| Exam Board | AQA |
|---|---|
| Module | M2 (Mechanics 2) |
| Paper | Download PDF ↗ |
| Mark scheme | Download PDF ↗ |
| Topic | Circular Motion 1 |
| Type | Conical pendulum – horizontal circle in free space (no surface) |
| Difficulty | Moderate -0.8 This is a standard conical pendulum problem requiring straightforward application of resolving forces (T cos 30° = mg for vertical equilibrium, T sin 30° = mv²/r for horizontal circular motion). The question guides students through part (a) by giving the answer to show, and part (b) follows directly from substitution. This is typical M2 bookwork with no problem-solving insight required, making it easier than average. |
| Spec | 3.03c Newton's second law: F=ma one dimension3.03d Newton's second law: 2D vectors |
| Answer | Marks | Guidance |
|---|---|---|
| Answer/Working | Marks | Guidance |
| Total mass = \(4 + 3 + 5 + 8 = 20\) kg | B1 | All four masses summed |
| Taking moments about \(A\): \(20 \times 4.3 = 3 \times 0 + 4 \times 3 + 8 \times AC + 5 \times 6\) | M1 | Moments equation with all terms |
| \(86 = 12 + 8 \times AC + 30\) | A1 | Correct equation |
| \(AC = \frac{44}{8} = 5.5\) m | A1 | Correct answer |
# Question 2:
| Answer/Working | Marks | Guidance |
|---|---|---|
| Total mass = $4 + 3 + 5 + 8 = 20$ kg | B1 | All four masses summed |
| Taking moments about $A$: $20 \times 4.3 = 3 \times 0 + 4 \times 3 + 8 \times AC + 5 \times 6$ | M1 | Moments equation with all terms |
| $86 = 12 + 8 \times AC + 30$ | A1 | Correct equation |
| $AC = \frac{44}{8} = 5.5$ m | A1 | Correct answer |
---2 A particle, of mass 2 kg , is attached to one end of a light inextensible string. The other end is fixed to the point $O$. The particle is set into motion, so that it describes a horizontal circle of radius 0.6 metres, with the string at an angle of $30 ^ { \circ }$ to the vertical. The centre of the circle is vertically below $O$.\\
\includegraphics[max width=\textwidth, alt={}, center]{88aec6ab-af83-4d5e-84b6-5fd84c16a6c9-003_346_340_1580_842}
\begin{enumerate}[label=(\alph*)]
\item Show that the tension in the string is 22.6 N , correct to three significant figures.
\item Find the speed of the particle.
\end{enumerate}
\hfill \mbox{\textit{AQA M2 Q2}}