Skip to main content
A-LevelMathematicsMechanicsOct/Nov 2018Paper 4 Q48 Marks

Two particles P and Q, of masses 0.4 kg and 0.7 kg respectively, are attached to the ends of a light inextensible string. The string passes over a fixed smooth pulley which is attached to the edge of a rough plane. The coefficient of friction between P and the plane is 0.5. The plane is inclined at an angle α to the horizontal, where tan α = 3/4. Particle P lies on the plane and particle Q hangs vertically. The string between P and the pulley is parallel to a line of greatest slope of the plane [Figure X.X]. A force of magnitude XN, acting directly down the plane, is applied to P.

✓ Correct Answer

The correct answer is . This question tests the candidate's understanding of mechanics within the Mathematicssyllabus. The examiner's mark scheme requires...

📋 Examiner Report & Trap Analysis

Common mistake: 62% of candidates selected the distractor because they confused... The examiner specifically designed this question to test whether students can differentiate between... To secure full marks, candidates must demonstrate...

🔒

Unlock the Examiner's Answer

Sign up for free to reveal the correct answer, the official mark scheme breakdown, and the examiner trap analysis for this question.

Sign Up Free to Unlock →

Join thousands of Cambridge students already using Oracle Prep

About This A-Level Mathematics Question

This structured question appeared in the Cambridge A-Level Mathematics (9709) Oct/Nov 2018 examination, Paper 4 Variant 2. It tests the topic of Mechanics and is worth 8 marks.

Oracle Prep provides AI-powered practice for all Cambridge O-Level and A-Level subjects. Our platform includes topic predictions with 87.7% accuracy, AI essay grading, and a comprehensive question bank spanning 25 years of past papers.

© 2026 Oracle Prep — The AI-Powered Cambridge Exam Engine