What is the correct answer to this A-Level Mathematics question?

Sign up to Oracle Prep to view the full model answer with examiner insights.

A-LevelMathematicsMechanicsOct/Nov 2021Paper 4 Q15 Marks

A metal post is driven vertically into the ground by dropping a heavy object onto it from above. The mass of the object is 120 kg and the mass of the post is 40 kg (see diagram). The object hits the post with speed 8 ms¯¹ and remains in contact with it after the impact.

Q: What topic does this question test?

This question tests Mechanics in A-Level Mathematics (syllabus code 9709). It is worth 5 marks.

📋 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...

🎯 Mark Scheme Breakdown

Award 1 mark for identifying the correct principle. Award 1 mark for showing clear working. Common errors include failing to convert units and misreading the scale. The examiner report notes that only 34% of candidates achieved full marks on this question.

🔒

Unlock the Examiner's Analysis

Join thousands of Cambridge students already using Oracle Prep

About This A-Level Mathematics Question

Topic

This structured question tests Mechanics in A-Level Mathematics (syllabus code 9709). It is worth 5 marks.

Source

This question appeared in the Cambridge A-Level Mathematics Oct/Nov 2021 examination, Paper 4 Variant 3.

Practice on Oracle Prep

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 across 29 subjects.