Edexcel M1 — Question 2 7 marks

Exam BoardEdexcel
ModuleM1 (Mechanics 1)
Marks7
PaperDownload PDF ↗
Mark schemeDownload PDF ↗
TopicForces, equilibrium and resultants
TypeBearing and compass direction problems
DifficultyModerate -0.3 This is a standard M1 vector resolution question requiring resolution into components, Pythagoras, and inverse tangent to find magnitude and direction. While it involves multiple forces and bearing conversions, it follows a routine procedure taught explicitly in M1 with no conceptual challenges beyond careful arithmetic and angle work.
Spec3.03a Force: vector nature and diagrams3.03p Resultant forces: using vectors

Forces of magnitude \(4\) N, \(5\) N and \(8\) N act on a particle in directions whose bearings are \(000°\), \(090°\) and \(210°\) respectively. Find the magnitude of the resultant force and the bearing of the direction in which it acts. [7 marks] \includegraphics{figure_2}

AnswerMarks Guidance
Net force south = \(8 \cos 30° - 4 = 2.928\), net force east = \(5 - 4 = 1\)M1 A1 A1
Res. = \(\sqrt{2.928^2 + 1^2} = 3.09\) N; bearing = \(90° + \tan^{-1}(2.928) = 161°\)M1 A1 M1 A1 7 marks
Net force south = $8 \cos 30° - 4 = 2.928$, net force east = $5 - 4 = 1$ | M1 A1 A1 |
Res. = $\sqrt{2.928^2 + 1^2} = 3.09$ N; bearing = $90° + \tan^{-1}(2.928) = 161°$ | M1 A1 M1 A1 | 7 marks |
Forces of magnitude $4$ N, $5$ N and $8$ N act on a particle in directions whose bearings are $000°$, $090°$ and $210°$ respectively. Find the magnitude of the resultant force and the bearing of the direction in which it acts. [7 marks]

\includegraphics{figure_2}

\hfill \mbox{\textit{Edexcel M1  Q2 [7]}}