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A-LevelMathematicsMechanicsMay/June 2020Paper 4 Q712 Marks

Two particles A and B, of masses 3m kg and 2m 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 plane. The plane is inclined at an angle θ to the horizontal. A lies on the plane and B hangs vertically, 0.8 m above the floor, which is horizontal. The string between A and the pulley is parallel to a line of greatest slope of the plane (see diagram). Initially A and B are at rest.

📋 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.

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About This A-Level Mathematics Question

Topic

This structured question tests Mechanics in A-Level Mathematics (syllabus code 9709). It is worth 12 marks.

Source

This question appeared in the Cambridge A-Level Mathematics May/June 2020 examination, Paper 4 Variant 3.

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