

0.0

rule
spring

27.2 cm
100 g

The 100 g mass is replaced with a 600 g mass. The length of the spring is now 89.7 cm. The
spring has not reached the limit of proportionality.

The 600 g mass is replaced with a 200 g mass. What is the length of the spring?

A 29.9 cm B 33.4 cm C 39.7 cm D 54.4 cm [MJ2012/P11/Q9]

15 A student drops a table-tennis ball in air.

What happens to the velocity and to the acceleration of the ball during the first few seconds after
release?

velocity acceleration

A decreases decreases
B decreases increases
C increases decreases
D increases increases [MJ2012/P12/Q4]

16 A coin falls through the air from rest, and eventually reaches a constant speed.
Two forces P and Q act on the coin.
What happens to the force P and to the resultant force acting on the coin before it reaches
constant speed?

force P resultant force P

A decreases increases
B decreases decreases
C increases decreases
D increases increases Q [MJ2012/P12/Q5]
17 The diagram shows a motorcyclist leaning over in order to move around a corner.
Which force causes him to move around the corner?

motorcyclist

D B

A
[MJ2012/P12/Q6]

18 The diagram shows a uniform balanced beam, pivoted about its centre.
P

2 cm

6 cm 2 cm

3N 4N

What is the value of force P?

A 5N B 7N C 10 N D 13 N [MJ2012/P12/Q7]

19 The diagram shows four shapes, cut from the same piece of card.
Which shape has its centre of mass nearest to the base line?

A B C D

base line

[MJ2012/P12/Q8]

20 A metal wire, of initial length 1000 mm, extends by 4 mm when a load of 2 N is added to it.
What is the length of the wire when a further 3 N is added, assuming that the wire does not
extend beyond the limit of proportionality?

A 1006 mm B 1008 mm C 1010 mm D 1012 mm [MJ2012/P12/Q9]

21 An aeroplane is half way along a runway before it takes off.
The arrows show the directions of four forces acting on the aeroplane.

lift acting on force on wheels

the wings from the ground

thrust from the

jet engines

weight of
aeroplane

The drag forces on the aeroplane are negligible.

The gravitational field strength g is 10 N / kg.

The acceleration of the aeroplane is 2 m / s2.

What is the largest force?

A the force on the wheels from the ground

B the lift acting on the wings
C the thrust from the jet engines
D the weight of the aeroplane [ON2012/P11/Q5]
22 The front wheel of a car is turned in a clockwise direction by the engine as the car accelerates
towards the right, as shown in the diagram. There is a force of friction between the wheel and the
road.
What are the directions of the frictional forces on the wheel of the car and on the road?

direction of frictional direction of frictional

force on wheel force on road

A to the left to the left

wheel
B to the left to the right
C to the right to the left left right

D to the right to the right road [ON2012/P11/Q6]

23 Masses X and Y are placed on opposite sides of the centre of a uniform metre rule, which is
pivoted at its centre.

Which combination of masses and distances balances the rule?

mass / g distance / cm

A 200 200 5 10
B 200 300 10 15
C 400 300 12 16
D 500 200 15 30 [ON2012/P11/Q7]
24 A student balances a non-uniform object on a pivot. To do this, a weight is suspended near the
left-hand end of the object.

Where is the centre of mass of the object?

object

D
A C
B

weight
pivot
[ON2012/P11/Q8]

25 A spring has a length of 9 cm when loaded with a 200 g mass. The extension-mass graph for the
spring is shown.
3
extension / cm
2
9 cm
1

200 g 0
0 100 200 300
mass / g

The 200 g mass is replaced with a 100 g mass. What is the new length of the spring?

A 7 cm B 8 cm C 9 cm D 10 cm [ON2012/P11/Q9]
26 The diagram shows a firework rocket.
As the rocket flies through the air, three forces act on it. These forces are weight, thrust and air
resistance.
P
Q
What are the three forces?

thrust air resistance weight

A P R S
B P S R
C Q R S S
R
D Q S R [ON2012/P12/Q5]

27 An object has a mass of 15 kg. It is pushed horizontally by a force of 40 N. The frictional force is
10 N.

What is the acceleration of the object?

A 0.50 m / s2 B 1.5 m / s2 C 2.0 m / s2 D 2.7 m / s2 [ON2012/P12/Q6]

28 An object Y is in a fixed position on a rod. A weight X is moved and the position of a pivot is
adjusted until the rod balances on the pivot, as shown.

pivot X

The experiment is repeated in a region where the gravitational field strength is lower.
What is done to keep the rod balanced?

pivot X

A move left no movement

B move right move left
C no movement move right
D no movement no movement [ON2012/P12/Q7]
29 Four solid uniform cones have equal weight. They are placed on a bench as shown in the scale
diagram.
Which cone is the most stable?
A B C D

[ON2012/P12/Q8]
30 The diagram shows how the length of a spring changes when a load of 10 N is hung on it.

5 cm
8 cm

load 10 N

The 10 N load is replaced by a 20 N load. What is the new length of the spring?

A 6 cm B 11 cm C 14 cm D 16 cm [ON2012/P12/Q9]

31 A particle P is moving in a horizontal circle about O. P moves at constant speed.

direction
of motion

O
P

Which statement is true?

A A force of constant size acts on P in the direction of motion.

B A force of constant size acts on P towards O.
C The force on P varies in size as it moves around the circle.
D There is no resultant force acting on P. [MJ2013/P11/Q4]

32 A body slides down a frictionless slope as shown.

As the body presses on the surface, the surface pushes back on the body. The force of the
surface on the body is sometimes called the reaction force.

In which direction does the reaction force act?

B
C

direction of motion

D
[MJ2013/P11/Q5]
33 Which chair is the least stable if the child moves?
A B C D

[MJ2013/P11/Q7]

34 A car of mass 1500 kg travels along a horizontal road.

It accelerates steadily from 10 m / s to 25 m / s in 5.0 s.

What is the force needed to produce this acceleration?

A 300 N B 500 N C 4500 N D 7500 N [MJ2013/P12/Q5]

35 Balanced forces are acting on a moving body.

What happens to the direction of movement and to the speed of the body?

direction of movement speed

A changes changes
B changes does not change
C does not change changes
D does not change does not change [MJ2013/P12/Q6]

36 The graph shows extension-load curves for four fibres.

Which fibre is the hardest to stretch over the range of loads shown?

extension A
B
C

0 [MJ2013/P12/Q10]
0 load
37 A student kicks a ball horizontally along the ground. As he does so, his foot applies a force to the
ball.

At the same time, the ball applies a force to his foot.

How do these forces compare?

A The force on the foot is equal to the force on the ball and in the opposite direction.
B The force on the foot is equal to the force on the ball and in the same direction.
C The force on the foot is smaller than the force on the ball and in the opposite direction.
D The force on the foot is smaller than the force on the ball and in the same direction.
[ON2013/P11/Q4]

38 The diagram shows an aeroplane turning in a horizontal circle at constant speed.

In which direction is there a resultant force?

B
A

C [ON2013/P11/Q5]

39 A piece of uniform card is suspended freely from a horizontal pin.

Which point is its centre of mass?

pin

D [ON2013/P11/Q7]
40 An extension-load graph is plotted to show the result of increasing the load on a spring.
Which point marks the limit of proportionality for this spring?

D
extension

B
A

0 [ON2013/P11/Q8]
0 load

41 The graph shows how the height of an object above the ground changes with time.

4
height above
ground / m
3

0
0 0.5 1.0 1.5 2.0 2.5
time / s

What is the terminal velocity?

A 1.0 m / s B 1.3 m / s C 1.6 m / s D 2.0 m / s [ON2013/P12/Q3]

42 A skier of mass 80 kg accelerates down a slope at 2 m / s .

2

The gravitational field strength g is 10 N / kg.

What is the weight of the skier and the resultant force on the skier?

weight / N resultant force / N

A 8 168
acceleration
B 80 240
C 800 160
D 800 640 [ON2013/P12/Q4]
43 Two stretched springs X and Y are attached to one end of a metre rule as shown. A weight W is
hung from the other end. A pivot is at the centre of the rule.

fixed to ceiling

metre rule X

pivot Y
W
fixed to floor

The weight W is moved towards the pivot.

How does the extension of each spring change?

spring X spring Y

A decreases decreases
B decreases increases
C increases decreases
D increases increases [ON2013/P12/Q7]

44 An object falls from rest through the air and the air resistance on it increases. The object reaches
terminal velocity.

Which quantity decreases until its terminal velocity is reached?

A acceleration
B kinetic energy
C speed
D weight [MJ2014/P11/Q4]

45 In which situation is the resultant force on the body equal to zero?

A a car turning a corner at constant speed
B a rock falling freely on the Moon
C a train going up a straight hill at constant speed in a straight line
D an aircraft accelerating along a runway in a straight line [MJ2014/P11/Q6]
46 A man pushes a heavy box along the ground.

A force acts between the man’s hands and the box.

Another force acts between the man’s feet and the floor.

In which direction do these forces act on the man?

force on man’s hands force on man’s feet

A towards the left towards the left

B towards the left towards the right
C towards the right towards the left
D towards the right towards the right [MJ2014/P11/Q5]

47 A satellite is orbiting the Earth.

What is the direction of the force on the satellite causing this circular motion?

A away from the centre of the Earth

B in the direction of motion of the satellite
C in the opposite direction to the motion of the satellite
D towards the centre of the Earth [MJ2014/P11/Q7]

48 A beam of length 40 cm is pivoted at one end.

The weight of the beam is 4.0 N and acts at a point 20 cm from the pivot. A 2.0 N weight hangs
10 cm from the pivot.

U
40 cm

pivot 10 cm 10 cm

2.0 N 4.0 N

An upward force U is needed to keep the beam horizontal.

What is the size of U?

A 0.5 N B 1.5 N C 2.5 N D 6.0 N [MJ2014/P11/Q9]

49 A car is designed to be stable.
To achieve good stability, where is the centre of mass of the car?

A above the front wheels

B above the rear wheels
C as high in the car as possible
D as low in the car as possible [MJ2014/P11/Q10]

50 A force is applied to a body.

Which property of the body cannot be changed by the force?

A its mass
B its shape
C its size
D its velocity [MJ2014/P11/Q11]

51 The graph shows the extension of a piece of copper wire as the load on it is increased.

extension
of wire

0
0 load

What does the graph show?

A At a certain load the wire becomes easier to extend.

B At a certain load the wire becomes harder to extend.
C The load and extension are directly proportional for all loads.
D The load and extension are inversely proportional for all loads. [MJ2014/P11/Q12]

52 An object falls from rest through the air. Its velocity increases until it reaches terminal velocity.
Which quantity increases until its terminal velocity is reached?

A acceleration
B air resistance
C resultant force
D weight [MJ2014/P12/Q4]
53 The diagram shows a block of stone on a rough horizontal surface.
Force P acts on the block as shown.

The block is at rest. A frictional force F acts on the block.

Which row shows the direction and size of F?

direction of F size of F

A to the left more than P

B to the right more than P
C to the left same as P
D to the right same as P [MJ2014/P12/Q5]
54 A man uses clay to make a pot. He wants the pot to be as stable as possible when placed on a
flat surface.

Which two features of the pot must the man consider?

A the area of the base and the height of the centre of gravity
B the density of the clay and the area of the base
C the density of the clay and the height of the centre of gravity
D the weight and the height of the centre of gravity [MJ2014/P12/Q10]

55 A boy sits on a playground roundabout (carousel).

The roundabout carries the boy in a horizontal, anticlockwise circle at a constant speed.

The diagram shows the view of the roundabout from above.

Y
What describes the resultant force on the boy?
W
A The resultant force is zero.
B The resultant force is in direction W.
X
C The resultant force is in direction X.
D The resultant force is in direction Y.

[ON2014/P11/Q5]
56 What affects the stability of an object?
A only its base area and the location of its centre of mass
B only its weight and its base area
C only the location of its centre of mass
D only its weight [ON2014/P11/Q7]

57 Which object behaves as an elastic solid as it deforms?

A a bullet as it hits a solid metal wall
B a car damaged in a collision
C a piece of metal cut by a saw
D a football as it is kicked [ON2014/P11/Q8]

58 A spring extends by 6.0 cm when a 15 N weight is suspended from its lower end.
Three of these springs are used as shown to support a 90 N weight.

90 N

What is the extension of each spring?

A 2.0 cm B 12 cm C 36 cm D 110 cm [ON2014/P11/Q9]

59 When a heavy coin falls a short distance towards the ground it does not reach terminal velocity.
Why is this?

A The coin has not hit the ground.

B The weight of the coin equals the air resistance.
C The weight of the coin increases as air resistance increases.
D The weight of the coin is always more than air resistance. [ON2014/P12/Q1]
60 A car travels along a road at 50 km / h.
The driver applies the same braking force at the same place on a day when the surface is dry
and then on a day when the road is wet.

On the wet surface, how many of these distances are greater than on the dry surface?

braking distance
stopping distance
thinking distance

A 0 B 1 C 2 D 3 [ON2014/P12/Q2]

61 A student drops, from rest, a table-tennis ball in air.

What happens to the velocity and to the acceleration of the ball during the first few seconds after
release?

velocity acceleration

A decreases decreases
B decreases increases
C increases decreases
D increases increases [MJ2015/P11/Q7]

62 Newton’s third law involves two quantities which are equal in size and opposite in direction.
What is the unit for these two quantities?

A J
B m / s2
C N
D W [MJ2015/P11/Q8]

63 When a car turns a corner at speed, it risks toppling over. Two factors affecting the stability of a
car are the height of its centre of mass and the distance between its front wheels.

Which factors make the car most stable?

distance
centre of
between front
mass
wheels

A high small
B high large
C low small
D low large [MJ2015/P11/Q10]
64 A metal ball of mass 0.30 kg and weight 3.0 N is held so that it is below the surface of oil.
It experiences an upwards force of 0.30 N.

upwards
0.30 N
force

weight 3.0 N

When the ball is released, what is its initial acceleration?

A 1.0 m / s2 B 9.0 m / s2 C 10 m / s2 D 11 m / s2 [MJ2015/P12/Q5]

65 The Earth travels in a circular orbit around the Sun at constant speed.
Which arrows show the direction of the acceleration of the Earth and the direction of the velocity
of the Earth?
P Earth

direction of direction of R
acceleration velocity Q

A P Q
orbit of Sun
B Q P the Earth
C Q R
D R Q [MJ2015/P12/Q7]

66 A uniform beam is pivoted at its centre. Two weights are placed on the beam in the positions
shown and the beam is balanced by an upward force F.
F

40 cm 30 cm 20 cm

30 N pivot 60 N

What is the size of F?

A 6N B 12 N C 30 N D 60 N [MJ2015/P12/Q9]
67 In which example does friction act in the direction of forward motion of the object on which it
acts?

A on a suitcase accelerating on a conveyor belt

B on sandpaper rubbing a wooden block
C on the skis of a skier accelerating downhill on smooth snow
D on the tyres of a braking car [ON2015/P11/Q5]

68 The diagram represents the Moon in its orbit around the Earth.
Which arrow represents the direction of the resultant force acting on the Moon at the instant
shown?

C
B

Earth A D
Moon

direction of
motion of the Moon
[ON2015/P11/Q6]

69 The total weight of the load and the wheelbarrow shown is 600 N.
70 cm 50 cm

F
load

pivot

600 N

What is the size of force F needed just to lift the loaded wheelbarrow?

A 350 N B 430 N C 600 N D 840 N [ON2015/P11/8]

 70 A force acts on a body.
Which properties of the body may all be changed by the force?

A mass, shape and size

B mass, shape and velocity
C mass, size and velocity
D shape, size and velocity [ON2015/P11/Q9]

71 Some students plan to use a spring to make a spring balance with a linear scale.
The graph shows how the extension of their spring changes with the load on it.

extension

0
0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14
load / N

What is the total range of a balance with a linear scale using this spring?

A 0 N to 10 N B 0 N to 12 N C 10 N to 12 N D 10 N to 14 N
[ON2015/P11/Q10]
72 An apple of mass 0.15 kg and weight 1.5 N falls from a tree. At one point during its fall, the air
resistance on the apple is 0.60 N upwards.

What is the acceleration of the apple at this point?

A 4.0 m / s2 B 6.0 m / s2 C 10 m / s2 D 14 m / s2 [ON2015/P12/Q5]

73 At time t 1, a stone is dropped from a stationary balloon. The stone reaches terminal velocity at
time t 2.

Which row gives the acceleration of the stone at time t 1 and at time t 2?

acceleration at t 1 acceleration at t 2
m / s2 m / s2

A 0 0
B 10 0
C 0 10
D 10 10 [ON2015/P12/Q6]
74 Four of the gravitational forces that act between bodies in the Solar System are described below.
P the force on the Moon due to the Earth
Q the force on the Earth due to the Sun
R the force on the Earth due to the Moon
S the force on the Moon due to the Sun

Which two forces are a Newton’s third law pair (action and reaction)?

A P and Q B P and R C Q and S D R and S [ON2015/P12/Q6]

1 Fig. 1.1 shows a sky-diver falling vertically downwards at terminal velocity.

Fig. 1.1

Arrows X and Y show the two main forces acting on the sky-diver.

(a) (i) State the name of force X and the name of force Y.

X ........................................................................................................................................

Y ........................................................................................................................................
[1]

(ii) Explain why force Y acts upwards.

...........................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................... [1]

(b) When the sky-diver first started to fall, forces X and Y were unbalanced.

(i) Describe and explain the effect of the unbalanced forces on the motion of the sky-diver.

...........................................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................... [2]

(ii) State what happened to the size of force X and the size of force Y as the sky-diver fell
and reached terminal velocity.

...........................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................... [2]

[MJ2011/P21/Q2]
2 Fig. 2.1 shows a sky-diver falling vertically.

Fig. 2.1

The sky-diver starts from rest at time t = 0.

His acceleration is non-uniform until he reaches a steady speed of 50 m / s at t = 10 s.
He opens his parachute at t = 20 s and decelerates until t = 25 s.
From t = 25 s he falls at a steady speed of 5 m / s.

(a) (i) On Fig. 2.2, draw the speed-time graph for the sky-diver. [4]

60

speed
m/s

40

20

0
0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35
t /s
Fig. 2.2

(ii) State how your graph shows that the acceleration is non-uniform between
t = 0 and t = 10 s.

...........................................................................................................................................

.......................................................................................................................................[1]
(b) Explain, in detail, why after the sky-diver opens his parachute, he decelerates and eventually
reaches a steady speed.

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...............................................................................................................................................[4]

(c) For the time interval between t = 10 s and t = 20 s, calculate the distance that the
sky-diver falls.

distance = ...........................................................[1]

(d) The mass of the sky-diver is 60 kg.

For the time interval between t = 20 s and t = 25 s,

(i) calculate the average deceleration of the sky-diver,

average deceleration = .......................................[2]

(ii) calculate the average resultant force acting on the sky-diver,

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

(iii) state how your graph in Fig. 2.2 may be used to obtain the distance that the sky-diver
falls.

...........................................................................................................................................

.......................................................................................................................................[1]

[MJ2011/P22/Q9]
3 Fig. 3.1 is the speed-time graph for a rocket from the moment that the fuel starts to burn at
time t = 0.

1400
speed
m/s 1200

1000

800

600

400

200

0
0 20 40 60 80 100
t /s

Fig. 3.1

(a) State the principal energy changes taking place as the rocket accelerates upwards.

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...............................................................................................................................................[4]

(b) (i) State the size of the acceleration of the rocket at t = 0.

.......................................................................................................................................[1]

(ii) State what happens to the acceleration of the rocket between t = 5 s and t = 80 s.

...........................................................................................................................................

.......................................................................................................................................[2]

(iii) Calculate the acceleration of the rocket at t = 80 s.

acceleration = ....................................................[2]
 (iv) The total mass of the rocket at t = 80 s is 1.6 × 106 kg. Calculate the resultant force on the
rocket at this time.

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

(v) The total weight of the rocket at t = 80 s is 1.6 × 107 N. Calculate the upward force on the
rocket at this time, caused by the burning fuel.

upward force = ....................................................[1]

(c) As the rocket burns fuel, it ejects hot gas downwards.

(i) State Newton’s third law of motion.

...........................................................................................................................................

.......................................................................................................................................[1]

(ii) Explain how Newton’s third law of motion applies to the upward force on the rocket and
to the force on the hot gas.

...........................................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................................

.......................................................................................................................................[2]

[ON2011/P21/Q9]
4 A crankshaft is a shaped metal bar that is part of a car engine. It is free to rotate about an axis, as
shown in Fig. 4.1.

F
0.050 m

P
axis of
crankshaft

crankshaft
direction
of rotation

Fig. 4.1

When the crankshaft is horizontal, a vertical force F of 8200 N acts downwards on the crankshaft
at P. This causes the crankshaft to rotate. The distance between P and the axis of the crankshaft is
0.050 m.

(a) (i) State what is meant by the moment of a force.

...........................................................................................................................................

.......................................................................................................................................[2]

(ii) The crankshaft is horizontal. Calculate the moment of F about the axis of the crankshaft.

moment = ....................................................[2]

(iii) The size and direction of the vertical force F, acting on the crankshaft at P, remain
constant. Explain why the moment of F decreases as the crankshaft rotates through a
small angle.

...........................................................................................................................................

.......................................................................................................................................[1]
[ON2011/P21/Q11a]
5 A builder needs to determine the density of a solid cube of wood.

He places the 50 cm mark of a uniform metre rule on a pivot, so that the rule balances.

He then places the cube on the rule with its centre of gravity directly above the 75 cm mark.
A mass of 0.050 kg is moved along the rule until balance is restored. This is shown in Fig. 5.1.

0 cm 10 cm 50 cm 75 cm 100 cm

0.050 kg pivot cube

mass

Fig. 5.1 (not to scale)

The rule is balanced when the 0.050 kg mass is at the 10 cm mark.

(a) Calculate the mass of the cube.

mass = ...........................................................[3]

(b) The cube has a volume of 1.6 × 10–4 m3. Determine the density of the wood.

density = .......................................................... [2]

[ON2011/P22/Q1]
6 Fig. 6.1 is the speed-time graph for a racing car of total mass 650 kg as it sets off from rest at the
start of a race.

80

speed 70
m/s
60

50

40

30

20

10

0
0 2 4 6 8 10
time / s

Fig. 6.1

The car travels in a straight line until time t = 9.0 s.

(a) State the speed of the car at time t = 9.0 s.

speed = ...........................................................[1]

(b) Calculate, for the car between times t = 0 and t = 9.0 s,

(i) the distance travelled,

distance = ...........................................................[2]
 (ii) the acceleration of the car,

acceleration = ...........................................................[2]

(iii) the resultant force acting on the car.

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

(c) The acceleration of the car is constant between t = 0 and t = 9.0 s.

Suggest and explain why the driving force on the car must increase to keep the acceleration
constant.

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...............................................................................................................................................[3]

(d) After t = 9.0 s, the car starts to turn a corner and follows a circular path at constant speed.

(i) Explain why the car is accelerating even though its speed is constant.

...........................................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................................

.......................................................................................................................................[2]

(ii) State the direction of this acceleration.

.......................................................................................................................................[1]

(iii) State and explain what causes the car to accelerate as it turns the corner.

...........................................................................................................................................

.......................................................................................................................................[2]

[ON2011/P22/Q9]
7 Fig. 7.1 shows apparatus used to obtain the readings for a graph of force against extension for a
spring.

spring

scale

masses

pan

Fig. 7.1

The masses added to the pan produce a force that stretches the spring.

(a) (i) State what is meant by the mass of a body.

...........................................................................................................................................

.......................................................................................................................................[1]

(ii) Describe how the scale is used to find the extension of the spring.

...........................................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................................

.......................................................................................................................................[1]
(b) Fig. 7.2 shows the force-extension graphs for two different

springs.

30

25 spring A
force / N
20 spring B

15

10

0
0 2 4 6 8 10
extension / cm

Fig. 7.2

(i) A student states that spring B is easier to stretch than spring A.

Use values from Fig. 7.2 to explain what the student means.

...........................................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................................

.......................................................................................................................................[1]

(ii) When a force of 25 N is applied, spring B reaches its limit of proportionality but spring A
does not. Explain how Fig. 7.2 shows this.

...........................................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................................

.......................................................................................................................................[1]

(iii) The same force is applied to each spring.

Using Fig. 7.2, determine the force that produces an extension of spring B that is 1.0 cm
greater than the extension of spring A.

force = ................................................................[1]

[MJ2012/P22/Q1]
8 (a) State what is meant by friction.

...................................................................................................................................................

..............................................................................................................................................[2]

(b) Fig. 8.1 shows two horizontal forces that act on a car. Force B is caused by air resistance and
friction.

force B force A

Fig. 8.1

The car is travelling along a straight level road.

(i) The forward force A and the backward force B are equal.
Describe the motion of the car.

...........................................................................................................................................

.......................................................................................................................................[1]

(ii) The mass of the car is 800 kg.

Force A increases to 5000 N. This causes the car to accelerate initially at 1.5 m / s2.
Calculate the size of force B.

force B = .............................................................[3]

(iii) Force A remains constant at 5000 N. Explain why the acceleration decreases as the car
travels along the level road.

...........................................................................................................................................

.......................................................................................................................................[2]

(c) A car of mass 800 kg climbs a hill and rises a vertical distance of 200 m.
Calculate the gain in potential energy of the car. (The gravitational field strength g is 10 N / kg.)

gain in potential energy = ...................................[2]

[MJ2012/P22/Q2]
9 A petrol tanker has mass 2800 kg when empty and holds 30 m3 of petrol when full. The
density of petrol is 740 kg / m3.

(a) Calculate the total mass of the tanker when full of petrol.

mass = ................................................. [2]

(b) The full tanker is travelling along a road when the driver observes an obstruction and
applies the brakes. A resultant force of 30 000 N acts on the tanker.

Calculate the deceleration of the tanker.

deceleration = ................................................. [2]

[ON2012/P21/Q4]
10 (a) Describe an experiment to verify the principle of moments. You may include a diagram in
your answer.

..........................................................................................................................................

..........................................................................................................................................

..........................................................................................................................................

..........................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................... [4]

(b) Fig. 10.1 shows a spanner tightening a nut.

nut

0.15 m
8.0 N

Fig. 10.1

A force of 8.0 N is applied to the spanner at a perpendicular distance of 0.15 m from the
centre of the nut.

Calculate the moment of the force acting on the nut.

moment = .................................................. [2]

[ON2012/P22/Q1]
11 A pupil hangs a load of 45N from a length of copper wire. The wire extends by 2.5 mm and
does not exceed the limit of proportionality.

(a) (i) The gravitational field strength is 10 N / kg. Calculate the mass of the 45 N load.

mass = .................................................. [1]

(ii) Use the grid in Fig. 11.1 to plot the extension-load graph for this wire for a load
between 0 and 45 N.

Fig. 11.1 [3]

(b) Use the graph plotted in Fig. 11.1 to determine the load needed to produce an extension
of 1.3 mm.

load = .................................................. [1]

[ON2012/P22/Q2]
12 Fig. 12.1 shows how the length of a spring varies as the force applied to it increases.

2.0

force / N

1.5

1.0

0.5

0
0 5 10 15 20 25 30
length of spring / cm

Fig. 12.1

(a) Determine the length of the unstretched spring.

length = ................................................... [1]

(b) Explain how the graph shows that the limit of proportionality is not reached.

..........................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................... [1]
(c) The spring is attached to a mass M of 0.20 kg and placed on a frictionless surface, as
shown in Fig. 12.2.

M spring car accelerates in

this direction
frictionless
surface

Fig. 12.2 (not to scale)

The apparatus is placed on the floor of a car.

When the car accelerates uniformly in the direction shown, the spring extends.

(i) State what is meant by a uniform acceleration.

..................................................................................................................................

..................................................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................................. [2]

(ii) The extension of the spring is 9.0 cm.

Using Fig. 1.1, determine
1. the horizontal force on M,

force = .................................................. [1]

2. the acceleration of M.

acceleration = .................................................. [2]

[MJ2013/P21/Q1]
13 Fig. 13.1 shows apparatus used to investigate the turning effect of a force.

newton meter

pivot uniform metre rule

20 cm

40 cm
4.0 N

Fig. 13.1

The uniform metre rule is freely pivoted at its centre.

The newton meter is 20 cm from the pivot and a 4.0 N weight is 40 cm from the pivot.

The metre rule is in equilibrium.

(a) State the principle of moments for a body in equilibrium.

..........................................................................................................................................

..........................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................... [1]

(b) Calculate the reading on the newton meter.

reading = .................................................. [2]

(c) The weight of the metre rule is 1.2 N.

Calculate the size of the force exerted on the metre rule by the pivot.

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

[MJ2013/P21/Q2]
14 (a) Explain what is meant by the moment of a force.

..........................................................................................................................................

..........................................................................................................................................

..................................................................................................................................... [2]

(b) Fig. 14.1 shows a system for raising a heavy piece of metal into a vertical position.

T
rope

piece of
metal

8.0 m

2000 N
A

2.0 m

Fig. 14.1 (not to scale)

A man pulls on the rope with a horizontal force T. The piece of metal has a weight of
2000 N and is freely pivoted at A. The system is in equilibrium.

(i) By taking moments about A, calculate T.

T = .................................................. [2]

(ii) The force T and the force that the rope exerts on the man are related by Newton’s
third law. State the relationship between these forces.

..................................................................................................................................

..................................................................................................................................

............................................................................................................................. [2]
[MJ2013/P22/Q2]
15 A girl of weight 550 N is playing on a see-saw with her brother. Fig. 15.1 shows her brother of
weight W sitting 15.1m to the right of the balance point.

girl balance brother

point

1.1 m
0.86 m
550 N W

Fig. 15.1 (not to scale)

The see-saw is balanced when the girl sits 0.86 m to the left of the balance point.

(a) Calculate W.

W = .................................................. [2]

(b) The girl and her brother slide equal distances along the see-saw away from each other.

Describe and explain what happens.

..........................................................................................................................................

..........................................................................................................................................

..........................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................... [3]

[ON2013/P21/Q2]
16 Fig. 16.1 shows a skydiver, of mass 70 kg, falling towards the Earth at constant speed, a long
time after jumping from an aeroplane.

Fig. 16.1

At time t = 0, he receives a radio signal. He opens his parachute 12 s later. Fig. 16.2 is the
speed-time graph for the skydiver.

60

speed
m/s
40

20

0
0 5 10 15 20 25 30
time / s

Fig. 16.2

(a) State the difference between speed and velocity.

..........................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................... [1]

(b) The gravitational field strength g is 10 N / kg.

(i) Calculate the weight of the skydiver.

weight = .................................................. [1]

 (ii) State the size of the air resistance acting on the skydiver between t = 0 and t = 12 s.

air resistance = .................................................. [1]

(c) For the period between t = 0 and t = 12 s, determine

(i) the speed of the skydiver,

speed = .................................................. [1]

(ii) the distance fallen by the skydiver,

distance = .................................................. [2]

(iii) the change in the gravitational potential energy of the skydiver.

change in energy = .................................................. [2]

(d) As he falls at constant speed, his gravitational potential energy changes into another
form. State the name of this other form of energy.

...................................................................................................................................... [1]

(e) (i) State and explain what happens to the air resistance as the skydiver opens his
parachute.

..................................................................................................................................

..................................................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................................. [2]

(ii) State and explain the effect on the motion of the skydiver of opening the parachute.

..................................................................................................................................

..................................................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................................. [2]

(f) By t = 15 s, his parachute is fully open.

State and explain what happens to the air resistance after t = 15 s.

..........................................................................................................................................

..........................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................... [2]
[ON2013/P21/Q9]
17 (a) State what is meant by the moment of a force.

..........................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................... [2]

(b) The anchor of a sailing ship has a mass of 350 kg. Six sailors raise the anchor from
the sea-bed by turning a large axle. They push the handles attached to the axle and it
rotates. The anchor is on the end of a chain that winds on to the rotating axle.

Fig. 17.1 shows the sailors lifting the anchor.

axis of rotation
1.2 m

handle

axle

to anchor
chain

Fig. 17.1

Each of the sailors exerts a force of 750 N on his handle at a distance of 1.2 m from
the axis of rotation. The axle rotates through one complete revolution and the anchor is
lifted through a distance of 160 cm.

The gravitational field strength g is 10 N / kg.

(i) Calculate

1. the total moment exerted on the axle by the six sailors,

moment = .................................................. [2]

 2. the gravitational potential energy gained by the anchor as the axle rotates
through one complete revolution.

energy = .................................................. [3]

(ii) The work done on the axle by the sailors is very much larger than the gravitational
potential energy gained by the anchor.

State and explain how energy is wasted.

..................................................................................................................................

..................................................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................................. [2]

(iii) Explain why the power produced by the sailors is larger when the anchor is lifted at
a faster rate.

..................................................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................................. [2]

(c) Describe, with the aid of a labelled diagram, how to verify the principle of moments.

..........................................................................................................................................

..........................................................................................................................................

..........................................................................................................................................

..........................................................................................................................................

..........................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................... [4]
[ON2013/P22/Q9]
18 Fig. 18.1 shows an electric train of mass 5.5 × 105 kg.

Fig. 18.1

The train is initially at rest. The electric motor exerts a constant force and the train accelerates.
Its acceleration decreases until the train reaches a speed of 40 m / s.

The train then continues at this constant speed.

(a) (i) On the axes in Fig. 18.2, sketch a speed-time graph for the train.

speed

0
0 time

Fig. 18.2
[3]

(ii) Describe how the speed-time graph for the train is used to determine the distance
travelled by the train when it is accelerating.

..................................................................................................................................

..................................................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................................. [2]
(b) Explain, in terms of the forces acting,

(i) why the acceleration of the train decreases,

..................................................................................................................................

..................................................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................................. [2]

(ii) why the train eventually reaches constant speed.

..................................................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................................. [1]

(c) (i) Calculate the kinetic energy of the train when it is travelling at a speed of 40 m / s.

kinetic energy = .................................................. [3]

(ii) As the train accelerates to 40 m / s, electrical energy supplied to the motor is

converted into kinetic energy of the train. The efficiency of this process is 0.40
(40 %).

Calculate the electrical energy supplied to the motor.

energy = .................................................. [2]

(iii) The electrical energy is generated in an oil-fired power station. Chemical energy in
oil is converted into the electrical energy supplied to the motor.

Suggest two places where energy is lost as heat in this process.

1. ...............................................................................................................................

2. ...............................................................................................................................
[2]

[ON2013/P22/Q10]
19 A children’s ride consists of a steel cable that runs between two posts of different heights, as
shown in Fig. 19.1.

wheel
steel cable
post

Fig. 19.1

A girl starts and finishes the ride at rest. Her horizontal motion can be taken as
• an initial uniform acceleration for 3.0 s, followed by
• a constant speed of 2.4 m / s for a further 5.0 s and
• a final uniform deceleration that lasts for 1.0 s.

(a) On Fig. 19.2, draw a speed-time graph of the horizontal motion.

speed
m/s

0
0

time / s

Fig. 19.2 [3]

(b) Explain what is meant by uniform acceleration.

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................................................. [2]
(c) The final deceleration is larger in size than the initial acceleration.

Explain how the data shows this.

...................................................................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................................................. [1]

(d) Calculate the horizontal distance travelled by the girl in the first 8.0 s.

distance = .......................................................... [3]

(e) (i) The girl has a mass of 30 kg and falls a vertical distance of 1.6 m during the ride.

The gravitational field strength g is 10 N / kg.

Calculate the decrease in gravitational potential energy of the girl.

decrease in potential energy = .......................................................... [2]

(ii) The gain in kinetic energy of the girl is less than the decrease in her potential energy.
Suggest one reason for this.

...........................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................... [1]

(f) A group of pupils make measurements to show that the girl’s speed is constant during the
middle section of the ride.

Suggest what measurements are made and how they show that the speed is constant.

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................................................. [3]
[MJ2014/P22/Q9]
20 Fig. 20.1 shows a motorcycle during a race.

Fig. 20.1

The motorcycle accelerates along a straight section of the track from a speed of 40 m / s to
maximum speed.

Fig. 20.2 is the speed-time graph for the motorcycle along the straight section of the track.

90

80

70

speed 60
m/s
50

40

30

20

10

0
0 2 4 6 8 10 12
time / s

Fig. 20.2
The mass of the motorcycle is 180 kg.

(a) For the time 0 to 2.0 s, determine

(i) the acceleration of the motorcycle,

acceleration = ...........................................................[2]

(ii) the resultant force acting on the motorcycle.

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

(b) The driving force acting on the motorcycle remains constant throughout the 12 s spent on the
straight section of track.

(i) Using Fig. 20.2, describe how the acceleration of the motorcycle changes during this time.

...........................................................................................................................................

.......................................................................................................................................[1]

(ii) Explain, in terms of the forces acting, why the acceleration changes in this way.

...........................................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................................

.......................................................................................................................................[3]
[ON2014/P21/Q1]
21 A student places a metre rule on the edge of a triangular prism. The prism is used as a pivot and
the rule balances about the 50 cm mark.

The student then places a block of wood at the 10 cm mark on the rule and an empty measuring
cylinder at the 80 cm mark. The rule is still balanced. Fig. 21.1 shows the arrangement.

measuring
cylinder
block of
wood

50 cm mark metre rule

pivot

10 cm mark 80 cm mark

Fig. 21.1 (not to scale)

The student now places a weight of 0.39 N on top of the block of wood. She then starts to pour oil
into the measuring cylinder. The rule balances again when there is 60 cm3 of oil in the measuring
cylinder.

The gravitational field strength g is 10 N / kg.

(a) Calculate

(i) the weight of the oil in the cylinder,

weight = ...........................................................[2]

(ii) the mass of the oil in the cylinder.

mass = ...........................................................[1]

(b) Calculate the density of the oil.

density = ...........................................................[2]
[ON2014/P21/Q2]
22 A student suspends a spring from a clamp stand. He measures the unstretched length of the
spring with no load attached. He then attaches different loads to the lower end of the spring and
measures the new lengths of the spring.

Fig. 22.1 shows how the total length of the spring depends on the load attached.

25

20

length / cm
P
15

10

0
0 1.0 2.0 3.0 4.0 5.0 6.0
load / N

Fig. 22.1

(a) At point P on Fig. 22.1, the line stops being straight and begins to curve.

State the name of point P.

...............................................................................................................................................[1]

(b) (i) Using Fig. 22.1, determine the unstretched length of the spring.

unstretched length = ...........................................................[1]

(ii) Calculate the extension of the spring for a load of 4.0 N.

extension = ...........................................................[1]
 (c) The student attaches a small block of wood to an identical spring. The extension of the spring
is 2.7 cm. The gravitational field strength g is 10 N / kg.

Calculate the mass of the block of wood.

mass = ...........................................................[2]
[ON2014/P22/Q1]
23 In hospitals, doctors and nurses operate taps with their elbows in order to avoid contamination.
Fig. 23.1 shows a hospital tap with a long handle.

0.18 m
handle
X

Fig. 23.1

(a) A nurse applies a force of 2.5 N at a point X on the handle, 0.18 m from the axis of the tap.

(i) Calculate the maximum moment about the axis that this force can produce.

moment = ...........................................................[2]

(ii) The moment produced by the nurse is less than this maximum value.

Suggest one reason why this is so.

...........................................................................................................................................

.......................................................................................................................................[1]

(b) State how the force needed to operate the tap is affected by the length of the handle.

...................................................................................................................................................

...............................................................................................................................................[1]
[ON2014/P22/Q2]
24 (a) Explain what is meant by uniform acceleration.

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...............................................................................................................................................[2]

(b) Acceleration is a vector quantity.

State how a vector quantity differs from a scalar quantity.

...................................................................................................................................................

...............................................................................................................................................[1]

(c) A rock from space is travelling in a straight line at high speed when it enters the Earth’s
atmosphere. Fig. 24.1 is the speed-time graph for the rock from time t = 0 to time t = 50 s.

14 000

12 000

10 000
speed
m/s
8000

6000

4000

2000

0
0 10 20 30 40 50

t /s

Fig. 24.1

(i) On Fig. 24.1, mark

• a letter X, where the rock is moving with a constant speed,

• a letter Y, where the rock has a uniform deceleration,
• a letter Z, where the rock has a non-uniform deceleration.
[3]
 (ii) At time t = 25 s, the mass of the rock is 8.4 kg. For the time t = 25 s, determine

1. the size of the acceleration of the rock,

acceleration = ...........................................................[3]

2. the size of the resultant force on the rock.

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

(iii) Fig. 24.2 shows the rock at t = 25s.

direction of travel
rock

surface of the Earth

Fig. 24.2 (not to scale)

1. On Fig. 24.2, draw and label two arrows to show the directions of the gravitational
force F and the air resistance R acting on the rock. [2]

2. Suggest why the size of the air resistance changes as the rock travels through the
Earth’s atmosphere.

....................................................................................................................................

................................................................................................................................[1]

(iv) Suggest what happens to the rock at t = 40 s.

...........................................................................................................................................

.......................................................................................................................................[1]

[ON2014/P22/Q9]
25 Fig. 25.1 shows a student doing a press-up. A total force F acts upwards on his hands. There is also
a force upwards on his toes.

F centre of
mass

0.40 m 0.80 m

600 N

Fig. 25.1 (not to scale)

The weight of the student is 600 N and this force acts downwards from his centre of mass.

(a) (i) Explain why the student does work as his body rises from the ground.

...........................................................................................................................................

.......................................................................................................................................[1]

(ii) State the form of energy that the student uses to do this work.

.......................................................................................................................................[1]

(b) At the position shown in Fig. 25.1, the student is stationary.

The weight of the student causes a moment about his toes.

(i) Calculate the moment of the weight of the student about his toes.

moment = ...........................................................[1]

(ii) Calculate the value of the force F.

F = ...........................................................[2]
[MJ2015/P21/Q2]
26 Fig. 26.1 shows a satellite in orbit around the Earth.

satellite

Earth

Fig. 26.1 (not to scale)

(a) The satellite travels at a constant speed in a circular orbit.

(i) Underline the quantities in the list below that are scalars.

acceleration force mass speed velocity [2]

(ii) The velocity of the satellite changes, but its speed is constant.

1. State what is meant by velocity. ................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................................

.......................................................................................................................................[1]

2. Explain why the velocity changes. .............................................................................

...........................................................................................................................................

.......................................................................................................................................[1]

(iii) Explain what makes this satellite move in an orbit that is circular.

...........................................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................................

.......................................................................................................................................[2]
(b) The satellite is placed into orbit by a rocket. Fig. 26.2 shows the rocket as it takes off.

thrust of
engine

resultant
force

weight

Fig. 26.2

The rocket and fuel have a total mass of 40 000 kg and a total weight of 400 000 N. The
resultant force acting upwards on the rocket is 50 000 N.

(i) Calculate the thrust produced by the rocket engine.

thrust = ...........................................................[1]

(ii) Calculate the acceleration of the rocket.

acceleration = ...........................................................[2]
(c) In the first four minutes after take-off, the acceleration of the rocket is uniform.

(i) State what is meant by a uniform acceleration.

...........................................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................................

.......................................................................................................................................[2]

(ii) Fig. 26.3 describes the motion of the rocket in the first 12 minutes.

time / minutes motion of the rocket

0 to 4 uniform acceleration
4 to 6 increasing acceleration
6 to 10 decreasing acceleration
10 to 12 constant speed

Fig. 26.3

On Fig. 26.4, sketch the speed-time graph of the rocket for the first 12 minutes.

You do not need to give values for the speed.

speed

0 2 4 6 8 10 12
time after take-off / min

Fig. 26.4
[3]

(iii) State how the speed-time graph in (ii) can be used to find the distance travelled by the
rocket.

...........................................................................................................................................

.......................................................................................................................................[1]
[MJ2015/P21/Q9]
27 The apparatus shown in Fig. 27.1 is used to measure the extension of a spring.

spring

scale

mass

Fig. 27.1

(a) Explain how the mass causes a force on the spring.

...................................................................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................................................. [1]

(b) The force on the spring is a vector quantity. State what is meant by a vector quantity.

...................................................................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................................................. [1]
(c) Fig. 27.2 shows a graph of the length of the spring plotted against the force on the spring, for
forces between 0 and 10 N.

140

120
length / cm
100

80

60

40

20

0
0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14
force / N

Fig. 27.2

(i) 1. State a formula that relates the unstretched length l 0 of the spring, the stretched
length l of the spring and the extension e of the spring.

...................................................................................................................................... [1]

2. A mass produces a force of 9.0 N on the spring. Determine the extension of the spring
caused by this mass.

extension = ........................................................... [1]

(ii) The limit of proportionality of the spring is reached when the force is 10 N.

The spring is easier to stretch after the limit of proportionality.

On Fig. 27.2, continue the line to suggest how the length changes when the force is
greater than 10 N. [1]

[MJ2015/P22/Q1]
28 Fig. 28.1 shows an archer firing an arrow at a target during a competition.

bow bow string

arrow

95

archer speed
m/s

0
0 0.011
time / s

Fig. 28.1 Fig. 28.2

The arrow has a mass of 0.018 kg and is initially at rest. The arrow leaves the bow 0.011 s after the
bow string is released. When it leaves the bow, the velocity of the arrow is 95 m / s.

(a) Calculate

(i) the average acceleration of the arrow during the 0.011 s,

average acceleration = ........................................................ [2]

(ii) the average force exerted on the arrow during the 0.011 s.

average force = ........................................................ [2]

(b) In practice, the force exerted on the arrow gradually decreases to zero during firing.

On Fig. 28.2, sketch a possible speed-time graph for the arrow as it is being fired. [2]

[ON2015/P21/Q1]
29 Fig. 29.1 shows a screwdriver of mass 64 g resting in equilibrium on a pivot.

screwdriver

pivot

Fig. 29.1

(a) On Fig. 29.1, mark and label with a C, the centre of mass of the screwdriver. [1]

(b) The gravitational field strength is 10 N / kg.

(i) Calculate the weight of the screwdriver.

weight = ........................................................ [1]

(ii) On Fig. 29.1, draw an arrow labelled W to represent the weight of the screwdriver. [1]

(c) State two conditions that apply when an object is in equilibrium.

1. ...............................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

2. ...............................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................
[2]
[ON2015/P21/Q1]
30 (a) The surface of a running track is made of rubber. A heavy trolley is pulled on to the track and
it exerts a large force on the rubber track.

State two effects that this force has on the rubber.

1. ..............................................................................................................................................

2. ..............................................................................................................................................
[2]

(b) A spring is suspended from a support with a small pan attached to its lower end. Masses are
added to the pan until the spring is extended well beyond the limit of proportionality.

Fig. 30.1 shows this apparatus.

0
1
2
3
4
5
6
spring
7
8
ruler 10
9
masses
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30

Fig. 30.1

A ruler is used when determining the extension of the spring.

(i) On Fig. 30.2, sketch the extension-load graph for the spring and label the limit of
proportionality P. [2]

extension

0
0
load
Fig. 30.2

(ii) The masses are then removed and the extension of the spring decreases.

Suggest what is observed when all the masses are removed.

...........................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................... [1]
[ON2015/P22/Q2]
31 Aeroplanes fly at high altitudes where the temperature is well below 0 °C. Ice that forms on an
aeroplane can fall to earth and strike the ground.

Fig. 31.1 shows a block of ice falling from an aeroplane as it approaches an airport.

block
of ice

Fig. 31.1 (not to scale)

The mass of the falling block of ice is 1.2 kg and the gravitational field strength g is 10 N / kg.

(a) Calculate the weight of the block of ice.

weight = ........................................................ [1]

(b) Fig. 31.2 is the speed-time graph for the block of ice as it falls to the ground.

50

speed 40
m/s
30

20

10

0
0 2.0 4.0 6.0 8.0 10.0 12.0
time / s

Fig. 31.2
 At first, the acceleration of the block of ice is equal to the acceleration of free-fall. The
acceleration of the block then decreases to zero as the block reaches terminal velocity.

(i) As the block of ice falls, the force F of air resistance acting on the block changes.

1. State the value of F at time = 0.

F = ........................................................ [1]

2. State the value of F at time = 10.0 s.

F = ........................................................ [1]

3. Explain why F changes.

....................................................................................................................................

....................................................................................................................................

............................................................................................................................... [1]

(ii) State the energy change that takes place when the block is falling at terminal velocity.

...........................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................... [1]

(iii) Using information from Fig. 31.2, determine the maximum kinetic energy of the block when
it is falling to the ground with terminal velocity.

maximum kinetic energy = ........................................................ [3]

[ON2015/P22/Q9ab]
 Page 2 Mark Scheme: Teachers’ version Syllabus Paper
GCE O LEVEL – May/June 2011 5054 21
2 (a) (i) X weight // (force of) gravity // gravitational (force)
and Y air resistance // (air) drag // wind resistance // air friction B1
(ii) (Y) opposes motion // diver moves down // air molecules hit faster from below B1
(b) (i) accelerates // falls faster // speed/velocity greater B1
X is larger than Y // resultant/net force downwards B1
(ii) two of:
X stays the same // Y increases // forces become equal (and opposite) B2 [6]

Page 4 Mark Scheme: Teachers’ version Syllabus Paper

GCE O LEVEL – May/June 2011 5054 22
9 (a) (i) curve with decreasing gradient from origin to 50 m / s at 10 s B1
constant speed from 10 to 20 s B1
decrease to 5 m / s at 25 s B1
constant speed from 25 s until at least 30 s B1
(ii) gradient/slope not constant/decreases // graph curves // graph not a (straight)
line // increase (in speed) per second/unit time not equal B1
(b) any mention of air resistance/drag/upward force B1
(initially) force upwards larger than force downwards // resultant force upwards B1
air resistance decreases (with fall in speed) B1
(at constant speed) air resistance/friction/drag equals weight //
forces (up and down) balance // zero resultant force B1
(c) 500 m B1
v −u
(d) (i) (a =) in any numerical or algebraic form, e.g. 45/5 C1
t
9(.0) m/s2 ecf (a)(i) A1
(ii) (F = ma) in any numerical or algebraic form, e.g. 60 × 9 ecf (i) C1
540 N A1
(iii) area under graph/line/curve B1 [15]

Page 4 Mark Scheme: Teachers’ version Syllabus Paper

GCE O LEVEL – October/November 2011 5054 21
9 (a) at start: chemical (potential) energy B1
at end: PE/GPE/gravitational energy B1
at end: heat/thermal/internal energy B1
at end: KE or intermediate KE from chemical energy B1
(b) (i) 0 B1
(ii) it increases B1
to constant value B1
(iii) gradient or (v–u)/t or (1400-600)/40 or other correct numbers C1
20 m / s2 A1
(iv) (F =) ma or 1.6 × 10 × 20 C1
6
3.2 × 107 N A1
(v) 4.8 × 107 N B1
(c) (i) to every action there is an equal and opposite reaction
or forces act in pairs of equal size and in opposite directions/on
different bodies B1
(ii) downward force on gas B1
equal and opposite to upward/(b)(v) force (on rocket) B1 [15]
 Page 5 Mark Scheme: Teachers’ version Syllabus Paper
GCE O LEVEL – October/November 2011 5054 21
11 (a) (i) force × distance C1
force × perpendicular distance (from the axis) A1
(ii) 8200 × 0.05 C1
410 N m A1
(iii) (perpendicular) distance reduced/force not perpendicular/only a component
of the force is perpendicular B1
Page 2 Mark Scheme: Teachers’ version Syllabus Paper
GCE O LEVEL – October/November 2011 5054 22
1 (a) m1(g)x1 or m2(g)x2 or 2 or one of these in numbers or 40 and 25 seen C1
0.050 × (10) × 40 = m2 × (10) × 25
or anticlockwise moment =clockwise moment C1
0.080 kg or 80 g A1
(b) (ρ /d =) m/V or 0.08/1.6 × 10–4 C1
500 kg / m3 or 0.50 g / cm3 A1 [5]
Page 4 Mark Scheme: Teachers’ version Syllabus Paper
GCE O LEVEL – October/November 2011 5054 22
9 (a) 72 m / s B1
(b) (i) area (under graph) or ½ base × height or ½vt or ½ × 9 × 72 C1
320/324 m A1
(ii) change in velocity/time or ∆v/t or 72/9 C1
8(.0) m / s2 A1
(iii) (F =) ma or 650 × 8.0 C1
5.2 × 103 N A1
(c) friction or air/wind resistance or drag M1
increases as speed increases A1
resultant/net/unbalanced force remains constant B1
(d) (i) direction (of car/motion/speed/velocity) changes B1
(therefore) velocity changes B1
(ii) towards centre (of circle)/centripetal B1
(iii) friction with ground OR banking of track B1
mention wheels/tyres reaction force (acts towards centre) B1 [15]
Page 2 Mark Scheme: Teachers’ version Syllabus Paper
GCE O LEVEL – May/June 2012 5054 22
1 (a) (i) (amount of) matter/material/substance it contains B1
(ii) use of scale and subtraction/difference/increase in lengths/readings
OR read distance between two marks on the scale with different masses B1
(b) (i) two force values with FA > FB for the same extension
OR two extension values with eB > eA for the same force/at maximum B1
(ii) idea that A is a straight line and B is not
OR gradient constant in A but not in B
OR same increase in F every cm for A but not B B1
(iii) 15 N B1 [5]
Page 2 Mark Scheme: Teachers’ version Syllabus Paper
GCE O LEVEL – May/June 2012 5054 22
2 (a) a force B1
when objects slide over/rub one another
OR opposes (relative) motion/movement B1
(b) (i) constant/uniform speed OR constant/uniform velocity OR zero acceleration B1
(ii) (F =) ma seen in any form numerical or algebraic C1
1200 (N) OR 6200 N seen C1
3800 N A1
(iii) Force B increases OR backwards force/resistance/friction/drag increases M1
as speed/velocity increases A1
(c) (PE =) mgh in any form numerical or algebraic C1
1 600 000 J A1 [10]
 Page 2 Mark Scheme Syllabus Paper
GCE O LEVEL – October/November 2012 5054 21
4 (a) (m= )ρV or 740 × 30 or 22 000/22 200 C1
25 000/2.5 × 104 kg (allow 24 800 from 22 000) A1
(b) (a = )F/m or 30 000/25 000 C1
(–)1.2 m / s2 A1 [4]
Page 2 Mark Scheme Syllabus Paper
GCE O LEVEL – October/November 2012 5054 22
1 (a) appropriate apparatus e.g. ruler, weights, fulcrum B1
action e.g. balance weights on each side B1
one of: force/mass × distance or calculate moment B1
vary or repeat B1
(b) F × d or 8.0 × 0.15 C1
1.2 N m (not J) A1 [6]
Page 2 Mark Scheme Syllabus Paper
GCE O LEVEL – October/November 2012 5054 22
2 (a) (i) 4.5 kg B1
(ii) axes labelled with quantity and unit B1
linear scale B1
straight line from clear (0,0) to correct point B1
(b) answer from candidate’s line B1 [5]

Page 2 Mark Scheme Syllabus Paper

GCE O LEVEL – May/June 2013 5054 21
1 (a) 11 cm B1
(b) (graph is) a straight line/linear or has constant gradient or not curved B1
(c) (i) change in speed/velocity M1
same change in uniform/same time or in 1 s A1
(ii) 1. 0.8 N B1
2. (a=) F/m algebraic or numerical e.g. F = ma; 0.8/0.2 C1
(ecf 1. but not if F = 0)
4(.0) m/s2 A1 [7]
Page 2 Mark Scheme Syllabus Paper
GCE O LEVEL – May/June 2013 5054 21
2 (a) total/resultant moment zero or (sum of) clockwise = anticlockwise moment B1
(b) F1d1 or F2d2 seen in any form C1
8(.0) N A1
(c) 4 + 1.2 or 5.2 seen C1
2.8 N ecf (b) i.e. accept 5.2 – (b) or (b) – 5.2 A1 [5]
Page 2 Mark Scheme Syllabus Paper
GCE O LEVEL – May/June 2013 5054 22
2 (a) force × distance M1
perpendicular distance A1
(b) (i) T × 8 or 2000 × 2 seen C1
500 N A1
(ii) (two forces) equal (in magnitude) B1
(two forces) opposite (in direction) B1 [6]
 Page 2 Mark Scheme Syllabus Paper
GCE O LEVEL – October/November 2013 5054 21
2 (a) F1x1 = F2x2 or 550 × (0.86 or 86)/(1.1 or 110) C1
430 N A1
(b) both moments increase C1
girl’s moment increases more or girl’s moment > brother’s
or anticlockwise moment greater A1
see-saw tips down on girl’s side B1 [5]
Page 4 Mark Scheme Syllabus Paper
GCE O LEVEL – October/November 2013 5054 21
9 (a) speed does not have direction and velocity does
or speed = distance/time and velocity = displacement/time
or speed is a scalar and velocity is a vector B1 [1]
(b) (i ) 700 N B1
(ii) 700 N B1 [2]
(c) (i) 54 m / s B1
(ii) (height/distance =) area (under graph) or (x =)vt or 54 × 12 C1
648/650 m A1
(iii) (GPE =) mgh or 70 × 10 × 648 C1
4.5/4.54/4.536 × 105 J A1 [5]
(d) (becomes) heat/thermal energy/internal energy
(not kinetic energy (of skydiver) unless qualified as KE of air) B1 [1]
(e) (i) (air resistance) increases B1
larger area of parachute B1
(ii) (skydiver) decelerates/slows down (not rises up) B1
net upward force B1 [4]
(f) air resistance decreases B1
speed decreases B1 [2]
Page 5 Mark Scheme Syllabus Paper
GCE O LEVEL – October/November 2013 5054 22
9 (a) force × distance or F × d with F and d defined or F × dperp C1
force × perpendicular distance or F × dperp with F and dperp defined A1 [2]
(b) (i) 1. 6 × 750 × 1.2 or 750 × 1.2 or 900 C1
5400 N m A1
2. mgh or 350 × 10 × 160 or 350 × 10 × 1.6 C1
350 × 10 × 1.6 or 5.6 × 105 C1
5600 J A1
(ii) friction at axle/boat or drag due to water
or chain lifted also B1
heat produced (ignore in sailors) or work done against friction/drag
or work done raising chain B1
(iii) same amount of work done or P = E/t or P = WD/t B1
in less time or power inversely proportional to time (ignore faster rate) B1 [9]
(c) clear/labelled diagram with ruler, fulcrum, at least two weights B1
any three of the following points made in words:
balance ruler (on its own)
place weights on ruler so it balances
clockwise and anticlockwise moments equal or net moment zero
repeat (apply similar principles to other possible methods) B3 [4]
 Page 6 Mark Scheme Syllabus Paper
GCE O LEVEL – October/November 2013 5054 22
10 (a) (i) start at origin and not horizontal B1
gradient (gradually) decreasing (ignore sudden decrease)
(not if part of curve above horizontal section) B1
final horizontal section (≥ 1 cm) (not if v is shown as ≠ 40 m/s) B1
(ii) area under the graph or count squares under graph M1
between t = 0 and horizontal section or when speed is changing or
calculate equivalent distance to 1 cm2 (after counting squares) A1 [5]
(b) (i) friction/air resistance increases (as speed increases) B1
resultant force decreases
(not if driving force decreases) B1
(ii) (air resistance increases until) net force becomes zero or forces balance
or air resistance and driving/forward force are in equilibrium/balanced/equal B1 [3]
(c) (i) (KE = ) ½ mv2 C1
½ × 5.5 × 105 × 402 C1
4.4 × 108 J A1
(ii) (total energy input =) useful energy output efficiency or
efficiency = useful power output/total power input or 4.4 × 108/0.40 C1
1.1 × 109 J A1
(iii) two valid examples
e.g. furnace/boiler/turbines/generator/coils/cooling water/cooling towers/heat
exchanger/transformer/chimney/waste gases/
transmission cables/lines/wires (ignore power station/all parts of motor) B2 [7]

Page 4 Mark Scheme Syllabus Paper

GCE O LEVEL – May/June 2014 5054 22
9 (a) straight line from (0, 0) to (3, 2.4) [B1]
horizontal line from 3 s to 8 s [B1]
straight line from end of a horizontal line to zero in 1 s [B1]
(b) constant / same increase in velocity or constant change in velocity [C1]
constant / same increase in velocity per sec / unit time [A1]
(c) occurs in a short(er) time
or acceleration took 3 s and deceleration took 1 s [B1]
(d) (d =) speed × time numerical or algebraic or area under graph clear [C1]
1.2 × 3 or 3.6 (m) or 2.4 × 5 or 12 seen [C1]
15.6 m or 16 m [A1]
(e) (i) mgh seen in any algebraic or numerical form, e.g. 30 × 10 × 1.6 [C1]
480 J [A1]
(ii) heat or thermal energy or sound produced
or work done against friction / air resistance [B1]
(f) at least two distances and corresponding times mentioned [C1]
how the actual measurement is made, e.g. (any one from)
• make mark on ground every second and measure distances
• note video position every sec and use a scale to find distances
• make mark on ground every meter and measure / take time as girl passes [A1]
how constant speed is proved using measurement, e.g. (any one from)
• same distance between each position for the same time interval
• same time interval for equal distances
• ∆d / ∆t constant or slope of distance-time graph constant [B1]
 Page 2 Mark Scheme Syllabus Paper
Cambridge O Level – October/November 2014 5054 21
1 (a) (i) (a = ) (v – u) / t or ∆v / t or (55–40) / 2 or equivalent values from graph C1
7.5 m / s2 A1
(ii) (F = ) ma or 180 × 7.5 C1
1300 / 1350 / 1400 N A1
(b) (i) (acceleration) decreases (to zero) B1
(ii) air resistance / friction / drag mentioned B1
air resistance / friction / drag increases (with speed) or resultant force
decreases (with speed) B1
(finally) (air) resistance = driving force or resultant is zero B1 [8]
Page 2 Mark Scheme Syllabus Paper
Cambridge O Level – October/November 2014 5054 21
2 (a) (i) F1 × d1 = F2 × d2 or (0.39 × 0.40) / 0.30 C1
0.52 N A1
(ii) 0.052 kg or 52 g B1
(b) (ρ = ) m / V or 52 / 60 or 0.052 / 0.000 060 or 0.052 / 60 B1
3 3 –4 3
870 / 867 / 866.7 kg / m or 0.87 g / cm or 8.7 × 10 kg / cm etc. B1 [5]
Page 2 Mark Scheme Syllabus Paper
Cambridge O Level – October/November 2014 5054 22
1 (a) limit of proportionality (not breaking point) B1
(b) (i) 8.5 cm cao B1
(ii) 7.1 – 7.3 cm B1
(c) 4.0 × (2.7 / 7.2) or 5.0 × (2.7 / 9.0) or 1.5 (N) or read from graph or 11.2 (cm) C1
0.148 – 0.152 kg or 148 – 152 g A1 [5]
Page 2 Mark Scheme Syllabus Paper
Cambridge O Level – October/November 2014 5054 22
2 (a) (i) Fd or 2.5 × 0.18 C1
0.45 N m A1
(ii) force not applied at right angles to the tap B1
(b) long(er) distance needs small(er) force (for same moment) or inversely
related/proportional B1 [4]
Page 4 Mark Scheme Syllabus Paper
Cambridge O Level – October/November 2014 5054 22
9 (a) changing speed / velocity C1
change in speed / velocity / time constant or (v–u) / t constant or constant / equal
rate of change of speed / velocity A1 [2]
(b) (a vector quantity has) direction B1 [1]
(c) (i) 1. X between t ≥ 0 and t < 10 s B1
2. Y between t > 20 s and t < 30 s B1
3. Z between t > 10 s and t < 20 s or between t > 30 s and t < 40 s B1
(ii) 1. two speed values from graph between 15 and 35 s (±1 mm) C1
two corresponding time values from graph between 15 and 35 s
(±1 mm) or (a = )∆v / t C1
500 m / s2 A1
2. (F = ) ma or 8.4 × 500 C1
4200 N A1
(iii) 1. arrow labelled F perpendicular to surface of Earth B1
arrow labelled R opposite to direction of travel (by eye) from rock B1
2. speed changes or density / pressure of air changes or cross-sectional
area (of rock) changes B1
(iv) it hits the ground / surface of the earth or stops or speed is zero B1 [12]
 Page 2 Mark Scheme Syllabus Paper
Cambridge O Level – May/June 2015 5054 21
2 (a) (i) force moves through a distance (in same direction) B1
(ii) chemical (potential) energy B1
(b) (i) 480 Nm B1
(ii) attempt to apply moments with two forces and distances C1
400 N A1
Page 4 Mark Scheme Syllabus Paper
Cambridge O Level – May/June 2015 5054 21
9 (a) (i) speed and mass B2
(ii) 1 speed and direction B1
or distance / time and direction
or displacement / time
2 direction changes B1
(iii) force of gravity from / towards Earth B1
force is centripetal B1
or at right angles to motion / velocity
(b) (i) 450 000 N B1
(ii) (a =) F / m or 50 000 / 40 000 C1
1.25 m / s2 A1
(c) (i) same change in velocity / speed M1
in same time period A1
(ii) start at origin and straight line for first 4 minutes B1
gradient increases at first after 4 and then decreases B1
constant speed from 10 minutes until 12 minutes B1
(iii) area under graph B1
Page 2 Mark Scheme Syllabus Paper
Cambridge O Level – May/June 2015 5054 22
1 (a) weight (pulls spring down and causes tension) B1
or force/pull of gravity
or mass is in gravitational field
(b) has a direction B1
(c) (i) 1 l = l0 + e or l0 = l – e or e = l – l0 B1
2 36 cm B1
(ii) curve upwards after 10 N B1
Page 2 Mark Scheme Syllabus Paper
Cambridge O Level – October/November 2015 5054 21
1 (a) (i) (a = )∆v / t or 95 / 0.011 C1
8.6(3636) × 103 m / s2 A1
(ii) (F = )ma or 0.018 × 8.63 × 103 C1
150 / 155(.4545) / 160 N A1
(b) line from (0, 0) to (0.011, 95) with decreasing gradient B1
(becomes) horizontal at (0.011, 95) B1 [6]
Page 2 Mark Scheme Syllabus Paper
Cambridge O Level – October/November 2015 5054 21
4 (a) (point) C immediately above tip of pivot (and in middle(vertically) of screwdriver
( ±1 mm)) B1
(b) (i) 0.64 N B1
(ii) arrow W vertically downwards through candidate’s C or pivot B1
(c) no resultant force or upward force = downward force or force left = force right B1
no resultant moment (of force) or clockwise moment = anticlockwise moment B1 [5]
 Page 2 Mark Scheme Syllabus Paper
Cambridge O Level – October/November 2015 5054 22
2 (a) any two from different lines of:
distort / stretch / change in shape / squeezed / bends / deforms
compresses / change in size / volume / density / depth / height
change in temperature / gets hot(ter) / generates heat B2
(b) (i) straight line from origin B1
upward curve labelled / clear from limit of proportionality B1
(ii) permanent extension or spring is longer than it was originally B1 [5]
Page 4 Mark Scheme Syllabus Paper
Cambridge O Level – October/November 2015 5054 22
9 (a) 12 N B1 [1]
(b) (i) 0 or zero B1
12 N or it is equal to the weight B1
(F increases) as the speed increases B1
(ii) (gravitational) potential to thermal energy or to k.e. of air B1
(iii) (KE = )½mv 2 C1
½ × 1.2 × 402 C1
960 J A1 [7]