Edexcel M3 Specimen — Question 3 8 marks

Exam BoardEdexcel
ModuleM3 (Mechanics 3)
SessionSpecimen
Marks8
PaperDownload PDF ↗
Mark schemeDownload PDF ↗
TopicAdvanced work-energy problems
TypeInverse-square gravitational force
DifficultyStandard +0.8 This M3 question requires integration of a variable force (inverse square law), application of work-energy principle, and solving a resulting equation. While the integration itself is standard, combining it with energy considerations and solving for position requires solid understanding of multiple concepts and careful algebraic manipulation across several steps for 8 marks.
Spec6.02c Work by variable force: using integration6.02i Conservation of energy: mechanical energy principle

3. A particle \(P\) of mass 0.5 kg moves away from the origin \(O\) along the positive \(x\)-axis under the action of a force directed towards \(O\) of magnitude \(\frac { 2 } { x ^ { 2 } } \mathrm {~N}\), where \(O P = x\) metres. When \(x = 1\), the speed of \(P\) is \(3 \mathrm {~m} \mathrm {~s} ^ { - 1 }\). Find the distance of \(P\) from \(O\) when its speed has been reduced to \(1.5 \mathrm {~m} \mathrm {~s} ^ { - 1 }\).
(8)

Question 3:
AnswerMarks Guidance
Working/AnswerMarks Notes
\(0.5\ddot{x} = -\dfrac{2}{x^2}\)M1
\(v\dfrac{dv}{dx} = -\dfrac{4}{x^2}\)M1
\(\int v\, dv = -\int \dfrac{4}{x^2}\, dx\)M1
\(\left[\dfrac{1}{2}v^2\right]_3^2 = \left[\dfrac{4}{x}\right]_1^d\)M1 A1
Correct limits or constant of integrationA1
\(\dfrac{9}{8} - \dfrac{9}{2} = 4\left(\dfrac{1}{d}-1\right) \Rightarrow d = \dfrac{32}{5} = 6.4\) mM1 A1 (8)
# Question 3:

| Working/Answer | Marks | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| $0.5\ddot{x} = -\dfrac{2}{x^2}$ | M1 | |
| $v\dfrac{dv}{dx} = -\dfrac{4}{x^2}$ | M1 | |
| $\int v\, dv = -\int \dfrac{4}{x^2}\, dx$ | M1 | |
| $\left[\dfrac{1}{2}v^2\right]_3^2 = \left[\dfrac{4}{x}\right]_1^d$ | M1 A1 | |
| Correct limits or constant of integration | A1 | |
| $\dfrac{9}{8} - \dfrac{9}{2} = 4\left(\dfrac{1}{d}-1\right) \Rightarrow d = \dfrac{32}{5} = 6.4$ m | M1 A1 | (8) |

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3. A particle $P$ of mass 0.5 kg moves away from the origin $O$ along the positive $x$-axis under the action of a force directed towards $O$ of magnitude $\frac { 2 } { x ^ { 2 } } \mathrm {~N}$, where $O P = x$ metres. When $x = 1$, the speed of $P$ is $3 \mathrm {~m} \mathrm {~s} ^ { - 1 }$. Find the distance of $P$ from $O$ when its speed has been reduced to $1.5 \mathrm {~m} \mathrm {~s} ^ { - 1 }$.\\
(8)\\

\hfill \mbox{\textit{Edexcel M3  Q3 [8]}}