4 Forces in action

OCR Physics A Exam-style mark scheme

Question Answer Marks Guidance

1ai Tension T1 = 3 × 9.81 = 29.4 N A1 A is at rest so ΣF = 0
1 a ii 1 3 × 9.81 − T2 = 3a C1 Applying F = ma to A
T2 − 1.8 × 9.81 = 1.8a C1 and to B.
adding gives 3 × 9.81 – 1.8 × 9.81 = (3 + 1.8) a Note tension is less than T1
a = 2.45 m s − 2 A1
1 a ii 2 1 A is initially at rest so u = 0
s = ut + a t²
2
1 C1
1 .4 = × 2.45 t 2
2 A1
t = 1.07 s
1bi Force = 19 × 9.81 = 186 N B1 Newtonmeter records the
weight of the suitcase (m g)

1 b ii From 0 to t1, the lift, and hence the suitcase, are Upward force from
accelerating upwards. So newtonmeter reading is greater newtonmeter >weight, giving
than 186 N. B1 resultant upward force to
provide acceleration.
From t1 to t2, the lift has constant speed so newtonmeter
reading = weight = 186 N B1 At constant speed there is no
resultant force on suitcase.
From t2 to t3, the lift has constant deceleration so
newtonmeter reading is less than weight. B1 The newtonmeter reading
will actually decrease
(suitcase appears to be
lighter) by the same amount
as it increased in first stage
since the graph is symmetric.
–2
2a Force which produces an acceleration of 1 m s on a
mass of 1 kg. B1
2bi F = m a gives: (170 – 90) = 950 a C1 Remember to use the
resultant force not just the
a = 8.4 × 10 m s
–2 –2
A1
driving force.
2 b ii The car is accelerating so its speed is increasing. This Students often try to use the
increases the air resistance. B1 SUVAT equations in
situations where acceleration
Resultant force decreases so acceleration decreases. B1
is not constant. This is
v = u + a t only applies if a is constant. B1 incorrect physics and would
lead to loss of marks.
3a The torque of a couple is the product of one of the forces It is usually easier to give a
and the perpendicular distance between the forces. word equation for definitions
B1
i.e.
Torque = (One force) ×
(perpendicular distance
between forces)
3b Torque is measured in newton metre so SI base units are kilogram,
metre and second in
[Torque] = [kg m s ] [m] = [kg m s ]
–2 2 –2
B1
mechanics.

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 4 Forces in action
OCR Physics A Exam-style mark scheme

Question Answer Marks Guidance

3c Hang plate and a plumb line freely from hole A.
Mark a vertical line from A, indicated by plumb line, onto
the plate. B1
Repeat for other holes. B1
Centre of mass is the point where the lines intersect. B1
Mass plate = 8850 × (0.11 × (5.0 × 10 )) = 4.87 kg
–3
3d C1 Note conversion of mm to m
and use of acceleration of
(4.87 × 9.81) × 0.15 = 0.22 T C1
free fall to convert mass to
T = 32.6 N A1 weight.

4ai G is the point where vertical line from hook meets the
centre of the beam. B1
4 a ii Horizontally: Horizontal and vertical
components of the three
sin 20
T1 sin 55 = T2 sin 20 hence T1 = T2 C1
forces must equate to zero
sin 55 since the hook is in
equilibrium. The equations
Vertically T1 cos 55 + T2 cos 20 = 12 × 10 3 must be solved
Substituting simultaneously.

sin 20 C1
T2 cos 55 + T2 cos 20 = 12 × 10 3
sin 55
T2 = 10.2 × 10 3 N
A1
T1 = 4.25 × 10 3 N
A1
Mass = (7.9 × 10³) × (7 × 10 ) × (5 × 10 ) × (3 × 10 )
–2 –2 –2
4bi C1 The density formula must be
rearranged and cm
Mass = 0.83 kg A1
converted to m correctly.
4 b ii Moments about P gives: Since all lengths are in cm
there is no need to convert
10 × MC = (13 × 2.0) + (36 × 0.83) C1
them to m in this equation.
MC = 5.59 kg A1 Likewise it is possible to
work consistently with
masses here rather than
convert each one to weight.
4 b iii When immersed the block experiences an upthrust which The reason must be given in
reduces the clockwise moment about P. M1 order for the second mark to
be scored. This prevents
This means the anticlockwise moment must be reduced
anyone getting a mark by
by reducing mass at C. A1
guessing the change in
mass.
5a Tangent at t = 0 (s) M1
Gradient = 2.0 m s
–2
A1
5b Two forces are acting on sphere at t = 0 s, the weight and
the upthrust. B1
Resultant force on sphere is therefore less than the
weight. B1

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 4 Forces in action
OCR Physics A Exam-style mark scheme

Question Answer Marks Guidance

5ci F = ma
mg – U = ma Using Newton’s 2nd law
12 × 10
–3
× 9.81 – U = 12 × 10 × 2.0
–3 C1 Upthrust, U = weight of liquid
displaced
U = 9.37 × 10 N
–2 A0

5 c ii Upthrust on a body in fluid is equal to the weight of fluid

displaced by the body
B1
5 c iii
Density, ρ =
(U / g )
V
U /g
V=
ρ C1
−2
(9.37 × 10 / 9.81)
V=
1600
V = 5.97 × 10 m
–6 3
A1
5d As velocity increases drag increases (and acceleration Upthrust is constant
decreases). B1 throughout but increase in
drag causes resultant force
From 0 s to 0.35 s, the gradient of graph becomes less
to decrease, which reduces
steep. B1
gradient (acceleration).
After 0.35 s, drag = weight, and velocity remains Terminal velocity is reached
constant. B1
at t = 0.35 s
6a Diagram and/or description of apparatus. B1
Measurement of diameter of sphere (and hence
calculation of R) using micrometer or Vernier callipers. B1
Allow: sphere to fall in tube of liquid until terminal velocity
is reached. B1
Measure time to fall a set distance at terminal velocity
(allow: strobe lighting and camera or light gates and
timer/stopwatch or video). B1
6b Plot graph of v against 1/R (or 1/diameter) B1
Straight line through origin suggests theory is true. B1

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This resource sheet may have been changed from the original 3