Skip to main content
A-LevelPhysicsKinematicsMay/June 2018Paper 1 Q61 Mark

A projectile is launched at an angle to the horizontal at time t = 0. It travels over horizontal ground, as shown. [Diagram] Assume that air resistance is negligible. Which graph best shows the variation with t of the speed of the projectile from when it is launched to when it lands on the ground?

AGraph of speed vs time showing a constant speed.
BGraph of speed vs time showing speed decreasing linearly then increasing linearly (V-shape).
CGraph of speed vs time showing speed decreasing then increasing in a U-shape curve.
DGraph of speed vs time showing speed decreasing linearly then increasing linearly (V-shape).

✓ Correct Answer

The correct answer is C: Graph of speed vs time showing speed decreasing then increasing in a U-shape 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.

🔒

Unlock the Examiner's Analysis

Sign up for free to reveal the full examiner report, trap analysis, and mark scheme breakdown for this question.

Sign Up Free to Unlock →

Join thousands of Cambridge students already using Oracle Prep

About This A-Level Physics Question

Topic

This multiple-choice question tests Kinematics in A-Level Physics (syllabus code 9702). It is worth 1 mark.

Source

This question appeared in the Cambridge A-Level Physics May/June 2018 examination, Paper 1 Variant 2.

Practice on Oracle Prep

Oracle Prep provides AI-powered practice for all Cambridge O-Level and A-Level subjects. Our platform includes topic predictions with 87.7% accuracy, AI essay grading, and a comprehensive question bank spanning 25 years of past papers across 29 subjects.

Related Physics Questions

© 2026 Oracle Prep — The AI-Powered Cambridge Exam Engine