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A-LevelPhysicsForces, density and pressureMay/June 2012Paper 1 Q151 Mark

The diagram shows a solid cube with weight W and sides of length L. It is supported by a frictionless spindle that passes through the centres of two opposite vertical faces. One of these faces is shaded. [Figure 15.1] The spindle is now removed and replaced at a distance L/4 to the right of its original position. When viewing the shaded face, what is the torque of the couple that will now be needed to stop the cube from toppling?

AWL/2 anticlockwise
BWL/2 clockwise
CWL/4 anticlockwise
DWL/4 clockwise

✓ Correct Answer

The correct answer is D: WL/4 clockwise

📋 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 May/June 2012 examination, Paper 1 Variant 2.

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