A-LevelPhysicsDynamicsOct/Nov 2019Paper 1 Q91 Mark
The space probe Rosetta was designed to investigate a comet. The probe consisted of an orbiter and a lander. The orbiter had a mass of 170 kg and the lander had a mass of 100 kg. When the two parts separated, the lander was pushed towards the surface of the comet so that its change in velocity towards the comet was 3.0 m s⁻¹. [Figure showing an orbiter (mass 170kg) and a lander (mass 100 kg) separating, with lander's velocity change 3.0 m s⁻¹] Assume that the orbiter and lander were an isolated system. The orbiter moved away from the comet during the separation. What was the change in the speed of the orbiter?
A1.8 m s⁻¹
B2.3 m s⁻¹
C3.0 m s⁻¹
D5.1 m s⁻¹
✓ Correct Answer
The correct answer is A: 1.8 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.
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