| Exam Board | Edexcel |
|---|---|
| Module | M2 (Mechanics 2) |
| Year | 2024 |
| Session | January |
| Marks | 9 |
| Paper | Download PDF ↗ |
| Mark scheme | Download PDF ↗ |
| Topic | Advanced work-energy problems |
| Type | Engine power on road constant/variable speed |
| Difficulty | Standard +0.3 This is a standard M2 power-force-acceleration problem with two connected bodies on an incline. It requires applying P=Fv to find driving force, then resolving forces parallel to the slope for the system (part a) and for the trailer alone (part b). The calculations are straightforward with no conceptual surprises—slightly easier than average due to the routine nature of the method and clean numbers. |
| Spec | 3.03k Connected particles: pulleys and equilibrium3.03l Newton's third law: extend to situations requiring force resolution6.02l Power and velocity: P = Fv |
| Answer | Marks | Guidance |
|---|---|---|
| Answer/Working | Mark | Guidance |
| Use of \(P = Fv\) | M1 | \(\frac{10000}{16}\ (= 625)\) seen or implied. Allow for \(\frac{10}{16}\) |
| Equation of motion for the system | M1 | Dimensionally correct. Need all terms and no extras. Condone sign errors and sine/cosine confusion. If separate equations for van and trailer, just mark the combined equation |
| \(F - 400 - 800g\sin\alpha = 800a\) | A1 | Unsimplified equation in \(P\) or \(F\) with at most one error |
| A1 | Correct unsimplified equation in \(P\) or \(F\). Use of cosine in place of sine for both vehicles counts as a repeated error and only loses 1 mark | |
| Obtain deceleration \(0.419\left(\mathrm{ms}^{-2}\right)\) or \(0.42\left(\mathrm{ms}^{-2}\right)\) | A1 | 3 sf or 2 sf only. Answer must be positive |
| [5] |
| Answer | Marks | Guidance |
|---|---|---|
| Answer/Working | Mark | Guidance |
| Equation of motion for the van or the trailer | M1 | Dimensionally correct. Need all terms and no extras. Condone sign errors and sine/cosine confusion. Use the mass in the \(ma\) term to decide which part of the system they are using |
| \(T - 150 - 200g\sin\alpha = 200a\) or \(F - T - 250 - 600g\sin\alpha = 600a\) | A1 | Unsimplified equation with at most one error |
| A1 | Correct unsimplified equation | |
| Obtain tension \(206\text{(N)}\) or \(210\text{(N)}\) | A1 | 3 sf or 2 sf only |
| [4] |
| Answer | Marks | Guidance |
|---|---|---|
| Answer/Working | Mark | Guidance |
| Moments about \(A\) | M1 | Dimensionally correct. Condone sine/cosine confusion |
| \(5P = 40 \times \frac{7}{2}\cos\theta\) | A1 | Correct unsimplified equation |
| \(P = 22.4\) | A1* | Obtain given answer from correct working. Need to see evidence of \(\cos\theta = \frac{4}{5}\) |
| Answer | Marks | Guidance |
|---|---|---|
| Answer/Working | Mark | Guidance |
| First equation | M1 | e.g. Resolve horizontally. Condone sine/cosine confusion |
| \(H = P\sin\theta\ (=13.44)\) | A1 | Correct unsimplified equation |
| Second equation | M1 | e.g. Resolve vertically. Condone sine/cosine confusion |
| \(V + P\cos\theta = 40\ (V = 22.08)\) | A1 | Correct unsimplified equation |
| \( | R | = \sqrt{H^2 + V^2}\) |
| \( | R | = 26\ \text{(N)}\) |
| Answer | Marks | Guidance |
|---|---|---|
| Answer/Working | Mark | Guidance |
| First equation | M1 | e.g. Resolve parallel. Condone sine/cosine confusion |
| \(X = 40\sin\theta\ (=24)\) | A1 | Correct unsimplified equation |
| Second equation | M1 | e.g. Resolve perpendicular. Condone sine/cosine confusion |
| \(Y + P = 40\cos\theta\ (Y = 9.6)\) | A1 | Correct unsimplified equation |
| \( | R | = \sqrt{X^2 + Y^2}\) |
| \( | R | = 26\ \text{(N)}\) |
| Answer | Marks | Guidance |
|---|---|---|
| Answer/Working | Mark | Guidance |
| 3 force diagram | M1 | 3 force diagram seen or implied |
| Forces and angle in correct positions | A1 | Forces and angle in correct positions |
| Use Cosine Rule | M1 | Correct formula used |
| \(( | R | )^2 = 40^2 + 22.4^2 - 2 \times 40 \times 22.4\cos\theta\) |
| Substitute for trig and solve for \( | R | \) |
| \( | R | = 26\ \text{(N)}\) |
| Answer | Marks | Guidance |
|---|---|---|
| Answer/Working | Mark | Guidance |
| Use of CLM | M1 | Need all 4 terms. Dimensionally consistent. Condone sign errors. Condone \(x\) in wrong direction |
| \(6mu + 5mu = 5my - mx\) \((11u = 5y - x)\) | A1 | Correct unsimplified equation |
| Use of impact law | M1 | Used correctly. Dimensionally correct. Condone sign errors |
| \(x + y = 5eu\) | A1 | Correct unsimplified equation. Signs consistent with CLM equation |
| Solve for \(x\): \(6x = 25eu - 11u\) or solve for \(e\): \(e = \frac{6y-11u}{5u}\) | DM1 | Dependent on first 2 M marks. As far as \(kx = \ldots\) Dependent on previous 2 M marks |
| Use \(x > 0\ (\Rightarrow y > \frac{11}{5}u)\): \(25e > 11\) | DM1 | Use correct inequality for their \(x\) |
| \(\frac{11}{25} < e\ (\text{,}\ 1)\) | A1 | Or equivalent. Condone if 1 not mentioned. Allow with \(<1\). A0 if incorrect upper limit. |
| Answer | Marks | Guidance |
|---|---|---|
| Answer/Working | Mark | Guidance |
| \(x = \frac{2}{3}u\) and \(y = \frac{7}{3}u\) | B1 | Seen or implied |
| Total KE lost \(= \left(\frac{1}{2}m \times 36u^2 + \frac{1}{2}5m \times u^2\right) - \left(\frac{1}{2}m \times x^2 + \frac{1}{2}5m \times y^2\right)\) | M1 | Complete expression. Dimensionally correct. Correct masses connected to correct speeds. Condone subtraction in wrong order. Allow in \(x\) and \(y\) |
| \(= \left(\frac{1}{2}m \times 36u^2 + \frac{1}{2}5m \times u^2\right) - \left(\frac{1}{2}m \times \frac{4}{9}u^2 + \frac{1}{2}5m \times \frac{49}{9}u^2\right)\) | A1ft | Correct unsimplified expression in \(m\) and \(u\). Follow their \(x\), \(y\) with \(e\) substituted |
| \(= \frac{20}{3}mu^2\) | A1 | Or single term equivalent. Accept \(6.7mu^2\) or better |
| Answer | Marks | Guidance |
|---|---|---|
| Answer/Working | Mark | Guidance |
| Velocity of \(Q\) after collision with wall \(= \pm fy\ \left(= \pm f \times \frac{7}{3}u\right)\) | B1ft | Follow their \(y\) (in terms of \(u\)) |
| Second collision if \(fy > x\): \(\frac{7}{3}fu > \frac{2}{3}u\) | DM1 | Correct inequality for their \(x\), \(y\). Dependent on B1 and \(P\) moving away from wall |
| \(\frac{2}{7} < f\ \text{,}\ 1\) | A1 | Correct only. Need both limits |
| Answer | Marks | Guidance |
|---|---|---|
| Answer/Working | Mark | Guidance |
| Use symmetry to find time taken: \(-7 = 7 - gt\) | M1 | Or equivalent complete method using suvat to find time e.g. find time for vertical distance \(= 0\) |
| \(t = \frac{14}{g}\ (=1.428\ldots)\) | A1 | Correct value seen or implied |
| Horizontal distance \(= 4t\) | DM1 | Complete method using suvat to find distance. Dependent on preceding M1 |
| \(= 5.71\ \text{(m)}\) or \(5.7\ \text{(m)}\) | A1 | 3 sf or 2 sf only. \(\frac{40}{7}\) scores A0. \(\frac{56}{g}\) scores A0 (incorrect units) |
| Answer | Marks | Guidance |
|---|---|---|
| Answer/Working | Mark | Guidance |
| Find speed and angle of projection | M1 | Correct use of Pythagoras and trig |
| Speed \(= \sqrt{16+49} = \sqrt{65}\ (\text{ms}^{-1})\) | A1 | Both values seen or implied |
| Direction \(= \tan^{-1}\frac{7}{4}\ (= 60.3°)\) | ||
| Use of \(R = \frac{u^2\sin 2\alpha}{g}\) | DM1 | Or equivalent. Dependent on preceding M1 |
| \(= 5.71\ \text{(m)}\) or \(5.7\ \text{(m)}\) | A1 | 3 sf or 2 sf only |
| Answer | Marks | Guidance |
|---|---|---|
| Answer/Working | Mark | Guidance |
| \( | \mathbf{v} | = 5 \Rightarrow \mathbf{v} = 4\mathbf{i} + 3\mathbf{j}\) or \(\mathbf{v} = 4\mathbf{i} - 3\mathbf{j}\) |
| \(-3 = 3 - gT\) | M1 | Complete method to find \(T\). e.g. \(T = \frac{14}{g} - 2 \times \frac{4}{g}\) |
| \(T = 0.612\) or \(T = 0.61\) | A1 | 3 sf or 2 sf only. \(\frac{30}{49}\) scores A0. \(\frac{6}{g}\) scores A0 (incorrect units) |
| Answer | Marks | Guidance |
|---|---|---|
| Answer/Working | Mark | Guidance |
| \(\begin{pmatrix}4\\7\end{pmatrix} \cdot \begin{pmatrix}4\\p\end{pmatrix} = 0\) | M1 | Or equivalent method to find perpendicular velocity |
| \(\Rightarrow p = -\frac{16}{7}\), \(\mathbf{v} = 4\mathbf{i} - \frac{16}{7}\mathbf{j}\) | A1 | Correct vertical component. Allow \(-2.28\ldots\) |
| \(\left(-\frac{16}{7}\right)^2 = 7^2 - 2gh\) | DM1 | Complete method using suvat or energy to form equation in \(h\) only. Dependent on preceding M1 |
| \(h = 2.23\) or \(h = 2.2\) | A1 | 3 sf or 2 sf only cso (negative vertical component seen at some point) |
| Answer | Marks | Guidance |
|---|---|---|
| Answer/Working | Mark | Guidance |
| \(\begin{pmatrix}4\\7\end{pmatrix} \cdot \begin{pmatrix}4\\7-gt\end{pmatrix} = 0\) | M1 | Or equivalent method to find time when velocity perpendicular |
| \(t = \frac{65}{7g}\ (= 0.947\ldots)\) | A1 | Correct time |
| \(h = 7t - \frac{1}{2}gt^2\) | DM1 | Complete method using suvat to form equation in \(h\) only |
| \(h = 2.23\) or \(h = 2.2\) | A1 | 3 sf or 2 sf only cso |
## Question 5:
**Part 5a:**
| Answer/Working | Mark | Guidance |
|---|---|---|
| Use of $P = Fv$ | M1 | $\frac{10000}{16}\ (= 625)$ seen or implied. Allow for $\frac{10}{16}$ |
| Equation of motion for the system | M1 | Dimensionally correct. Need all terms and no extras. Condone sign errors and sine/cosine confusion. If separate equations for van and trailer, just mark the combined equation |
| $F - 400 - 800g\sin\alpha = 800a$ | A1 | Unsimplified equation in $P$ or $F$ with at most one error |
| | A1 | Correct unsimplified equation in $P$ or $F$. Use of cosine in place of sine for both vehicles counts as a repeated error and only loses 1 mark |
| Obtain deceleration $0.419\left(\mathrm{ms}^{-2}\right)$ or $0.42\left(\mathrm{ms}^{-2}\right)$ | A1 | 3 sf or 2 sf only. Answer must be positive |
| **[5]** | | |
**Part 5b:**
| Answer/Working | Mark | Guidance |
|---|---|---|
| Equation of motion for the van or the trailer | M1 | Dimensionally correct. Need all terms and no extras. Condone sign errors and sine/cosine confusion. Use the mass in the $ma$ term to decide which part of the system they are using |
| $T - 150 - 200g\sin\alpha = 200a$ or $F - T - 250 - 600g\sin\alpha = 600a$ | A1 | Unsimplified equation with at most one error |
| | A1 | Correct unsimplified equation |
| Obtain tension $206\text{(N)}$ or $210\text{(N)}$ | A1 | 3 sf or 2 sf only |
| **[4]** | | |
## Question 6a:
| Answer/Working | Mark | Guidance |
|---|---|---|
| Moments about $A$ | M1 | Dimensionally correct. Condone sine/cosine confusion |
| $5P = 40 \times \frac{7}{2}\cos\theta$ | A1 | Correct unsimplified equation |
| $P = 22.4$ | A1* | Obtain given answer from correct working. Need to see evidence of $\cos\theta = \frac{4}{5}$ |
**Total: [3]**
---
## Question 6b:
| Answer/Working | Mark | Guidance |
|---|---|---|
| First equation | M1 | e.g. Resolve horizontally. Condone sine/cosine confusion |
| $H = P\sin\theta\ (=13.44)$ | A1 | Correct unsimplified equation |
| Second equation | M1 | e.g. Resolve vertically. Condone sine/cosine confusion |
| $V + P\cos\theta = 40\ (V = 22.08)$ | A1 | Correct unsimplified equation |
| $|R| = \sqrt{H^2 + V^2}$ | DM1 | Solve for $|R|$. Dependent on the 2 preceding Ms |
| $|R| = 26\ \text{(N)}$ | A1 | Or better $(25.84879\ldots)$. Accept $\frac{24\sqrt{29}}{5}$ |
**Total: [6]**
---
## Question 6b (alternative - resolve parallel/perpendicular):
| Answer/Working | Mark | Guidance |
|---|---|---|
| First equation | M1 | e.g. Resolve parallel. Condone sine/cosine confusion |
| $X = 40\sin\theta\ (=24)$ | A1 | Correct unsimplified equation |
| Second equation | M1 | e.g. Resolve perpendicular. Condone sine/cosine confusion |
| $Y + P = 40\cos\theta\ (Y = 9.6)$ | A1 | Correct unsimplified equation |
| $|R| = \sqrt{X^2 + Y^2}$ | DM1 | Solve for $|R|$. Dependent on the 2 preceding Ms |
| $|R| = 26\ \text{(N)}$ | A1 | Or better $(25.84879\ldots)$. Accept $\frac{24\sqrt{29}}{5}$ |
**Total: [6]**
Alternative moment equations:
- $M(C)$: $40 \times 1.5\cos\theta + H \times 5\sin\theta = V \times 5\cos\theta$
- $M(B)$: $2P + 7\cos\theta \times V = 7\sin\theta \times H + 3.5 \times 40\cos\theta$
- $M(G)$: $1.5P + 3.5\sin\theta \times H = 3.5\cos\theta \times V$
---
## Question 6b (alternative - cosine rule):
| Answer/Working | Mark | Guidance |
|---|---|---|
| 3 force diagram | M1 | 3 force diagram seen or implied |
| Forces and angle in correct positions | A1 | Forces and angle in correct positions |
| Use Cosine Rule | M1 | Correct formula used |
| $(|R|)^2 = 40^2 + 22.4^2 - 2 \times 40 \times 22.4\cos\theta$ | A1 | Correct unsimplified equation |
| Substitute for trig and solve for $|R|$ | DM1 | Dependent on the 2 preceding Ms |
| $|R| = 26\ \text{(N)}$ | A1 | Or better $(25.84879\ldots)$. Accept $\frac{24\sqrt{29}}{5}$ |
**Total: [6]**
---
## Question 7a:
| Answer/Working | Mark | Guidance |
|---|---|---|
| Use of CLM | M1 | Need all 4 terms. Dimensionally consistent. Condone sign errors. Condone $x$ in wrong direction |
| $6mu + 5mu = 5my - mx$ $(11u = 5y - x)$ | A1 | Correct unsimplified equation |
| Use of impact law | M1 | Used correctly. Dimensionally correct. Condone sign errors |
| $x + y = 5eu$ | A1 | Correct unsimplified equation. Signs consistent with CLM equation |
| Solve for $x$: $6x = 25eu - 11u$ or solve for $e$: $e = \frac{6y-11u}{5u}$ | DM1 | Dependent on first 2 M marks. As far as $kx = \ldots$ Dependent on previous 2 M marks |
| Use $x > 0\ (\Rightarrow y > \frac{11}{5}u)$: $25e > 11$ | DM1 | Use correct inequality for their $x$ |
| $\frac{11}{25} < e\ (\text{,}\ 1)$ | A1 | Or equivalent. Condone if 1 not mentioned. Allow with $<1$. A0 if incorrect upper limit. |
**Total: [7]**
---
## Question 7b:
| Answer/Working | Mark | Guidance |
|---|---|---|
| $x = \frac{2}{3}u$ and $y = \frac{7}{3}u$ | B1 | Seen or implied |
| Total KE lost $= \left(\frac{1}{2}m \times 36u^2 + \frac{1}{2}5m \times u^2\right) - \left(\frac{1}{2}m \times x^2 + \frac{1}{2}5m \times y^2\right)$ | M1 | Complete expression. Dimensionally correct. Correct masses connected to correct speeds. Condone subtraction in wrong order. Allow in $x$ and $y$ |
| $= \left(\frac{1}{2}m \times 36u^2 + \frac{1}{2}5m \times u^2\right) - \left(\frac{1}{2}m \times \frac{4}{9}u^2 + \frac{1}{2}5m \times \frac{49}{9}u^2\right)$ | A1ft | Correct unsimplified expression in $m$ and $u$. Follow their $x$, $y$ with $e$ substituted |
| $= \frac{20}{3}mu^2$ | A1 | Or single term equivalent. Accept $6.7mu^2$ or better |
**Total: [4]**
---
## Question 7c:
| Answer/Working | Mark | Guidance |
|---|---|---|
| Velocity of $Q$ after collision with wall $= \pm fy\ \left(= \pm f \times \frac{7}{3}u\right)$ | B1ft | Follow their $y$ (in terms of $u$) |
| Second collision if $fy > x$: $\frac{7}{3}fu > \frac{2}{3}u$ | DM1 | Correct inequality for their $x$, $y$. Dependent on B1 and $P$ moving away from wall |
| $\frac{2}{7} < f\ \text{,}\ 1$ | A1 | Correct only. Need both limits |
**Total: [3]**
---
## Question 8a:
| Answer/Working | Mark | Guidance |
|---|---|---|
| Use symmetry to find time taken: $-7 = 7 - gt$ | M1 | Or equivalent complete method using suvat to find time e.g. find time for vertical distance $= 0$ |
| $t = \frac{14}{g}\ (=1.428\ldots)$ | A1 | Correct value seen or implied |
| Horizontal distance $= 4t$ | DM1 | Complete method using suvat to find distance. Dependent on preceding M1 |
| $= 5.71\ \text{(m)}$ or $5.7\ \text{(m)}$ | A1 | 3 sf or 2 sf only. $\frac{40}{7}$ scores A0. $\frac{56}{g}$ scores A0 (incorrect units) |
**Total: [4]**
---
## Question 8a (alternative):
| Answer/Working | Mark | Guidance |
|---|---|---|
| Find speed and angle of projection | M1 | Correct use of Pythagoras and trig |
| Speed $= \sqrt{16+49} = \sqrt{65}\ (\text{ms}^{-1})$ | A1 | Both values seen or implied |
| Direction $= \tan^{-1}\frac{7}{4}\ (= 60.3°)$ | | |
| Use of $R = \frac{u^2\sin 2\alpha}{g}$ | DM1 | Or equivalent. Dependent on preceding M1 |
| $= 5.71\ \text{(m)}$ or $5.7\ \text{(m)}$ | A1 | 3 sf or 2 sf only |
**Total: [4]**
---
## Question 8b:
| Answer/Working | Mark | Guidance |
|---|---|---|
| $|\mathbf{v}| = 5 \Rightarrow \mathbf{v} = 4\mathbf{i} + 3\mathbf{j}$ or $\mathbf{v} = 4\mathbf{i} - 3\mathbf{j}$ | B1 | Correct vertical component seen or implied |
| $-3 = 3 - gT$ | M1 | Complete method to find $T$. e.g. $T = \frac{14}{g} - 2 \times \frac{4}{g}$ |
| $T = 0.612$ or $T = 0.61$ | A1 | 3 sf or 2 sf only. $\frac{30}{49}$ scores A0. $\frac{6}{g}$ scores A0 (incorrect units) |
**Total: [3]**
---
## Question 8c:
| Answer/Working | Mark | Guidance |
|---|---|---|
| $\begin{pmatrix}4\\7\end{pmatrix} \cdot \begin{pmatrix}4\\p\end{pmatrix} = 0$ | M1 | Or equivalent method to find perpendicular velocity |
| $\Rightarrow p = -\frac{16}{7}$, $\mathbf{v} = 4\mathbf{i} - \frac{16}{7}\mathbf{j}$ | A1 | Correct vertical component. Allow $-2.28\ldots$ |
| $\left(-\frac{16}{7}\right)^2 = 7^2 - 2gh$ | DM1 | Complete method using suvat or energy to form equation in $h$ only. Dependent on preceding M1 |
| $h = 2.23$ or $h = 2.2$ | A1 | 3 sf or 2 sf only cso (negative vertical component seen at some point) |
**Total: [4]**
---
## Question 8c (alternative):
| Answer/Working | Mark | Guidance |
|---|---|---|
| $\begin{pmatrix}4\\7\end{pmatrix} \cdot \begin{pmatrix}4\\7-gt\end{pmatrix} = 0$ | M1 | Or equivalent method to find time when velocity perpendicular |
| $t = \frac{65}{7g}\ (= 0.947\ldots)$ | A1 | Correct time |
| $h = 7t - \frac{1}{2}gt^2$ | DM1 | Complete method using suvat to form equation in $h$ only |
| $h = 2.23$ or $h = 2.2$ | A1 | 3 sf or 2 sf only cso |
**Total: [4]**
5.
\begin{figure}[h]
\begin{center}
\includegraphics[alt={},max width=\textwidth]{d5f06fe7-4d9c-4009-8931-3ecbc31fa5e5-14_355_1230_244_422}
\captionsetup{labelformat=empty}
\caption{Figure 4}
\end{center}
\end{figure}
A van of mass 600 kg is moving up a straight road inclined at an angle $\alpha$ to the horizontal, where $\sin \alpha = \frac { 1 } { 14 }$. The van is towing a trailer of mass 200 kg . The trailer is attached to the van by a rigid towbar which is parallel to the direction of motion of the van and the trailer, as shown in Figure 4.
The resistance to the motion of the van from non-gravitational forces is modelled as a constant force of magnitude 250 N .
The resistance to the motion of the trailer from non-gravitational forces is modelled as a constant force of magnitude 150 N .
The towbar is modelled as a light rod.\\
At the instant when the speed of the van is $16 \mathrm {~ms} ^ { - 1 }$, the engine of the van is working at a rate of 10 kW .
\begin{enumerate}[label=(\alph*)]
\item Find the deceleration of the van at this instant.
\item Find the tension in the towbar at this instant.
\end{enumerate}
\hfill \mbox{\textit{Edexcel M2 2024 Q5 [9]}}