Skip to main content
A-LevelPhysicsDynamicsMay/June 2021Paper 1 Q101 Mark

A nitrogen molecule P travelling at a speed of 320 m s⁻¹ in a vacuum collides with a stationary nitrogen molecule Q. After the collision, P travels at a velocity of 180 m s⁻¹ at an angle of 55° to its original path. Q travels in a direction at an angle of 34° to the initial path of P. [Figure 10.1] Assume that there are no external forces acting on the molecules. What is the magnitude v of the velocity of Q after the collision?

A120 m s⁻¹
B140 m s⁻¹
C180 m s⁻¹
D260 m s⁻¹

✓ Correct Answer

The correct answer is D: 260 m s⁻¹

📋 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

Sign up for free to reveal the full examiner report, trap analysis, and mark scheme breakdown for this question.

Sign Up Free to Unlock →

Join thousands of Cambridge students already using Oracle Prep

About This A-Level Physics Question

Topic

This multiple-choice question tests Dynamics in A-Level Physics (syllabus code 9702). It is worth 1 mark.

Source

This question appeared in the Cambridge A-Level Physics May/June 2021 examination, Paper 1 Variant 2.

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.

Related Physics Questions

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