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A Level H1 Physics Practice Paper 2
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Questions
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A-Level Physics H1 Practice Paper - Mechanics (Version 2 of 5)
Subject: Physics H1
Level: A-Level
Paper: Practice Paper 2 (Mechanics Focus)
Duration: 1 hour 15 minutes
Total Marks: 60
Name: __________________________
Class: __________________________
Date: __________________________
Instructions to Candidates
- Write your Name, Class, and Date in the spaces provided.
- Answer all questions.
- Write your answers in the spaces provided in this booklet.
- All working must be clearly shown. Numerical answers should be given to 3 significant figures unless otherwise stated.
- The use of an approved scientific calculator is expected.
- A Data and Formulae booklet is provided.
Section A: Structured Questions
Answer all questions in this section.
1. State the principle of conservation of linear momentum.
[2]
2. A ball of mass 0.15 kg is dropped from rest. It hits the ground with a speed of 8.0 m s−1 and rebounds vertically with a speed of 6.0 m s−1.
(a) Calculate the magnitude of the change in momentum of the ball during the impact.
[3]
(b) The contact time with the ground is 0.050 s. Calculate the average resultant force acting on the ball during the impact.
[2]
3. A uniform plank AB of length 4.0 m and weight 200 N rests horizontally on two supports P and Q. Support P is at end A, and support Q is 1.0 m from end B. A student of weight 600 N stands on the plank at a distance x from A.
(a) Draw a free-body diagram for the plank, showing all forces acting on it. Label the forces clearly.
[3]
(b) Determine the maximum value of x such that the plank does not tip over.
[4]
4. A car of mass 1200 kg travels along a straight horizontal road. The engine provides a constant driving force of 2400 N. The total resistive force is proportional to the square of the speed, given by FR=kv2, where k is a constant.
(a) Explain why the acceleration of the car decreases as its speed increases.
[2]
(b) The maximum speed of the car is 40 m s−1. Calculate the value of the constant k.
[3]
(c) Calculate the power developed by the engine when the car is traveling at its maximum speed.
[2]
5. Two trolleys, X and Y, move on a smooth horizontal track. Trolley X has mass 2.0 kg and moves with velocity 3.0 m s−1 to the right. Trolley Y has mass 1.0 kg and moves with velocity 1.0 m s−1 to the left. They collide and stick together.
(a) Calculate the common velocity of the trolleys after the collision.
[3]
(b) Show that the collision is inelastic by comparing the total kinetic energy before and after the collision.
[3]
Section B: Data Interpretation and Application
Answer all questions in this section.
6. Figure 6.1 shows the velocity-time graph for a skydiver falling vertically from rest. Air resistance is significant.
(Imagine a graph where velocity increases rapidly at first, then the gradient decreases, eventually becoming a horizontal line at v=50 m s−1 after t=20 s.)
(a) Describe the motion of the skydiver during the first 20 seconds, referring to the forces acting on him.
[3]
(b) Estimate the distance fallen by the skydiver in the first 20 seconds.
[2]
(c) At t=25 s, the skydiver opens his parachute. Explain, in terms of forces, why his speed decreases rapidly immediately after opening the parachute.
[2]
7. A block of mass 5.0 kg is pulled up a rough inclined plane by a constant force F parallel to the slope. The plane is inclined at 30∘ to the horizontal. The block moves at a constant speed of 2.0 m s−1. The frictional force acting on the block is 10 N.
(a) Draw a free-body diagram showing the four forces acting on the block.
[2]
(b) Calculate the magnitude of the force F.
[3]
(c) Calculate the power developed by the force F.
[2]
8. A spring obeys Hooke's Law. When a load of 10 N is applied, the extension is 4.0 cm.
(a) Calculate the spring constant k.
[2]
(b) Calculate the elastic potential energy stored in the spring when the extension is 4.0 cm.
[2]
(c) The load is removed and replaced with a mass of 0.50 kg. The mass is pulled down slightly and released. Describe the energy changes that occur during one complete oscillation, assuming no air resistance.
[3]
9. A projectile is launched from ground level with an initial velocity of 20 m s−1 at an angle of 30∘ to the horizontal. Air resistance is negligible.
(a) Calculate the horizontal component of the initial velocity.
[1]
(b) Calculate the maximum height reached by the projectile.
[3]
(c) Determine the time of flight.
[2]
10. A satellite orbits the Earth in a circular path.
(a) State the force that provides the centripetal force for the satellite.
[1]
(b) Explain why the satellite is considered to be in a state of "free fall" despite maintaining a constant altitude.
[2]
Section C: Extended Response and Synthesis
Answer all questions in this section.
11. A car of mass 1000 kg is traveling at 20 m s−1 when the driver applies the brakes. The car comes to a stop in a distance of 40 m.
(a) Calculate the average braking force.
[3]
(b) If the initial speed had been 40 m s−1 (double the speed), calculate the new stopping distance, assuming the same average braking force.
[2]
(c) Using your answers to (a) and (b), explain the relationship between kinetic energy and stopping distance.
[2]
12. Two spheres, A and B, are suspended by light inextensible strings. Sphere A (mass m) is pulled back to a height h and released. It strikes sphere B (mass 2m), which is initially at rest. The collision is elastic.
(a) Derive an expression for the speed of sphere A just before impact in terms of g and h.
[2]
(b) State two conditions that must be satisfied for a collision to be perfectly elastic.
[2]
(c) After the collision, sphere A rebounds. Explain, using the principle of conservation of momentum, why sphere A must rebound rather than continue forward or stop, given that mA<mB.
[3]
13. A lift of mass 500 kg carries a passenger of mass 70 kg. The lift accelerates upwards from rest at 1.5 m s−2.
(a) Calculate the tension in the cable supporting the lift.
[3]
(b) Calculate the normal reaction force exerted by the floor of the lift on the passenger.
[2]
(c) The lift then moves at constant velocity. State and explain how the normal reaction force on the passenger changes.
[2]
14. A river flows at 3.0 m s−1 due East. A boat can travel at 5.0 m s−1 in still water. The boat heads due North across the river.
(a) Calculate the resultant velocity of the boat relative to the bank (magnitude and direction).
[3]
(b) If the river is 100 m wide, calculate the time taken to cross.
[2]
(c) Determine the distance downstream from the starting point where the boat lands.
[1]
15. A student investigates the relationship between the force applied to a trolley and its acceleration. The trolley moves on a friction-compensated track.
(a) Sketch the expected graph of acceleration (a) against force (F).
[1]
(b) Explain what is meant by "friction-compensated" and why it is necessary for this experiment.
[2]
(c) If the track is not properly compensated (friction is present), sketch how the graph of a against F would differ from the ideal case.
[2]
16. A block of ice of mass 2.0 kg slides down a smooth curved track from a height of 5.0 m. It reaches the bottom and slides onto a rough horizontal surface where it comes to rest after traveling 10 m.
(a) Calculate the speed of the ice at the bottom of the curved track.
[2]
(b) Calculate the average frictional force acting on the ice on the horizontal surface.
[3]
17. Define the term impulse.
[1]
18. A tennis racket strikes a ball. The force-time graph for the impact is triangular, with a peak force of 200 N and a duration of 0.01 s.
(a) Calculate the impulse delivered to the ball.
[2]
(b) If the ball has a mass of 0.06 kg and was initially at rest, calculate its final speed.
[2]
19. A uniform ladder of weight W leans against a smooth vertical wall and rests on a rough horizontal ground.
(a) Explain why there is no frictional force at the wall.
[1]
(b) State the direction of the frictional force at the ground.
[1]
(c) As a person climbs up the ladder, explain whether the frictional force at the ground increases, decreases, or stays the same.
[2]
20. A particle moves in a straight line. Its displacement s (in meters) from a fixed point is given by s=2t2−8t+5, where t is time in seconds.
(a) Calculate the velocity of the particle at t=3.0 s.
[2]
(b) Determine the time at which the particle is instantaneously at rest.
[2]
(c) Calculate the total distance traveled by the particle in the first 4 seconds.
[3]
End of Paper
Answers
A-Level Physics H1 Practice Paper - Mechanics (Version 2 of 5)
Marking Scheme and Answer Key
Total Marks: 60
Section A
1. Principle of Conservation of Linear Momentum
- Answer: In a closed/isolated system [B1], the total linear momentum remains constant (or is conserved) provided no external resultant force acts on the system [B1].
- Marks: 2
2. Ball Impact
- (a) Change in Momentum
- Take upward as positive.
- Initial velocity u=−8.0 m s−1, Final velocity v=+6.0 m s−1.
- Δp=m(v−u) [M1]
- Δp=0.15(6.0−(−8.0))=0.15(14.0) [M1]
- Δp=2.1 N s (or kg m s−1) [A1]
- Marks: 3
- (b) Average Resultant Force
- Favg=ΔtΔp [M1]
- Favg=0.0502.1=42 N [A1]
- Marks: 2
3. Plank Equilibrium
- (a) Free-Body Diagram
- Weight of plank (200 N) acting downwards at center (2.0 m from A). [B1]
- Weight of student (600 N) acting downwards at distance x. [B1]
- Reaction force at P (RP) acting upwards at A. [B1]
- Reaction force at Q (RQ) acting upwards at 3.0 m from A. [B1] (Max 3 marks, accept clear labels)
- Marks: 3
- (b) Maximum Distance x
- Condition for tipping: The plank is on the verge of tipping about support Q. Reaction at P becomes zero (RP=0). [M1]
- Take moments about Q.
- Clockwise moment = Anticlockwise moment.
- Weight of student creates clockwise moment: 600×(x−3.0)? No, student is at x from A. Q is at 3.0 m from A.
- Distance of student from Q = (3.0−x) if x<3, or (x−3.0) if x>3.
- Wait, let's look at the geometry. A is at 0. Q is at 3.0 m (1m from B, length 4m). Center of mass is at 2.0 m.
- Moments about Q:
- Plank weight (200 N) acts at 2.0 m. Distance from Q = 3.0−2.0=1.0 m. This creates an anticlockwise moment (tending to rotate A down). Moment = 200×1.0=200 Nm.
- Student weight (600 N) acts at x. To tip, student must be to the right of Q? No, if student moves right of Q, they create a clockwise moment. The plank weight creates an anticlockwise moment.
- For equilibrium limit: Moment of Student = Moment of Plank Weight.
- 600×(x−3.0)=200×1.0 [M1]
- 600(x−3.0)=200
- x−3.0=600200=31
- x=3.0+0.333=3.33 m [A1]
- Alternatively, if the question implies tipping about P (student moves left), but student starts at A? "Maximum value of x" usually implies moving towards the overhang or far support. Here Q is the pivot for tipping if he goes too far right.
- Answer: 3.33 m [A1]
- Marks: 4
4. Car Dynamics
- (a) Acceleration Decrease
- Resultant force Fres=Fdrive−FR=Fdrive−kv2. [M1]
- As v increases, FR increases, so Fres decreases. Since a=Fres/m, acceleration decreases. [A1]
- Marks: 2
- (b) Constant k
- At max speed, a=0, so Fdrive=FR. [M1]
- 2400=k(40)2
- k=16002400=1.5 kg m−1 (or N s2m−2) [A1]
- Marks: 3 (1 for condition, 1 for substitution, 1 for answer)
- (c) Power
- P=Fv [M1]
- P=2400×40=96,000 W or 96 kW [A1]
- Marks: 2
5. Inelastic Collision
- (a) Common Velocity
- Conservation of Momentum: mXuX+mYuY=(mX+mY)v [M1]
- Taking right as positive: (2.0)(3.0)+(1.0)(−1.0)=(2.0+1.0)v
- 6.0−1.0=3.0v
- 5.0=3.0v⇒v=1.67 m s−1 (to the right) [A1]
- Marks: 3
- (b) Inelastic Proof
- KEinitial=21(2.0)(3.0)2+21(1.0)(−1.0)2=9.0+0.5=9.5 J [M1]
- KEfinal=21(3.0)(1.667)2=4.17 J [M1]
- KEinitial=KEfinal (KE is lost), so collision is inelastic. [A1]
- Marks: 3
Section B
6. Skydiver Graph
- (a) Motion Description
- Initially, weight > air resistance, so there is a resultant downward force and acceleration. [B1]
- As speed increases, air resistance increases, reducing the resultant force and thus acceleration (gradient of graph decreases). [B1]
- Eventually, air resistance equals weight. Resultant force is zero, acceleration is zero, and terminal velocity is reached. [B1]
- Marks: 3
- (b) Distance Fallen
- Distance = Area under v-t graph. [M1]
- Approximate area (counting squares or trapezium estimate). Graph goes to 50 m/s in 20s. If linear, area = 0.5×20×50=500. But it's curved (concave down). Area is greater than triangle.
- Let's assume standard shape. Area ≈0.7×20×50? Or count squares.
- Accept reasonable estimate between 600 m and 800 m depending on curve shape provided in visual. Let's assume approx 700 m. [A1]
- Marks: 2
- (c) Parachute Opening
- Opening parachute greatly increases surface area, causing a large increase in air resistance. [B1]
- Air resistance becomes much larger than weight, creating a large upward resultant force (deceleration). [B1]
- Marks: 2
7. Inclined Plane
- (a) Free-Body Diagram
- Weight (mg) vertically down. [B1]
- Normal reaction (N) perpendicular to slope. [B1]
- Friction (Ff) down the slope (opposing motion up). [B1] (Wait, motion is UP, so friction is DOWN).
- Applied Force (F) up the slope. [B1]
- Marks: 2 (Accept 2 correct forces for 1 mark, all 4 for 2)
- (b) Force F
- Constant speed ⇒ Equilibrium. Forces up slope = Forces down slope.
- F=mgsin(30∘)+Ff [M1]
- F=(5.0)(9.81)(0.5)+10
- F=24.525+10=34.5 N [A1]
- Marks: 3
- (c) Power
- P=Fv [M1]
- P=34.525×2.0=69.0 W (or 69.1 W) [A1]
- Marks: 2
8. Spring
- (a) Spring Constant
- F=kx⇒k=F/x [M1]
- k=10/0.04=250 N m−1 [A1]
- Marks: 2
- (b) Elastic Potential Energy
- E=21kx2 or 21Fx [M1]
- E=0.5×10×0.04=0.20 J [A1]
- Marks: 2
- (c) Energy Changes
- At lowest point: Max Elastic PE, Min KE, Min Gravitational PE (relative to equilibrium).
- Moving up: Elastic PE converts to KE and Gravitational PE.
- At equilibrium: Max KE.
- At highest point: Max Gravitational PE, Min Elastic PE (depending on reference), Zero KE.
- Key point: Continuous interchange between Kinetic Energy, Gravitational Potential Energy, and Elastic Potential Energy. Total energy is conserved. [B1 for each valid transition mention, max 3]
- Marks: 3
9. Projectile
- (a) Horizontal Component
- ux=20cos(30∘)=17.3 m s−1 [A1]
- Marks: 1
- (b) Max Height
- uy=20sin(30∘)=10 m s−1. At max height, vy=0.
- v2=u2+2as⇒0=102+2(−9.81)h [M1]
- 19.62h=100⇒h=5.10 m [A1]
- Marks: 3
- (c) Time of Flight
- Time to max height: v=u+at⇒0=10−9.81t⇒t=1.02 s.
- Total time = 2×1.02=2.04 s [A1]
- Marks: 2
10. Satellite
- (a) Centripetal Force
- Gravitational force (or Weight) [B1]
- Marks: 1
- (b) Free Fall
- The only force acting on the satellite is gravity. [B1]
- It is constantly accelerating towards the Earth (changing direction), which is the definition of free fall, even though its tangential velocity keeps it in orbit. [B1]
- Marks: 2
Section C
11. Car Braking
- (a) Braking Force
- Work-Energy Principle: Work done by brakes = Change in KE.
- Fd=21mv2 [M1]
- F(40)=0.5(1000)(20)2=200,000
- F=40200,000=5000 N [A1]
- Marks: 3
- (b) New Stopping Distance
- Fd′=21m(v′)2
- 5000d′=0.5(1000)(40)2=800,000
- d′=5000800,000=160 m [A1]
- Marks: 2
- (c) Relationship
- KE is proportional to v2. [B1]
- Since stopping force is constant, stopping distance is proportional to KE, and thus proportional to v2. Doubling speed quadruples the distance. [B1]
- Marks: 2
12. Elastic Collision Spheres
- (a) Speed before impact
- Conservation of Energy: mgh=21mv2 [M1]
- v=2gh [A1]
- Marks: 2
- (b) Elastic Conditions
- Total kinetic energy is conserved. [B1]
- Relative speed of approach equals relative speed of separation. [B1]
- Marks: 2
- (c) Rebound Explanation
- Conservation of Momentum: muA=mvA+2mvB.
- Conservation of KE (or relative speed): uA=vB−vA (since B is at rest).
- Solving these shows vA is negative (rebound) because mA<mB. Specifically, for elastic collision with target at rest, vA=uAmA+mBmA−mB. Since mA<mB, the numerator is negative. [M1 for logic, A1 for conclusion]
- Marks: 3
13. Lift
- (a) Tension
- Total mass M=500+70=570 kg.
- T−Mg=Ma⇒T=M(g+a) [M1]
- T=570(9.81+1.5)=570(11.31)=6447 N [A1]
- Marks: 3
- (b) Normal Reaction
- For passenger: R−mg=ma⇒R=m(g+a) [M1]
- R=70(11.31)=792 N [A1]
- Marks: 2
- (c) Constant Velocity
- Acceleration is zero. [B1]
- R=mg. The normal reaction decreases to equal the passenger's weight (70×9.81=687 N). [B1]
- Marks: 2
14. River Boat
- (a) Resultant Velocity
- vres=3.02+5.02=9+25=34=5.83 m s−1 [M1]
- Direction: θ=tan−1(3/5)=31.0∘ East of North. [A1]
- Marks: 3
- (b) Time to Cross
- Time depends on velocity component perpendicular to bank (5.0 m s−1).
- t=5.0100=20 s [A1]
- Marks: 2
- (c) Distance Downstream
- d=vriver×t=3.0×20=60 m [A1]
- Marks: 1
15. Friction Experiment
- (a) Graph Sketch
- Straight line through origin. Positive gradient. [B1]
- Marks: 1
- (b) Friction-Compensated
- The track is tilted slightly so that the component of weight down the slope balances friction. [B1]
- This ensures that the resultant force on the trolley is equal to the applied force only, allowing F=ma to be tested directly without subtracting friction. [B1]
- Marks: 2
- (c) Uncompensated Graph
- Line does not pass through origin. [B1]
- It has an x-intercept (force required to overcome static friction before acceleration starts). Gradient remains same (mass unchanged). [B1]
- Marks: 2
16. Ice Block
- (a) Speed at Bottom
- mgh=21mv2⇒v=2gh [M1]
- v=2(9.81)(5.0)=98.1=9.90 m s−1 [A1]
- Marks: 2
- (b) Frictional Force
- Work done by friction = Loss in KE.
- Ffd=21mv2 [M1]
- Ff(10)=0.5(2.0)(9.90)2=98.1 J
- Ff=9.81 N [A1]
- Marks: 3
17. Impulse Definition
- Answer: Impulse is the product of the average force and the time interval over which it acts (FΔt). Alternatively, it is the change in momentum. [B1]
- Marks: 1
18. Tennis Ball
- (a) Impulse
- Impulse = Area under Force-Time graph.
- Area of triangle = 21×base×height [M1]
- I=0.5×0.01×200=1.0 N s [A1]
- Marks: 2
- (b) Final Speed
- I=Δp=m(v−u)
- 1.0=0.06(v−0) [M1]
- v=0.061.0=16.7 m s−1 [A1]
- Marks: 2
19. Ladder
- (a) No Friction at Wall
- The wall is smooth. [B1]
- Marks: 1
- (b) Friction Direction at Ground
- Towards the wall (to oppose the tendency of the ladder to slip outwards). [B1]
- Marks: 1
- (c) Person Climbing
- As the person climbs up, the moment of their weight about the base increases. [M1]
- To maintain rotational equilibrium, the normal reaction from the wall must increase. Consequently, the horizontal frictional force at the ground (which balances the wall's normal reaction) must increase. [A1]
- Marks: 2
20. Kinematics Calculus
- (a) Velocity at t=3
- v=dtds=4t−8 [M1]
- At t=3, v=4(3)−8=4 m s−1 [A1]
- Marks: 2
- (b) Instantaneously at Rest
- v=0⇒4t−8=0 [M1]
- t=2.0 s [A1]
- Marks: 2
- (c) Total Distance
- Particle changes direction at t=2.
- Distance 1 (t=0 to 2): s(0)=5, s(2)=2(4)−16+5=−3. Distance = ∣−3−5∣=8 m. [M1]
- Distance 2 (t=2 to 4): s(4)=2(16)−32+5=5. Distance = ∣5−(−3)∣=8 m. [M1]
- Total Distance = 8+8=16 m [A1]
- Marks: 3
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