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A-LevelPhysicsDeformation of solidsMay/June 2019Paper 1 Q221 Mark

The stress-strain graphs for loading and unloading four different materials are shown. Which material exhibits purely elastic behaviour?

A[Graph A shows a loading curve that is initially linear then curves, with a different unloading curve ending at a permanent strain]
B[Graph B shows a linear loading curve that retraces perfectly on unloading, ending at zero strain]
C[Graph C shows a loading curve that is initially linear then curves, with a different unloading curve ending at a larger permanent strain]
D[Graph D shows a linear loading curve that retraces on unloading, but ends at a permanent strain (hysteresis loop)]

✓ Correct Answer

The correct answer is B: [Graph B shows a linear loading curve that retraces perfectly on unloading, ending at zero strain]

📋 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 Deformation of solids in A-Level Physics (syllabus code 9702). It is worth 1 mark.

Source

This question appeared in the Cambridge A-Level Physics May/June 2019 examination, Paper 1 Variant 2.

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