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A-LevelMathematicsMechanics9709/42 · Feb/Mar 2023 · Q35 Marks

A particle moves in a straight line starting from rest from a point O. The acceleration of the particle at time t s after leaving O is a m s⁻², where a = 4t^(1/2).

  1. (a)Find the speed of the particle when t = 9.[2]
  2. (b)Find the time after leaving O at which the speed (in metres per second) and the distance travelled (in metres) are numerically equal.[3]

Mark scheme

Marking points from the official mark scheme (Feb/Mar 2023). The mark or mark type is shown in brackets.

  1. [M1] Attempt to integrate v = ∫a dt. Increasing power by 1 and a change in coefficient in at least one term; may be unsimplified.
  2. [A1] Substitute t=9 to get speed = 72ms⁻¹ Or use limits t = 0 and t=9.
  3. [*M1] Attempt at integration of their v. Increasing power by 1 and a change in coefficient in at least one term; may be unsimplified. Their v, which has come from integration in part (a).
  4. [DM1] Equate their v and their s and attempt to solve for t. Their v must have come from integration. Allow if their c from (a) is not 0.
  5. [A1] time = 5/2 s Must discard t=0 and t = -5/2

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About this question

Topic
Mechanics, A-Level Mathematics (syllabus 9709). Structured question, 5 marks.
Source
A-Level Mathematics, Feb/Mar 2023 Paper 4 Variant 2, question 3.

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