Free Dynamics questions for AS Level Physics (9702), part of Mechanics & materials. Each question has the answer and the marking points an examiner would look for.
A book rests on a table on the Earth. 1 The normal contact force on the book is equal to its weight because of Newton’s third law. 2 The forces in a Newton’s third law pair are always of the same type. 3 The pull of the Earth on the book and the pull of the book on the Earth are a Newton’s third law pair. Which statements are correct?
A 1, 2 and 3
B 2 and 3 only
C 2 only
D 3 only
Show answer
Answer: B
Question 2Multiple choice · 1 mark
A force of 50 N acts on a body for 0.20 s. What is the impulse?
A 0.0040 N s
B 10 N s
C 50 N s
D 250 N s
Show answer
Answer: B
Question 3Multiple choice · 1 mark
Which term is described by this statement? “The resultant force is proportional to the rate of change of momentum.”
A principle of conservation of momentum
B gravitational field strength
C first law of thermodynamics
D Newton’s second law
Show answer
Answer: D
Question 4Structured · 8 marksA* challenge
Trolley A of mass 0.3 kg moves at 5.0 m s−1 towards stationary trolley B of mass 0.6 kg on a frictionless track. After the collision A rebounds at 0.5 m s−1.
(a)
State the principle of conservation of momentum.
[2]
(b)
Calculate the velocity of B after the collision.
[2]
(c)
Determine, using relative speeds, whether the collision is elastic.
[2]
(d)
The collision lasts 0.05 s. Calculate the average force exerted on A, and state its direction.
[2]
Show answers and mark scheme
Part
Answer and marking points
Marks
(a)
total momentum of a system remains constant provided no resultant external force acts
sum of momenta constant / momentum before = after B1 for a closed system / no resultant external force B1
2
(b)
2.75 m s−1
0.3 × 5 = 0.3 × (−0.5) + 0.6v C1 2.75 A1
2
(c)
speed of approach 5 m s−1; speed of separation 3.25 m s−1; not equal, so inelastic
both relative speeds calculated M1 inelastic A1
2
(d)
33 N opposite to A’s original motion
Δp = 0.3 × 5.5 C1 33 N, direction opposite to initial velocity A1
2
Question 5Structured · 11 marks
A sphere A of mass 0.40 kg moving at 3.0 m s−1 collides head-on with a stationary sphere B of mass 0.30 kg. After the collision B moves at 3.43 m s−1.
(a)
State the principle of conservation of momentum.
[2]
(b)
Calculate the velocity of A after the collision, stating its direction.
[3]
(c)
Use relative speeds to show that the collision is elastic.
[2]
(d)
The collision lasts 0.050 s. Calculate the average force exerted by A on B.
[2]
(e)
State Newton’s third law and use it to state the average force exerted by B on A.
[2]
Show answers and mark scheme
Part
Answer and marking points
Marks
(a)
total momentum of a system constant if no resultant external force
the total momentum of a system remains constant B1 provided no resultant external force acts on the system B1
2
(b)
0.429 m s−1 in the original direction
0.40 × 3.0 = 0.40v + 0.30 × 3.43 C1 v = 0.429 m s−1A1 direction stated A1
3
(c)
relative speed of approach = relative speed of separation
speed of approach = 3.0 m s−1C1 speed of separation = 3.00 m s−1, equal so elastic A1
2
(d)
20.6 N
F = Δp/Δt = 0.30 × 3.43/0.050 C1 20.6 N A1
2
(e)
equal and opposite forces on different bodies; same magnitude opposite direction
if body A exerts a force on body B, B exerts an equal and opposite force on A B1 20.6 N in the opposite direction B1
2
Question 6Structured · 4 marks
A ball falls vertically through air and reaches terminal velocity.
(a)
Describe and explain how the acceleration of the ball changes.
[3]
(b)
State the condition for an object to be in equilibrium.
[1]
Show answers and mark scheme
Part
Answer and marking points
Marks
(a)
decreases from g to zero as drag increases
initially acceleration is g B1 drag increases with speed so resultant force decreases B1 acceleration decreases to zero at terminal velocity B1
Riyaz Shaikh has mentored IGCSE, IB and A Level students for 15+ years, one-on-one, online and in Mumbai. The hardest questions on this site are the ones he uses to find a student's weak points.
Original Cambridge-style practice questions written for mentorriyaz.in. These are not Cambridge past paper questions, and this site is not affiliated with or endorsed by Cambridge University Press & Assessment. Updated 2026-11-04. Paper generator · mentorriyaz.in