O Level Physics 5054 · Motion, forces and energy · 1.5

Forces continued: past paper questions

5 real questionsasked in 1 of the last 10 exam series2020–2022usually: Describe, Calculate

Real questions on forces continued

The newest 5 of 5 written questions. Open one to see it on the real paper.

5054/21 · October/November 2022 · Q1a[3]
Describe an experimental procedure for obtaining the results needed to plot an extension–load graph for this spring.
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5054/21 · October/November 2022 · Q1b(i)[2]
On Fig. 1.2, sketch the extension–load graph for this spring. extension 0 0 load Fig. 1.2
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5054/21 · October/November 2022 · Q1b(ii)[1]
On your graph in Fig. 1.2, mark and label with a P the limit of proportionality.
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5054/21 · October/November 2022 · Q1c[2]
The limit of proportionality for this spring occurs at a load of 8.5 N. The extension of the spring is equal to 0.014 m when the load is equal to 3.5 N. Calculate the extension for a load of 5.5 N. extension =
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5054/22 · October/November 2020 · Q4a[3]
Describe, in terms of molecules, the structure of a solid.
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What examiners said

The experimental procedure for obtaining results to plot an extension-load graph for a spring was not well known. Most accounts stated that the extension was measured without giving any details details of how this could be done. Many candidates did not state that the extension must be measured for a number of different loads so that a graph of extension against load could be plotted.
— Examiner report, October/November 2022, 5054/21 Q1(a) (Cambridge)

Candidates were required to sketch a load-extension graph for a spring stretched beyond its limit of proportionality. Most candidates drew an initial straight line of positive gradient from the origin on the axes provided. Few continued their sketch to show a curve of increasing gradient, which never becomes vertical, at the end of the linear portion. Most of the graphs which displayed a non-linea...
— Examiner report, October/November 2022, 5054/21 Q1(b)(i) (Cambridge)

The concept of limit of proportionality was well known with most candidates marking with the letter P the point where the gradient of the graph started to change.
— Examiner report, October/November 2022, 5054/21 Q1(b)(ii) (Cambridge)

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In the syllabus

1.5 Forces continued

Describe friction as a force that may impede motion and produce heating
Understand the motion of objects acted on by a constant weight or driving force, with and without drag (including air resistance or resistance in a liquid)
Explain how an object reaches terminal velocity
Define the thinking distance, braking distance and stopping distance of a moving vehicle
Explain the factors that affect thinking and braking distance including speed, tiredness, alcohol, drugs, load, tyre surface and road conditions Know that forces may produce a change in size and shape of an object Define the spring constant as force per unit extension; recall and use the equation force spring constant = extension F k= x Sketch, plot and interpret load–extension graphs for an elastic solid and describe the associated experimental procedures Define and use the term ‘limit of proportionality’ for a load–extension graph and identify this point on the graph (an understanding of the elastic limit is not required) Describe, qualitatively, motion in a circular path due to a force perpendicular to the motion as: (a) speed increases if force increases, with mass and radius constant (b) radius decreases if force increases, with mass and speed constant (c) an increased mass requires an increased force to keep speed and radius constant mv2 (F = is not required) r Describe the moment of a force as a measure of its turning effect and give everyday examples Define the moment of a force as moment = force × perpendicular distance from the pivot; recall and use this equation State and use the principle of moments for an object in equilibrium Describe an experiment to verify the principle of moments State what is meant by centre of gravity Describe how to determine the position of the centre of gravity of a plane lamina using a plumb line Describe, qualitatively, the effect of the position of the centre of gravity on the stability of simple objects

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