AQA AS Paper 1 Specimen — Question 17 9 marks

Exam BoardAQA
ModuleAS Paper 1 (AS Paper 1)
SessionSpecimen
Marks9
PaperDownload PDF ↗
Mark schemeDownload PDF ↗
TopicPulley systems
TypeHorizontal road towing
DifficultyModerate -0.3 This is a standard AS-level mechanics problem involving connected particles and Newton's second law. While it requires multiple steps (drawing force diagrams, applying F=ma to a system, finding tension), all techniques are routine textbook applications with no novel insight needed. The 'show that' in part (b) provides the answer to check against, reducing difficulty. Slightly easier than average due to straightforward setup and guided structure.
Spec3.03a Force: vector nature and diagrams3.03c Newton's second law: F=ma one dimension3.03k Connected particles: pulleys and equilibrium
In this question use \(g = 9.8\) m s⁻². A van of mass 1300 kg and a crate of mass 300 kg are connected by a light inextensible rope. The rope passes over a light smooth pulley, as shown in the diagram. The rope between the pulley and the van is horizontal. \includegraphics{figure_17} Initially, the van is at rest and the crate rests on the lower level. The rope is taut. The van moves away from the pulley to lift the crate from the lower level. The van's engine produces a constant driving force of 5000 N. A constant resistance force of magnitude 780 N acts on the van. Assume there is no resistance force acting on the crate.
    1. Draw a diagram to show the forces acting on the crate while it is being lifted. [1 mark]
    2. Draw a diagram to show the forces acting on the van while the crate is being lifted. [1 mark]
  2. Show that the acceleration of the van is 0.80 m s⁻² [4 marks]
  3. Find the tension in the rope. [2 marks]
  4. Suggest how the assumption of a constant resistance force could be refined to produce a better model. [1 mark]
Question 17:
AnswerMarks
17(a)(i)Draws correct force diagram for
crate from information given to use
as a model in this context
Must introduce a variable to
AnswerMarks Guidance
represent the tension in the stringAO3.3 B1
300g
AnswerMarks
(a)(ii)Draws correct force diagram for van
from information given to use as a
model in this context
Must introduce a variable to
AnswerMarks Guidance
represent the tension in the stringAO3.3 B1
T
5000
780
1300g
AnswerMarks Guidance
(b)Applies Newton’s 2nd Law (F = ma)
to the crateAO3.4 M1
For van 5000T 7801300a
(4220T 1300a)
4220300g 1600a
a 128016000.80 m s2 (AG)
Applies Newton’s 2nd Law (F = ma)
to the van
AnswerMarks Guidance
(F = ma ‘round the corner’ scores 0)AO3.4 M1
Solve their simultaneous equationsAO1.1a M1
Finds the value of a correctly AGAO1.1b A1
(c)Uses a = 0.80 in either of their two
equations in (b)AO3.4 M1
= 3180
= 3200 (N) (2 sf)
Finds the correct value for T
(condone omission of units)
AnswerMarks Guidance
Possibly done in (b)AO1.1b A1
(d)Explains that the model could be
refined by including air resistanceAO3.5c E1
Total9
TOTAL80 
Question 17:
--- 17(a)(i) ---
17(a)(i) | Draws correct force diagram for
crate from information given to use
as a model in this context
Must introduce a variable to
represent the tension in the string | AO3.3 | B1 | T
300g
(a)(ii) | Draws correct force diagram for van
from information given to use as a
model in this context
Must introduce a variable to
represent the tension in the string | AO3.3 | B1 | R
T
5000
780
1300g
(b) | Applies Newton’s 2nd Law (F = ma)
to the crate | AO3.4 | M1 | For crate T – 300g = 300a
For van 5000T 7801300a
(4220T 1300a)
4220300g 1600a
a 128016000.80 m s2 (AG)
Applies Newton’s 2nd Law (F = ma)
to the van
(F = ma ‘round the corner’ scores 0) | AO3.4 | M1
Solve their simultaneous equations | AO1.1a | M1
Finds the value of a correctly AG | AO1.1b | A1
(c) | Uses a = 0.80 in either of their two
equations in (b) | AO3.4 | M1 | T = 300 × 0.80 + 300g
= 3180
= 3200 (N) (2 sf)
Finds the correct value for T
(condone omission of units)
Possibly done in (b) | AO1.1b | A1
(d) | Explains that the model could be
refined by including air resistance | AO3.5c | E1 | Resistance will increase with speed
Total | 9
TOTAL | 80
In this question use $g = 9.8$ m s⁻².

A van of mass 1300 kg and a crate of mass 300 kg are connected by a light inextensible rope.

The rope passes over a light smooth pulley, as shown in the diagram.

The rope between the pulley and the van is horizontal.

\includegraphics{figure_17}

Initially, the van is at rest and the crate rests on the lower level. The rope is taut.

The van moves away from the pulley to lift the crate from the lower level.

The van's engine produces a constant driving force of 5000 N.

A constant resistance force of magnitude 780 N acts on the van.

Assume there is no resistance force acting on the crate.

\begin{enumerate}[label=(\alph*)]
\item 
\begin{enumerate}[label=(\roman*)]
\item Draw a diagram to show the forces acting on the crate while it is being lifted. [1 mark]
\item Draw a diagram to show the forces acting on the van while the crate is being lifted. [1 mark]
\end{enumerate}

\item Show that the acceleration of the van is 0.80 m s⁻² [4 marks]

\item Find the tension in the rope. [2 marks]

\item Suggest how the assumption of a constant resistance force could be refined to produce a better model. [1 mark]
\end{enumerate}

\hfill \mbox{\textit{AQA AS Paper 1  Q17 [9]}}
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