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A-LevelPhysicsDynamicsMay/June 2016Paper 1 Q101 Mark

A sphere falls from rest through the air. The graph shows the variation with time of the sphere's velocity. [Figure 10.1] Which diagram shows the forces acting on the sphere when it is at the velocity corresponding to point P on the graph?

Adiagram showing a sphere with air resistance pointing downwards and weight pointing downwards.
Bdiagram showing a sphere with air resistance pointing upwards and weight pointing downwards, with the weight vector longer than the air resistance vector.
Cdiagram showing a sphere with air resistance pointing upwards and weight pointing downwards, with the weight vector equal in length to the air resistance vector.
Ddiagram showing a sphere with air resistance pointing upwards and weight pointing upwards.

✓ Correct Answer

The correct answer is C: diagram showing a sphere with air resistance pointing upwards and weight pointing downwards, with the weight vector equal in length to the air resistance vector.

📋 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 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 2016 examination, Paper 1 Variant 2.

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