A-LevelMathematicsMechanics9709/42 · Oct/Nov 2017 · Q26 Marks

A block of mass 15 kg hangs in equilibrium below a horizontal ceiling attached to two strings as shown in the diagram. One of the strings is inclined at 45° to the horizontal and the tension in this string is 120 N. The other string is inclined at θ° to the horizontal and the tension in this string is T N. Find the values of T and θ. [Figure X.X]

This question uses a diagram from the original paper, which isn't shown here. Open the full paper from the past papers archive to see it.

Mark scheme

Marking points from the official mark scheme (Oct/Nov 2017). The mark or mark type is shown in brackets.

[M1] Attempt to resolve (either direction with correct number of terms and dimensionally correct)
[A1] T sin θ + 120 sin 45 = 15g Resolving vertically
[A1] T cos θ = 120 cos 45 Resolving horizontally
[M1] For using division to find θ or for using Pythagoras to find T [tan θ = (15g - 120 sin 45) / (120 cos 45) or T = √(65.15² + 84.85²)]
[A1] θ = 37.5
[A1] T = 107

On Oracle Prep you can write or photograph your own answer and have it marked by AI against this mark scheme, with feedback on what you missed.

Topic: Mechanics, A-Level Mathematics (syllabus 9709). Structured question, 6 marks.
Source: A-Level Mathematics, Oct/Nov 2017 Paper 4 Variant 2, question 2.

Questions and mark schemes are from past examination papers and remain the copyright of the exam board. How Oracle Prep builds its content