Deformation of solids: past paper questions
Real questions on deformation of solids
The newest 20 of 156 written questions, plus 120 multiple-choice. Open one to see it on the real paper.
- 9702/21 · October/November 2025 · Q3a[1]
Define the Young modulus of a material.
See it on the paper → - 9702/21 · October/November 2025 · Q3b(i)[1]
State an expression, in terms of some or all of L, A, E and ρ, for the resistance R 0 of the wire. R 0 = (b) (i)
See it on the paper → - 9702/21 · October/November 2025 · Q3b(ii)[2]
Show that the spring constant k 0 of the wire is given by k 0 = EA . L (ii)
See it on the paper → - 9702/21 · October/November 2025 · Q3c(i)[1]
On Fig. 3.1, sketch the variation with F of the resistance R of the wire. R R 0 0 0 F
See it on the paper → - 9702/21 · October/November 2025 · Q3c(ii)[1]
On Fig. 3.2, sketch the variation with F of the spring constant k of the wire. k k 0 0 0 F
See it on the paper → - 9702/21 · October/November 2025 · Q3d(i)[1]
Show that the length of the wire is 3.8 m.
See it on the paper → - 9702/21 · October/November 2025 · Q3d(ii)[2]
Use the equation in (b)(ii) to determine the spring constant of the wire. spring constant = N m –1
See it on the paper → - 9702/22 · October/November 2025 · Q3b(ii)[2]
Calculate the extension of the spring. extension = m
See it on the paper → - 9702/22 · October/November 2025 · Q3c(i)[2]
Determine the extension of the springs. extension = m
See it on the paper → - 9702/22 · October/November 2025 · Q3c(ii)[2]
The elastic potential energy stored in the spring in Fig. 3.1 is E 1 . The total elastic potential energy stored in the two springs in Fig. 3.3 is E 2 . Calculate the ratio E 1 . E 2 ratio =
See it on the paper → - 9702/23 · October/November 2025 · Q3a[1]
Define the Young modulus of a material.
See it on the paper → - 9702/23 · October/November 2025 · Q3b(ii)[2]
Show that the spring constant k 0 of the wire is given by k 0 = EA . L (ii)
See it on the paper → - 9702/23 · October/November 2025 · Q3c(ii)[1]
On Fig. 3.2, sketch the variation with F of the spring constant k of the wire. k k 0 0 0 F
See it on the paper → - 9702/23 · October/November 2025 · Q3d(i)[1]
Show that the length of the wire is 3.8 m.
See it on the paper → - 9702/23 · October/November 2025 · Q3d(ii)[2]
Use the equation in (b)(ii) to determine the spring constant of the wire. spring constant = N m –1
See it on the paper → - 9702/21 · May/June 2025 · Q2c(i)[3]
Calculate the spring constant of the spring. (i) spring constant = N m –1
See it on the paper → - 9702/21 · May/June 2025 · Q2c(ii)[2]
Calculate the elastic potential energy of the spring. elastic potential energy = J
See it on the paper → - 9702/22 · May/June 2025 · Q5a[1]
Define the Young modulus.
See it on the paper → - 9702/22 · May/June 2025 · Q5b(i)[3]
Determine the cross-sectional area of the wire. area = m 2
See it on the paper → - 9702/22 · May/June 2025 · Q5b(ii)[3]
The extension of the wire is initially 2.0 × 10 –3 m. Determine the work done to increase the extension of the wire to 3.0 × 10 –3 m. work done = J
See it on the paper →
What examiners said
The majority of candidates gave a correct equation for density, although candidates sometimes used ‘d’ instead of ‘’ for density. There was a significant number of candidates that made errors converting the mass in grams into kilograms and the length from centimetres into metres.
— Examiner report, February/March 2025, 9702/22 Q1(b)(i) (Cambridge)
The stronger candidates were able to obtain the correct percentage uncertainty. There were many that did not recognise the need to multiply the percentage uncertainty in the volume by three. Some candidates incorrectly multiplied the percentage uncertainty in mass by three. The weakest candidates gave an incorrect method, such as treating the absolute uncertainties as percentage uncertainties.
— Examiner report, February/March 2025, 9702/22 Q1(b)(ii) (Cambridge)
This was a challenging question. The strongest candidates were able to describe how the uncertainties in the values of density allowed for an overlap between the two ranges, and hence that the cubes could be made from the same material. Successful candidates typically found the range of densities for one cube, and demonstrated that the given value of density for the other cube fell within this ra...
— Examiner report, February/March 2025, 9702/22 Q1(b)(iii) (Cambridge)
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