Mathematics 9709/43 October/November 2023: question paper and mark scheme
Cambridge AS & A Level Mathematics (9709), Paper 4 Mechanics, October/November 2023. Read both free below, or download them. Done the paper? Get it marked by AI against this mark scheme.
A particle is projected vertically upwards from horizontal ground with a speed of u m s−1 . The particle has height s m above the ground at times 3 seconds and 4 seconds after projection.
Find the value of u and the value of s. [3]
Mark scheme
1 Use of suvat to find expressions for s M1
𝑠 = 3𝑢 − 5 × 9 A1
𝑠 = 4𝑢 − 5 × 16
𝑢 = 35, 𝑠 = 60 A1
Alternative method for Question 1:
Use of suvat to find expressions for u at max height M1
0 = 𝑢 − 10 × 3.5 A1
𝑢 = 35, 𝑠 = 60 A1
3
1.2 kg
0.004 kg
A machine for driving a nail into a block of wood causes a hammerhead to drop vertically onto the top of a nail. The mass of the hammerhead is 1.2 kg and the mass of the nail is 0.004 kg (see diagram).
The hammerhead hits the nail with speed v m s−1 and remains in contact with the nail after the impact.
The combined hammerhead and nail move immediately after the impact with speed 40 m s−1 .
(a) Calculate v, giving your answer as an exact fraction. [2]
(b) The nail is driven 4 cm into the wood.
Find the constant force resisting the motion. [3]
Mark scheme
2(a) Attempt at conservation of momentum M1
[1.2𝑣 = (1.2 + 0.004) × 40]
602 A1 oe
𝑣 = 15
2
2(b) 02 = ( 40) + 2 × 0.04 × a
2
[a = −20000] M1 Use of a ‘suvat’ method to get an equation in a. Allow
sign errors. Allow ±20000 .
0 + 40
or 0.04 = t gets t = 0.002, so 0 = 40 + 0.002a [ a = −20000] Do not allow 4 in place of 0.04.
2
602
Allow use of 40.1 or for velocity in place of 40.
15
Attempt to use Newton’s Second Law vertically. M1 Must have the correct number of relevant terms. Allow
R + (1.2 + 0.004) g = (1.2 + 0.004) × a
− sign errors, but terms including masses must be
effectively added. Do not allow any mass other than (1.2
[ − R + 12.04 = 1.204a ] + 0.004).
602301 A1 WWW.
R = 24 100 N [24 092.04 = ]
25 Note: use of wrong sign for g leads to answers 24 067.96
which gets max M1M1A0.
Note: Missing weight term gets 24 080 which gets Max
M1M0A0.
3
2(b) Alternative method for Question 2(b) using energy
[Change in PE =] 1.204 g × 0.04 [ = 0.4816] B1 602
Allow use of 40.1 or for velocity in place of 40.
1 15
× 1.204 × ( 40 ) [ = 963.2]
2
or [change in KE =] B0 for kinetic energy, if extra kinetic energy terms
2
present.
1 M1 Attempt at work energy equation. Must have correct
1.204 g × 0.04 + ×1.204 × ( 40 ) = 0.04R
2
2 number of relevant terms. dimensionally correct; allow
sign errors.
Do not allow 4 in place of 0.04.
602
Allow use of 40.1 or for velocity in place of 40.
15
602301 A1 WWW
R = 24 100 N [24 092.04 = ]
25 Note: use of wrong sign for g leads to answers 24 067.96
which gets max B1M1A0.
Note: Missing potential energy term gets 24 080, which
gets maximum of B1M0A0.
A block of mass 8 kg slides down a rough plane inclined at 30Å to the horizontal, starting from rest.
The coefficient of friction between the block and the plane is -. The block accelerates uniformly down the plane at 2.4 m s−2 .
(a) Draw a diagram showing the forces acting on the block. [1]
(b) Find the value of -. [4]
(c) Find the speed of the block after it has moved 3 m down the plane. [1]
Mark scheme
3(a) Correct force diagram with 3 forces in the correct directions. B1 No labels required on the 3 forces and ignore wrong
labels.
Arrows needed.
Allow either or both components of weight if fully
labelled. Allow sin/cos mix.
If forces are not connected to the block, then the line of
action of each force must go through the block.
1
3(b) R = 8g cos30 = 40 3 = 69.282 B1 Resolving perpendicular to the plane.
Resolving parallel to the plane and attempt to apply Newton’s second law. M1* 3 terms. Allow sign errors, sin/cos mix. Allow g
[8 g sin 30 − F = 8 × 2.4 F = 20.8] missing, otherwise dimensionally correct.
Use of F = μ R to get an equation in μ only. DM1 Allow g missing in either or both of F and R.
Allow sign errors, consistent sin/cos mix.
8 g sin 30 − 8 g μ cos30 = 8 × 2.4 40 − 40 3μ = 19.2 R must be a single component of a force.
Allow the 3 masses to be cancelled.
20.8 20.8 A1
μ = 0.3[ 0] May first see or
13 3 104 3
69.282
Allow exact value or oe.
40 3 75 600
4
3(c) 6 10 B1 3.79473… (3.8 without a more accurate value seen gets
[ v 2 = 2 × 2.4 × 3 greatest speed =] 3.79 ms–1 = B0 and should be annotated SF).
5
1
A car has mass 1600 kg.
(a) The car is moving along a straight horizontal road at a constant speed of 24 m s−1 and is subject to a constant resistance of magnitude 480 N.
Find, in kW, the rate at which the engine of the car is working. [2]
The car now moves down a hill inclined at an angle of 1 to the horizontal, where sin 1 = 0.09. The engine of the car is working at a constant rate of 12 kW. The speed of the car is 24 m s−1 at the top of the hill. Ten seconds later the car has travelled 280 m down the hill and has speed 32 m s−1 .
(b) Given that the resistance is not constant, use an energy method to find the total work done against the resistance during the ten seconds. [5]
Mark scheme
4(a) P M1 P
P = 480 × 24 or, e.g. − 480 = 0 For − F = 0 or P = Fv oe.
24 v
P = 11.52 [kW] A1 Allow 11.5 M1A0 for 11 520 or 11 500.
2
4(b) 1 B1 For either correct.
KEbefore = × 1600 × 242 [ = 460800]
2 1
Do not allow ×1600 × ( 32 − 24 ) .
2
1 2
KE after = × 1600 × 322 [ = 819200]
2
[ PEloss ] = 1600 g × 280 × 0.09 [ = 1600 g × 25.2 = 403200] B1 Allow 1600 g × 280 × sin 5.16° or 1600 g × 280 × sin5.2°
but not simply 1600 g × 280 × sin θ (unless implied by
correct final answer).
Total WD = 12000 × 10 [ = 120000] B1 WD
oe, e.g. 12 000 = .
10
4(b) Work done against resistance = or 280F = or WD = or W = oe M1 Attempt at work energy equation with 5 relevant terms
(4 relevant terms plus work done against resistance);
1 1
12000 ×10 + 1600 g × 280 × 0.09 − ×1600 × 322 + ×1200 × 242 dimensionally correct. Allow sign errors.
2 2
M0 for use of constant acceleration.
[ = 120000 + 403200 − 819 200 + 460800 ] 1
Do not allow ×1600 × ( 32 − 24 ) .
2
2
WD = 164 800 [J] A1 Or 164.8 kJ CAO but condone 165 kJ or 165 000 [J]
Not from use of constant acceleration or Newton’s
second law. ISW attempt to find force after correct WD
found.
5
A
1Å
B
PN
80 N
A light string AB is fixed at A and has a particle of weight 80 N attached at B. A horizontal force of magnitude P N is applied at B such that the string makes an angle 1Å to the vertical (see diagram).
(a) It is given that P = 32 and the system is in equilibrium.
Find the tension in the string and the value of 1. [4]
(b) It is given instead that the tension in the string is 120 N and that the particle attached at B still has weight 80 N.
Find the value of P and the value of 1. [4]
Mark scheme
5(a) Attempt to resolve in one direction and form equation. M1 Must have correct number of relevant terms (forces must
have components as required). Allow sin/cos mix. Allow
sign errors. If only one equation shown and it involves
32, it must be 32, not P.
T sinθ = 32 and T cosθ = 80 A1 For both horizontal and vertical, or both parallel and
or perpendicular.
0 = 80sinθ − 32cosθ and T = 80cosθ + 32sinθ
Attempt to solve for T or θ M1 Must get to T or θ ; e.g. T = 322 + 802 or
32 −1 80
θ = tan −1 . Condone, e.g. θ = tan .
80 32
Must come from equations with correct number of
relevant terms.
T = 86.2 [N 86.1626….] or 16 29 or 7424 and θ = 21.8 [21.801…] A1 For both.
4
5(a) Alternative method using triangle of forces
T 2 = 802 + 322 [−2 × 80 × 32cos90] or T sinθ = 32 or T cosθ = 80 M1 For any of the five; allow sign errors.
80tan θ = 32 or T = 80cosθ + 32sin θ oe A1 For any two equations.
Attempt to solve for T or θ M1 Must get to T or θ ; e.g. T = 322 + 802 or
32
θ = tan −1 .
80
T = 86.2 [N 86.1626….] or 16 29 or 7424 and θ = 21.8 [21.801…] A1
Alternative Triangle of forces method using sine rule
T 32 80 M1 For any two.
= =
sin 90 sin (θ ) sin ( 90 − θ )
A1 For all three.
Attempt to solve for T or θ M1 32
e.g. θ = tan −1 .
80
T = 86.2 [N 86.1626….] or 16 29 or 7424 and θ = 21.8 [21.801…] A1 For both.
5(b) Attempt to resolve in one direction and form equation M1 Must have correct number of relevant terms (forces must
have components as required). Allow sin/cos mix. Allow
sign errors. Must use 120, not T.
120sinθ = P and 120cosθ = 80 A1 For both horizontal and vertical, or both parallel and
or 0 = 80sinθ − P cosθ and 120 = 80cosθ + P sinθ perpendicular.
Attempt to solve for P or θ M1 Must get to P or θ ; e.g. P = 1202 − 802 or
80
θ = cos −1 .
120
Must come from equations with correct number of
relevant terms.
P = 89.4 [89.4427] or 40 5 or 8000 θ = 48.2 [48.1896] A1 For both; allow P = 89.5 (from 120sin 48.2 ).
4
Alternative method using triangle of forces
1202 = P2 + 802 [−2 × 80 × P cos90] or 120sinθ = P or 120cosθ = 80 M1 For any of the five; allow sign errors.
or 80 tan θ = P or 120 = 80cosθ + P sin θ oe A1 For any two equations.
Attempt to solve for P or θ M1 Must get to P or θ ; e.g. P = 1202 − 802 or
80
θ = cos −1 , oe.
120
P = 89.4 [89.4427] or 40 5 or 8000 θ = 48.2 [ 48.1896] A1 For both; allow P = 89.5 (from 120sin 48.2) .
5(b) Alternative Triangle of forces method using sine rule
120 P 80 M1 For any two.
= =
sin 90 sin (θ ) sin ( 90 − θ )
A1 For all three.
Attempt to solve for P or θ M1 Must get to P or θ ;
80 −1 80
e.g. θ = 90 − sin −1 or θ = cos .
120 120
P = 89.4 [89.4427] or 40 5 or 8000 θ = 48.2 [48.1896] A1 For both; allow P = 89.5 (from 120sin 48.2) .
A particle moves in a straight line. At time t s, the acceleration, a m s−2 , of the particle is given by a = 36 − 6t. The velocity of the particle is 27 m s−1 when t = 2.
(a) Find the values of t when the particle is at instantaneous rest. [4]
(b) Find the total distance the particle travels during the first 12 seconds. [4]
Mark scheme
6(a) Attempt to integrate a M1* The power of t must increase by 1 with a change of
coefficient in the t 2 term. Do not penalise missing c.
Use of v = at scores M0.
6t 2 A1 Condone an integral sign in front of correct answer.
[v =] 36t − 3t 2 [ +c ] or [v =]36t − [ +c ]
2
0 = 36t − 3t 2 − 33 DM1 Use t = 2 and v = 27 to find c .
Must get to c = and set 3 term quadratic equal to zero.
27 = 36 × 2 − 3 × 22 + c c = −33
Solve 0 = 36t − 3t 2 − 33 to get t = 1 and t = 11 A1 Allow t = 1 or t = 11 ; t = 1, t = 11 oe.
4
6(b) Attempt to integrate an expression of the form at + bt 2 [ +c] with non-zero a M1* The power of t must increase by 1 with a change of
coefficient in the same term. Use of s = vt scores M0.
and b.
36t 2 3t 3
If correct [ s =] − − 33t [ +c '] or [ s =]18t 2 − t 3 − 33t [+c ']
2 3
Attempt to evaluate their 18t 2 − t 3 − 33t for t = 0 to t = 1 or DM1 Attempt using their limits (at least one strictly between 0
and 12) correctly.
t = 1 to t = 11 or t = 11 to t = 12
0 to 1: –16 – 0 = –16 1 to 11: 484 – (–16) = 500 11 to 12: 468 – 484 = –16
For all three DM1 Allow 11 to 12 implied by symmetry instead of found
separately.
Distance = [16 + 500 + 16 ] = 532 m A1
4
B
A 3.3 kg
2.4 kg
1m
1Å
Particles A and B, of masses 2.4 kg and 3.3 kg respectively, are connected by a light inextensible string that passes over a smooth pulley which is fixed to the top of a rough plane. The plane makes an angle of 1Å with horizontal ground. Particle A is on the plane and the section of the string between A and the pulley is parallel to a line of greatest slope of the plane. Particle B hangs vertically below the pulley and is 1 m above the ground (see diagram). The coefficient of friction between the plane and A is -.
(a) It is given that 1 = 30 and the system is in equilibrium with A on the point of moving directly up the plane.
Show that - = 1.01 correct to 3 significant figures. [5]
(b) It is given instead that 1 = 20 and - = 1.01. The system is released from rest with the string taut.
Find the total distance travelled by A before coming to instantaneous rest. You may assume that
A does not reach the pulley and that B remains at rest after it hits the ground. [8]
Additional Page
If you use the following lined page to complete the answer(s) to any question(s), the question number(s) must be clearly shown.
Mark scheme
7(a) Resolving for both particles or for the system to form equation(s) M1* Must have correct number of terms. Allow sign errors.
Allow sin/cos mix. Allow g missing.
M0 if acceleration included unless subsequently equated
to zero. Masses must be appropriate for their equation(s).
Forces must have components (or not) as required.
Either T − F − 2.4 g sin 30 = 0 AND 3.3g − T = 0 A1 Both correct or system correct. May get F = 21.
Can be with a wrong non-zero F.
Or 3.3g − F − 2.4 g sin30 = 0
R = 2.4 g cos30 = 12 3 = 20.7846 B1
Use of F = μ R to get an equation in μ only DM1 Must be from F dimensionally correct and single term R
which is equal to a component the 2.4 kg weight. Allow
[3.3g − 2.4 g μ cos30 − 2.4 g sin 30 = 0] consistent sin/cos mix but must be different components
of weight. F and R must be numerical expressions.
μ = 1.01 [sight of 1.01036… or 1.0104] A1 AG perhaps from one of
3.3g − 24sin30 33 − 12 21 7 3 21
μ= = = = =
2.4 g cos30 12 3 12 3 12 20.7846
21
=
20.8
Do not allow unless evidence of 30 substituted for θ .
E.g.: sight of 1.01036… or 1.0104.
5
7(b) Using Newton’s second law for both particles or the system M1* Must have correct number of terms. Allow sign errors.
Allow sin/cos mix. Allow g missing.
Masses must be appropriate for their equation(s).
Forces must have components (or not) as required.
Either 3.3g − T = 3.3a and T − F − 2.4 g sin 20 = 2.4a A1 Both correct or system equation correct.
[T − 22.778 − 8.208 = 2.4a ] or [T − 30.986 = 2.4a ] Can be with a wrong non-zero F.
or 3.3 g − F − 2.4 g sin 20 = ( 2.4 + 3.3 ) a [ 2.013367 = 5.7a ]
F = 1.01 × 2.4 g cos 20 [ = 22.778] B1 For correct expression for F.
Attempt to solve for a a = 0.353 [0.353222…] DM1 Using their F Must get to ‘a =’. If sin/cos mix must be
consistent.
v 2 = 2 × 0.353 ×1 [= 0.706444…] or [ v = 0.841] A1FT FT their value of a ≠ ± g to get an expression for v 2 or
1 v.
Or 1 = 0 + × 0.353t 2 t = 2.3795 v = 0.353 × 2.38
2 Can be implied by awrt 0.84 for v or awrt 0.71 for v 2 .
This mark does not depend on previous A or B mark, but
both Ms must have been awarded.
Using Newton’s second law on A after B reaches the ground M1* Must have correct number of terms. Allow sign errors.
−F − 2.4 g sin 20 = 2.4a Allow sin/cos mix. Allow g missing.
[ −1.01× 2.4 g cos 20 − 2.4 g sin 20 = 2.4a ] [ a = −12.911]
[ −22.78814− 8.20848 = 2.4a ]
Use of suvat to find s DM1 Using their a ≠ ± g .
0 = their 0.8412 + 2 × their − 12.911× s s = 0.027358. Must get to ‘s =’. May find and use t = 0.0651.
7(b) Total distance = 1.03 m A1
8
Alternative method using energy for first 5 marks
1 B1
[ KE gained =] × ( 2.4 + 3.3 ) v2 = 2.85v2
2
[ PE lost =] 3.3g × 1 − 2.4 g × 1sin 20 [ = 24.791] = B1 Allow omission of 1 in either or both terms.
[Friction =] 1.01× 2.4 g cos 20 [ = 22.778] B1 For correct expression for F.
1 M1 For attempt at energy equation. Allow sign errors, allow
× ( 2.4 + 3.3 ) v2 = 3.3g ×1 − 2.4 g ×1sin 20 − 1.01× 2.4 g cos 20 ×1
2 sin/cos mix but must have sin/cos where needed. Correct
Or 2.85v 2 = 24.791− 22.778 number of terms, dimensionally correct.
Allow omission of 1 in any or all the three relevant
terms. Must have cos 20 and sin 20.
To get a correct expression for v 2 A1 Can be implied by awrt 0.84 for v or awrt 0.71 for v 2 if
v 2 = 0.706444 or v = 0.841 expression not seen.
7(b) Alternative method using energy for final 3 marks
1 M1 Using their v 2 .
KE = × 2.4 × 0.8412
2
1 M1 For attempt at 3 term energy equation and solved to get
1.01× 2.4 g cos 20 × s + 2.4 g sin 20 × s = × 2.4 × 0.8412
2 to ‘s =’. Allow sign errors, allow consistent sin/cos mix
[ s = 0.027358..] but must have sin/cos where needed. Correct number of
terms, dimensionally correct.
Total distance = 1.03 m A1
Checked your answers against these? Let AI mark the whole paper, on your own working.
Examiners follow the generic marking principles at the front of the scheme, then each question's points: method (M), accuracy (A) and independent (B) marks, error carried forward where the scheme allows it, and positive marking, so you're credited for what you got right.
Check your answers against it
Done this paper? Upload your script and CIE Buddy's AI marker marks it question by question against this exact scheme, puts the ticks on your own working and says what each lost mark needed.
Where can I find the 9709/43 October/November 2023 mark scheme?+
On this page, free: the mark scheme for AS & A Level Mathematics 9709/43, October/November 2023 (9709_w23_ms_43), and the question paper (9709_w23_qp_43), to read or download, with each question's marking points written out underneath.
How many marks is 9709/43 out of?+
Mathematics 9709/43 for October/November 2023 is out of 50 marks, with 1 hour 15 minutes to answer it.
Can I get my 9709/43 answers marked?+
Yes. Upload your answers to 9709/43/O/N/23 as a PDF or photos, and CIE Buddy marks every question against this paper's official mark scheme, using Cambridge's marking rules. You get your score, each lost mark explained on your own script, and the topics to revise. It's a guide, not an official Cambridge grade.