Edexcel A Level Physics
Edexcel A Level Physics Topic 6: Further Mechanics Exam Questions
Free Edexcel A Level Physics exam questions for Topic 6: Further Mechanics, with a mark scheme for every pack. Covers impulse, conservation of momentum in two dimensions, elastic and inelastic collisions, kinetic energy and momentum, and circular motion.
Topic 6: Further Mechanics exam questions
2 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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About Edexcel A Level Physics Topic 6: Further Mechanics
Topic 6: Further Mechanics in Edexcel A Level Physics extends Topic 2 into impulse and collisions in two dimensions and into circular motion. You use force-time graphs to find impulse, apply conservation of momentum to vector components, decide whether collisions are elastic, and use Ek = p^2/2m. Circular motion introduces radians, angular velocity and centripetal force. Core practicals include investigating conservation of momentum with light gates and using ICT to analyse collisions between small spheres. The topic is assessed in Paper 1: Advanced Physics I and links to particle tracks in Topic 8 and orbits in Topic 12.
What you need to know
- Impulse Impulse FΔt = Δp, equal to the area under a force-time graph. Increasing contact time reduces the force for a given change in momentum.
- Momentum in two dimensions Conserve momentum separately in two perpendicular directions, then combine components to find the final velocity.
- Elastic and inelastic collisions Kinetic energy is conserved in elastic collisions only. Use Ek = p^2/2m to link kinetic energy and momentum.
- Angular quantities Angular displacement in radians, ω = v/r = 2π/T.
- Centripetal force a = v^2/r = rω^2 and F = mv^2/r = mrω^2, directed towards the centre. The resultant force, not an extra force, provides it.
Common mistakes in Topic 6: Further Mechanics
- Adding momentum magnitudes in 2D collisions. Momentum is a vector, so resolve into components.
- Assuming a collision is elastic without checking kinetic energy before and after.
- Saying an object in uniform circular motion is in equilibrium. It has a resultant force towards the centre.
- Using degrees instead of radians for ω.
- Taking impulse as the gradient of a force-time graph. Impulse is the area under it.
Try three Topic 6: Further Mechanics exam-style questions
1. A 0.20 kg ball moving at 3.0 m s^-1 strikes a stationary 0.20 kg ball. Afterwards the first ball moves at 1.5 m s^-1 at 60° to its original direction. Calculate the speed of the second ball. (4 marks)
Show the mark scheme answer
Along original direction: 0.20 × 3.0 = 0.20 × 1.5 cos 60° + 0.20vx so vx = 2.25 m s^-1; perpendicular: 0 = 0.20 × 1.5 sin 60° + 0.20vy so vy = -1.30 m s^-1; v = √(2.25^2 + 1.30^2); v = 2.6 m s^-1.
2. Show whether the collision in the previous question is elastic. (2 marks)
Show the mark scheme answer
KE before = ½ × 0.20 × 3.0^2 = 0.90 J; KE after = ½ × 0.20 × 1.5^2 + ½ × 0.20 × 2.6^2 = 0.225 + 0.675 = 0.90 J, so kinetic energy is conserved and the collision is elastic.
3. Explain why a crumple zone reduces the force on a car's occupants in a collision. (3 marks)
Show the mark scheme answer
The change in momentum of the occupants is fixed; crumple zone increases the time over which the momentum changes; since F = Δp/Δt, the force is reduced.
Topic 6: Further Mechanics FAQs
What does Edexcel A Level Physics Topic 6: Further Mechanics cover?
It covers impulse, conservation of momentum in two dimensions, elastic and inelastic collisions, kinetic energy of non-relativistic particles and circular motion.
Which paper is Topic 6: Further 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.
Which core practicals are linked to Further Mechanics?
Investigating conservation of momentum using light gates, and using ICT (such as video analysis) to analyse collisions between small spheres.
