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A-LevelPhysicsForces, density and pressureFeb/Mar 2024Paper 1 Q131 Mark

A rod is pivoted at one end. Initially the angle θ of the rod to the horizontal is 0°. The weight of the rod causes a moment M about the pivot. The rod is then rotated in the vertical plane so that the angle θ of the rod increases from 0° to 180°. Which graph shows the variation of M with θ?

A[Graph A showing M constant from 0 to 180°]
B[Graph B showing M decreasing then increasing, reaching 0 at 90°]
C[Graph C showing M decreasing linearly from a max to 0 at 90°, then staying 0]
D[Graph D showing M decreasing from a max to 0 at 90°, then increasing back up as a curve]

✓ Correct Answer

The correct answer is D: [Graph D showing M decreasing from a max to 0 at 90°, then increasing back up as a curve]

📋 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 Feb/Mar 2024 examination, Paper 1 Variant 2.

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