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A-LevelPhysicsForces, density and pressureOct/Nov 2009Paper 1 Q121 Mark

The diagram shows two pulley wheels connected by a belt. [Figure 12.1] Wheel Q is driven by a motor and rotates clockwise at a constant rate. Wheel Q puts tension in the top portion of the belt, which in turn drives the wheel P. The lower portion of the belt is slack and has no tension. The weight of the belt and frictional forces are negligible. The diameter of P is 150 mm. The diameter of Q is 100 mm. The torque applied to Q is 3.0 Nm. What is the tension in the belt and the torque on wheel P?

Atension in top of belt /N: 20, torque on wheel P /Nm: 2.0
Btension in top of belt /N: 30, torque on wheel P /Nm: 4.5
Ctension in top of belt /N: 40, torque on wheel P /Nm: 2.0
Dtension in top of belt /N: 60, torque on wheel P /Nm: 4.5

✓ Correct Answer

The correct answer is D: tension in top of belt /N: 60, torque on wheel P /Nm: 4.5

📋 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 Physics Question

Topic

This multiple-choice question tests Forces, density and pressure in A-Level Physics (syllabus code 9702). It is worth 1 mark.

Source

This question appeared in the Cambridge A-Level Physics Oct/Nov 2009 examination, Paper 1 Variant 2.

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