AS Level · Physics 9702 · Mechanics & materials

Dynamics: AS Level Physics questions with answers

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.

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Dynamics practice questions

Question 1Multiple choice · 1 markA* challenge

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?

  1. A 1, 2 and 3
  2. B 2 and 3 only
  3. C 2 only
  4. 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?

  1. A 0.0040 N s
  2. B 10 N s
  3. C 50 N s
  4. 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.”

  1. A principle of conservation of momentum
  2. B gravitational field strength
  3. C first law of thermodynamics
  4. 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
PartAnswer and marking pointsMarks
(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
PartAnswer and marking pointsMarks
(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−1 A1
direction stated A1
3
(c)relative speed of approach = relative speed of separation
speed of approach = 3.0 m s−1 C1
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
PartAnswer and marking pointsMarks
(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
3
(b)resultant force and moment zero
no resultant force and no resultant moment B1
1

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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