Motion in a circle: past paper questions
Real questions on motion in a circle
The newest 20 of 64 written questions, plus 2 multiple-choice. Open one to see it on the real paper.
- 9702/41 · October/November 2025 · Q1a[2]
In terms of velocity and acceleration, describe uniform circular motion of an object.
See it on the paper → - 9702/41 · October/November 2025 · Q1b(i)[1]
State an expression, in terms of R and ω, for the speed v of the ball. v =
See it on the paper → - 9702/41 · October/November 2025 · Q1b(ii)[2]
Determine an expression, in terms of v and ω, for the centripetal acceleration of the ball. centripetal acceleration =
See it on the paper → - 9702/41 · October/November 2025 · Q1c(i)[1]
Determine an expression, in terms of R and θ, for the displacement x of the shadow from P. x =
See it on the paper → - 9702/41 · October/November 2025 · Q1c(ii)[1]
The value of θ is zero at time t = 0. State an expression for θ in terms of ω and t. θ =
See it on the paper → - 9702/41 · October/November 2025 · Q1c(iii)[1]
Use your answers in (c)(i) and (c)(ii) to show that x is given by x = R sin ω t.
See it on the paper → - 9702/42 · October/November 2025 · Q1a(ii)[3]
Calculate the speed at which Cambridge moves around the circle. speed = m s –1
See it on the paper → - 9702/42 · October/November 2025 · Q1b(i)[2]
Determine the magnitude of the resultant force that acts to cause the circular motion of the student. resultant force = N
See it on the paper → - 9702/42 · October/November 2025 · Q1b(ii)[1]
On Fig. 1.2, draw an arrow to show the direction of the resultant force that acts on the student. student Cambridge Earth’s surface
See it on the paper → - 9702/43 · October/November 2025 · Q1a[2]
In terms of velocity and acceleration, describe uniform circular motion of an object.
See it on the paper → - 9702/43 · October/November 2025 · Q1b(i)[1]
State an expression, in terms of R and ω, for the speed v of the ball. v =
See it on the paper → - 9702/43 · October/November 2025 · Q1b(ii)[2]
Determine an expression, in terms of v and ω, for the centripetal acceleration of the ball. centripetal acceleration =
See it on the paper → - 9702/43 · May/June 2025 · Q1b(i)[3]
Show that the mass of Mars is 6.4 × 10 23 kg. (i)
See it on the paper → - 9702/43 · May/June 2025 · Q1c(i)[1]
The orbit has a period of 25 hours. State what can be deduced from this about the rotation of Mars on its axis.
See it on the paper → - 9702/43 · May/June 2025 · Q1c(ii)[1]
State one other feature of this orbit.
See it on the paper → - 9702/43 · October/November 2024 · Q1b(i)[2]
By reference to forces, explain why the orbit of the satellite is circular.
See it on the paper → - 9702/43 · October/November 2024 · Q1b(ii)[3]
Use Newton’s law of gravitation to show that h and T are related by (h + B) 3 = GA 2 T 4π 2 where G is the gravitational constant and A and B are constants that depend on the properties of the planet.
See it on the paper → - 9702/42 · February/March 2024 · Q5a[2]
An object travels in a circle at constant speed. State the names of two quantities that vary during the motion of the object.
See it on the paper → - 9702/43 · May/June 2023 · Q2b(i)[1]
Show that the radius r of the circle is 4.9 cm.
See it on the paper → - 9702/43 · May/June 2023 · Q2c(i)[2]
Use the information in (b) to determine the centripetal acceleration of the sphere. centripetal acceleration = m s –2
See it on the paper →
What examiners said
Most candidates were able to use basic trigonometry to show the value of the radius of the circle.
— Examiner report, May/June 2023, 9702/43 Q2(b)(i) (Cambridge)
Many candidates tried to apply the equations of circular motion here. Only the strongest candidates used F = ma and the horizontal component of the tension as F as necessary.
— Examiner report, May/June 2023, 9702/43 Q2(c)(i) (Cambridge)
Candidates were more successful here, with many gaining credit. The use of circular motion equations, which many had unsuccessfully tried in (c)(i), was necessary here.
— Examiner report, May/June 2023, 9702/43 Q2(c)(ii) (Cambridge)
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