Edexcel A Level Physics
Edexcel A Level Physics Topic 2: Mechanics Exam Questions
Free Edexcel A Level Physics exam questions for Topic 2: Mechanics, with a mark scheme for every pack. Covers kinematic equations, projectiles, Newton's laws, momentum, work, energy, power, efficiency and moments.
Topic 2: Mechanics exam questions
4 question packs of real past exam questions, each with its mark scheme. Do not stop after a few: answer as many as you can without notes, then mark every answer with the mark scheme. The more questions you do, the more quickly you will spot how examiners ask about each idea.
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A-Level Physics Flashcards for 2027 Onwards
Every answer is written in mark scheme wording, so you learn exactly what examiners give marks for. Then test yourself with the questions on this page.
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About Edexcel A Level Physics Topic 2: Mechanics
Topic 2: Mechanics in Edexcel A Level Physics brings together motion and kinematic quantities, Newton's laws and momentum, work, energy and power, and moments. You resolve vectors, use the equations of motion for uniform acceleration, analyse projectiles, apply conservation of linear momentum in one dimension and use energy conservation and efficiency. The core practical to determine the acceleration of a freely falling object belongs here. This topic is the base for Topic 6: Further Mechanics and appears in Paper 1: Advanced Physics I. Examiners like multi-step problems mixing projectiles, energy and free-body force diagrams.
What you need to know
- Motion and kinematic quantities Use s = ut + ½at^2, v = u + at, v^2 = u^2 + 2as and s = (u + v)t/2. Gradient of a displacement-time graph is velocity; gradient of a velocity-time graph is acceleration and the area under it is displacement.
- Vectors and projectiles Resolve vectors into perpendicular components. Horizontal and vertical motion of a projectile are independent; horizontal velocity is constant without air resistance.
- Newton's laws ΣF = ma; Newton's third law pairs act on different bodies. Draw free-body force diagrams showing all forces on one object.
- Momentum p = mv. In a closed system, linear momentum is conserved in one dimension.
- Work, energy and power ΔW = FΔs, ΔEgrav = mgΔh, Ek = ½mv^2, P = E/t = W/t, and efficiency = useful output/total input.
- Moments Moment = Fx, where x is the perpendicular distance from the pivot. For equilibrium, the sum of clockwise moments equals the sum of anticlockwise moments. Centre of gravity is where the weight acts.
Common mistakes in Topic 2: Mechanics
- Using distance travelled rather than displacement in kinematic equations. Choose a positive direction.
- Including forces acting on other bodies in a free-body diagram.
- Forgetting the horizontal component of a projectile's velocity at the top of its path.
- Using the length along a beam instead of the perpendicular distance from the pivot.
- Assuming kinetic energy is conserved whenever momentum is conserved.
Try three Topic 2: Mechanics exam-style questions
1. A ball is kicked from level ground at 20 m s^-1 at 30° above the horizontal. Calculate its time of flight and horizontal range, ignoring air resistance. (4 marks)
Show the mark scheme answer
Vertical component = 20 sin 30° = 10 m s^-1; time of flight = 2 × 10/9.81 = 2.04 s; horizontal component = 20 cos 30° = 17.3 m s^-1; range = 17.3 × 2.04 = 35 m.
2. A crane lifts a 500 kg load vertically at a constant 0.40 m s^-1. Calculate the useful power output. (2 marks)
Show the mark scheme answer
Force = mg = 500 × 9.81 = 4905 N; P = Fv = 4905 × 0.40 = 2.0 × 10^3 W.
3. Describe how you would determine the acceleration of free fall using a falling object. (4 marks)
Show the mark scheme answer
Release an object from rest through a light gate or with an electromagnet and timer; measure the drop height h with a metre rule and the fall time t; repeat for a range of heights and average times; plot h against t^2 and g = 2 × gradient.
Topic 2: Mechanics FAQs
What does Edexcel A Level Physics Topic 2: Mechanics cover?
It covers kinematic quantities and equations, projectiles, Newton's laws, momentum, work, energy, power, efficiency and moments.
Which paper is Topic 2: Mechanics examined in?
It is assessed in Paper 1: Advanced Physics I, and like every topic it can also appear in Paper 3: General and Practical Principles in Physics.
What is the core practical in Mechanics?
The Mechanics core practical is determining the acceleration of a freely falling object, usually with light gates or an electromagnet and timer.
