| Exam Board | Edexcel |
|---|---|
| Module | M1 (Mechanics 1) |
| Year | 2005 |
| Session | January |
| Marks | 16 |
| Paper | Download PDF ↗ |
| Mark scheme | Download PDF ↗ |
| Topic | Vectors Introduction & 2D |
| Type | Closest approach of two objects |
| Difficulty | Moderate -0.3 This is a standard M1 kinematics question using vectors with straightforward calculations: finding velocity from displacement (part a), writing position vector equations (part b), forming a distance-squared expression (part c), and solving a quadratic equation (part d). While it has multiple parts and requires careful algebraic manipulation, all techniques are routine for M1 students with no novel problem-solving insight required. Slightly easier than average due to its predictable structure. |
| Spec | 1.10a Vectors in 2D: i,j notation and column vectors1.10b Vectors in 3D: i,j,k notation1.10c Magnitude and direction: of vectors1.10d Vector operations: addition and scalar multiplication1.10e Position vectors: and displacement1.10f Distance between points: using position vectors1.10g Problem solving with vectors: in geometry |
| Answer | Marks |
|---|---|
| 7 | (a) v = {(29i + 34j) – (20i + 10j)}/3 = (3i + 8j) km h–1 M1 A1 |
Question 7:
7 | (a) v = {(29i + 34j) – (20i + 10j)}/3 = (3i + 8j) km h–1 M1 A1
P
(2)
(b) p = (20i + 10j) + (3i + 8j)t M1 A1√
q = (14i – 6j) + 12tj M1 A1
(4)
(c) q – p = (–6 – 3t)i + (–16 + 4t)j M1 A1
↓
d2 = (–6 – 3t)2 + (–16 + 4t)2 M1
↓
= 36 + 36t + 9t2 + 16t2 – 128t + 256 M1
= 25t2 – 92t + 292 (*) A1 (cso)
(5)
(d) 25t2 – 92t + 292 = 225 M1
25t2 – 92t + 67 = 0 A1
↓
(t – 1)(25t – 67) = 0 M1
t = 67/25 or 2.68 A1
time ≈ 161 mins, or 2 hrs 41 mins, or 2.41 am, or 0241 A1
(5)
Two ships $P$ and $Q$ are travelling at night with constant velocities. At midnight, $P$ is at the point with position vector $(20\mathbf{i} + 10\mathbf{j})$ km relative to a fixed origin $O$. At the same time, $Q$ is at the point with position vector $(14\mathbf{i} - 6\mathbf{j})$ km. Three hours later, $P$ is at the point with position vector $(29\mathbf{i} + 34\mathbf{j})$ km. The ship $Q$ travels with velocity $12\mathbf{j}$ km h$^{-1}$. At time $t$ hours after midnight, the position vectors of $P$ and $Q$ are $\mathbf{p}$ km and $\mathbf{q}$ km respectively. Find
\begin{enumerate}[label=(\alph*)]
\item the velocity of $P$, in terms of $\mathbf{i}$ and $\mathbf{j}$, [2]
\item expressions for $\mathbf{p}$ and $\mathbf{q}$, in terms of $t$, $\mathbf{i}$ and $\mathbf{j}$. [4]
\end{enumerate}
At time $t$ hours after midnight, the distance between $P$ and $Q$ is $d$ km.
\begin{enumerate}[label=(\alph*)]\setcounter{enumi}{2}
\item By finding an expression for $\overrightarrow{PQ}$, show that
$$d^2 = 25t^2 - 92t + 292.$$ [5]
\end{enumerate}
Weather conditions are such that an observer on $P$ can only see the lights on $Q$ when the distance between $P$ and $Q$ is 15 km or less. Given that when $t = 1$, the lights on $Q$ move into sight of the observer,
\begin{enumerate}[label=(\alph*)]\setcounter{enumi}{3}
\item find the time, to the nearest minute, at which the lights on $Q$ move out of sight of the observer. [5]
\end{enumerate}
\hfill \mbox{\textit{Edexcel M1 2005 Q7 [16]}}