Cambridge A Level Mathematics 9709 — 2025 Oct/Nov Paper 4 · Variant 1

9709/41/O/N/25 · 8 questions · 50 marks · ≈56 min

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Questions as text

Q1 · A car of mass 900 kg is moving along a straight horizontal road against a constant…

1 A car of mass 900 kg is moving along a straight horizontal road against a constant resistance to motion of 350 N. At an instant when the car is moving at 15 ms -1 its acceleration is 0.25 m s -2. (a) Find the driving force of the car’s engine at this instant. [2] ............................................................................................................................................................ ............................................................................................................................................................ ............................................................................................................................................................ ............................................................................................................................................................ ............................................................................................................................................................ ............................................................................................................................................................ ............................................................................................................................................................ ............................................................................................................................................................ ............................................................................................................................................................ (b) Find the power of the car’s engine at this instant. [2] ............................................................................................................................................................ ............................................................................................................................................................ ............................................................................................................................................................ ............................................................................................................................................................ ............................................................................................................................................................ ............................................................................................................................................................ ............................................................................................................................................................ ............................................................................................................................................................ ............................................................................................................................................................ ............................................................................................................................................................ ............................................................................................................................................................ ............................................................................................................................................................ ............................................................................................................................................................ ............................................................................................................................................................ ............................................................................................................................................................ ............................................................................................................................................................

Mark scheme: Question Answer Marks Guidance 1(a) D − 350 = 900  0.25 M1 Attempt at N2L – correct number of terms. Allow sign errors but must be dimensionally correct. D = 575 N A1 2 1(b) P = 575 15 M1 Use of P = D  v with their D from 1(a) and v = 15. P = 8625 W or 8.625 kW A1 Allow 8625 without units, but 8.625 must have kW. 2

More questions on Newton’s laws of motion

Q2 · Two particles, P and Q, of masses 3 kg and 5 kg respectively, are at rest on a smooth…

2 Two particles, P and Q, of masses 3 kg and 5 kg respectively, are at rest on a smooth horizontal plane. P is projected at a speed of 4 m s -1 directly towards Q. After P and Q collide, P has speed 1 m s -1. (a) Find the two possible speeds of Q after the collision. [3] ............................................................................................................................................................ ............................................................................................................................................................ ............................................................................................................................................................ ............................................................................................................................................................ ............................................................................................................................................................ ............................................................................................................................................................ ............................................................................................................................................................ ............................................................................................................................................................ ............................................................................................................................................................ ............................................................................................................................................................ ............................................................................................................................................................ ............................................................................................................................................................ It is given that m J of kinetic energy, where m 2 0 , is lost during the collision. (b) Find the value of m. [2] ............................................................................................................................................................ ............................................................................................................................................................ ............................................................................................................................................................ ............................................................................................................................................................ ............................................................................................................................................................ ............................................................................................................................................................ ............................................................................................................................................................ ............................................................................................................................................................ ............................................................................................................................................................ ............................................................................................................................................................ ............................................................................................................................................................ ............................................................................................................................................................

Mark scheme: 2(a) 3 =4 3 −( 1) + 5 v M1 Attempt at conservation of linear momentum; three non-zero terms – allow sign errors. M1 only if using weight rather than mass. or 3 =4 3 +1 5v v = 3 m s−1 A1 v = 1.8 m s−1 A1 If A0 A0 SC B1 for both −3 and −1.8 . 3 2(b) 1 2 1 2 1 2 M1 Attempt at either the total kinetic energy before or KE = 3 4 ( = 24 ) or KE = 3 1 + 5 1.8 ( = 9.6 ) after the collision. 2 2 2 The total KE (before and after) could be embedded in a calculation for the KE loss. 1 2 1 2 M1 be awarded just on sight of 24, 19.6 or 14.4. or KE = 3 1 + 5 3 ( = 24 ) 2 2 = 14.4 ONLY A1 Allow –14.4. Must have discarded = 0 if mentioned. 2

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Q3 · 45 N 28 N 35° 50° 70° 35 N 72 N Coplanar forces of magnitudes 45 N, 28 N, 72 N and 35 N…

3 45 N 28 N 35° 50° 70° 35 N 72 N Coplanar forces of magnitudes 45 N, 28 N, 72 N and 35 N act at a point in the directions shown in the diagram. Find, in either order, the magnitude and direction of the resultant force. [6] .................................................................................................................................................................... .................................................................................................................................................................... .................................................................................................................................................................... .................................................................................................................................................................... .................................................................................................................................................................... .................................................................................................................................................................... .................................................................................................................................................................... .................................................................................................................................................................... .................................................................................................................................................................... .................................................................................................................................................................... .................................................................................................................................................................... .................................................................................................................................................................... .................................................................................................................................................................... .................................................................................................................................................................... .................................................................................................................................................................... ....................................................................................................................................................................

Mark scheme: 3 For attempt to resolve in any direction to form an equation or expression *M1 Correct number of terms; allow sign errors and sin/cos mix ONLY. … Vertically: (Y = )  ( 45 + 28sin35 − 72sin50 − 35sin60 ) A1 24.405948 … Horizontally: (X =)  ( 28cos35 + 72cos50 − 35cos60 ) A1 51.716965 2 2 DM1 Attempt to solve for R from equations with the R = (their 24.4059...) + (their 51.7169...) correct number of relevant terms (only sign errors and sin/cos mix allowed). DM1 Attempt to solve for  or  from equations with = tan −1  their 24.4059...  = tan −1 0.4719...    the correct number of relevant terms (only sign  their 51.7169...  errors and sin/cos mix allowed). −1  their 51.7169... −1 OR = tan  = tan 2.1190...     their 24.4059...  3 R = 57.2 N A1 Both correct. Giving an angle only is insufficient. Direction may Direction is 25.3 below the positive x-direction be seen on a diagram, with minimum of arrow on or bearing 115 resultant OE. May give direction relative to one of the given forces e.g. 24.7 anticlockwise from the 72 N force. Arrows on both components only is A0 as it doesn’t show the direction of the resultant. However the direction is stated, it must be able to be drawn uniquely. 6

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Q4 · B m kg A 3 kg 0.75 m sin–1 0.6 Two particles, A and B, of masses m kg and 3 kg…

4 B m kg A 3 kg 0.75 m sin–1 0.6 Two particles, A and B, of masses m kg and 3 kg respectively, are connected by a light inextensible string. Particle B is on a fixed plane which is at an angle of sin -1 0.6 to the horizontal ground. The string passes over a fixed smooth pulley at the top of the plane. Particle A hangs vertically below the pulley and is 0.75 m above the ground (see diagram). The system is released from rest. In the subsequent motion B moves up a line of greatest slope of the plane and does not reach the pulley. As B moves up the plane there is a constant resistance to its motion of magnitude 10 N. The speed of A immediately before it hits the ground is 2 m s -1. 3 Use an energy method to find the value of m. [6] .................................................................................................................................................................... .................................................................................................................................................................... .................................................................................................................................................................... .................................................................................................................................................................... .................................................................................................................................................................... .................................................................................................................................................................... .................................................................................................................................................................... .................................................................................................................................................................... .................................................................................................................................................................... .................................................................................................................................................................... .................................................................................................................................................................... .................................................................................................................................................................... .................................................................................................................................................................... .................................................................................................................................................................... .................................................................................................................................................................... .................................................................................................................................................................... ....................................................................................................................................................................

Mark scheme: 4 PE lost by A:  mg  0.75 B1 Allow sin37 or better for 0.6. PE gained by B: 3 g  0.75  0.6  = 13.5 B1 sin −1 0.6 = 36.86989765 .  1 2 1 2 B1 KE gained by A and B:  3 2 +  m  2    =  ( 6 + 2m )   2 2  10 B1 Work done against resistance =   0.75  = 2.5  3 1 2 1 2 M1 Attempt at work-energy equation. Equivalent of 5 3 2 +  m  2 = 0.75mg − 13.5 − 2.5 terms, dimensionally correct, allow sign errors, PE 2 2 gained by B must include a component of 3g . m = 4 A1 Special case for use of N2L max 3 marks 2 2 8 B1 2 = 0 + 2 a 0.75  a = 3 10 M1 Correct number of dimensionally correct terms, mg − T = ma and T − 3 g  0.6 − = 3a allow sign errors, allow sin/cos mix. 3 Allow sin37 or better for 0.6. 10 sin −1 0.6 = 36.86989765 . OR mg − 3 g  0.6 − = ( m + 3 ) a 3 m = 4 A1 6

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Q5 · 8mg N θ° P θ° A particle P of mass m kg is in equilibrium on a rough plane inclined at an…

5 8mg N θ° P θ° A particle P of mass m kg is in equilibrium on a rough plane inclined at an angle i° to the horizontal. The equilibrium of P is maintained by a force of magnitude 8mg N making an angle i° with a line of greatest slope (see diagram). The coefficient of friction between P and the plane is 0.5 and P is on the point of slipping down the plane. Find the value of i. [6] .................................................................................................................................................................... .................................................................................................................................................................... .................................................................................................................................................................... .................................................................................................................................................................... .................................................................................................................................................................... .................................................................................................................................................................... .................................................................................................................................................................... .................................................................................................................................................................... .................................................................................................................................................................... .................................................................................................................................................................... .................................................................................................................................................................... .................................................................................................................................................................... .................................................................................................................................................................... .................................................................................................................................................................... .................................................................................................................................................................... .................................................................................................................................................................... .................................................................................................................................................................... ....................................................................................................................................................................

Mark scheme: 5 Attempt at resolving parallel or perpendicular to the plane to form an equation *M1 Correct number of terms, allow sign errors, allow sin/cos mix, allow g missing on the weight term only (so not missing on the 8mg term). Forces that need resolving should be resolved, forces that do not need resolving should not be resolved. 8mg cos+ mg sin= F A1 Allow with their possibly incorrect F . R = mg cos+ 8mg sin A1 Use of F  0.5R to get an equation in  [ m and g ] DM1 Where R is a linear combination of a weight (or mass) component and an 8mg component. Re-arranging to tan= k where k  0 (or 8mg cos+ mg sin= 0.5 ( mg cos+ 8mg sin) DM1 equivalent method to reduce to a single trig. term). – dependent on both previous M1 marks.  tan= 2.5 = 68.2 A1 6

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Q6 · A particle A of mass 2.5 kg is released from rest from the top of a smooth plane, which…

6 A particle A of mass 2.5 kg is released from rest from the top of a smooth plane, which makes an angle of sin -1 0.2 with the horizontal. The particle A collides 2 seconds later with a particle B, of mass 3 kg, which is moving up a line of greatest slope of the plane. The speed of B immediately before the collision is 3.5 m s -1. Immediately after the collision, B has a velocity of 0.5 m s -1 down the plane. Find the distance A moves up the plane after the collision. [6] .................................................................................................................................................................... .................................................................................................................................................................... .................................................................................................................................................................... .................................................................................................................................................................... .................................................................................................................................................................... .................................................................................................................................................................... .................................................................................................................................................................... .................................................................................................................................................................... .................................................................................................................................................................... .................................................................................................................................................................... .................................................................................................................................................................... .................................................................................................................................................................... .................................................................................................................................................................... .................................................................................................................................................................... .................................................................................................................................................................... .................................................................................................................................................................... .................................................................................................................................................................... .................................................................................................................................................................... .................................................................................................................................................................... .................................................................................................................................................................... .................................................................................................................................................................... .................................................................................................................................................................... .................................................................................................................................................................... .................................................................................................................................................................... ....................................................................................................................................................................

Mark scheme: 6 Allow −g 0.2 . Acceleration of A down the plane is g  0.2  = 2 B1 Allow g sin12 or better. Allow 2.5a = 2.5 g  0.2 . Speed of A before collision is g  0.2  2  = 4 *M1 Use of v = u + at with u = 0, t = 2 and their a which must be equivalent to either g sin12 or g cos12 ONLY. 3  3.5 + 2.5 −( 4 ) = 3 −( 0.5 ) + 2.5 u DM1 Attempt at conservation of linear momentum; four non-zero terms – allow sign errors. M1A0 only if using weight rather than mass. u = 0.8 A1 Correct speed (or velocity) of A after impact. 2  1  DM1 Use of v 2 = u 2 + 2 as (or other complete method 0 = 0.8 + 2 −g  s    5  to find s) with v = 0, their u and their −a – condone sign errors. Dependent on both previous M1 marks. s = 0.16 m A1 CWO. 6

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Q7 · A particle P starts from a point O and moves in a straight line

7 A particle P starts from a point O and moves in a straight line. The velocity v m s -1 of P, at time t s after leaving O, is given by v = 1 ( 2 t - 3)( t - 4) . 3 (a) Find the acceleration of P when t = 2 . 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(b) Find the total distance travelled by P in the first 3 seconds of its motion. 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(c) Determine whether P returns to O. 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Mark scheme: 7(a) 1 2 dv 1 M1 Expand to a 3-term quadratic equivalent and v = 2t − 11t + 12 ( )  = ( 4t − 11) attempt to differentiate (oe e.g. product rule), 3 dt 3 decrease power by 1 and a change in coefficient in at least one term; allow un-simplified v a = is M0. t 1 −2 A1 Must be negative. ( 4 −2 11) = −1 m s 3 2 7(b) Attempt to integrate *M1 Expand to a 3-term quadratic equivalent and attempt to integrate, increase power by 1 and a change in coefficient on the same term. s = vt is M0. 1  2t 3 11t 2  A1 Allow un-simplified. s =  − + 12t  ( + c ) 3  3 2  [P changes direction when] t = 1.5 *B1 t = 1.5 SOI. 1  2t 3 11t 2  DM1 Using the correct limits correctly. Attempt to evaluate their  − + 12t  for t = 0 to t = 1.5 and t = 1.5 to 3  3 2  t = 3 Total distance is  2.625 + −1.125 =  3.75 m A1 If no integration seen, then B1 for 3.75 (so 2   marks max.). 5 7(c) Attempt to evaluate their s for t = 0 to t = 4 M1 1.5 4 OE e.g. compare dt with dt v0 v1.5 or setting their three-term cubic expression in t (with no constant term) equal to zero and attempting to solve or attempt discriminant. 4 8 A1 OE e.g. obtaining 4t 2 − 33t + 72 = 0 and showing v0 dt =  0 so, no P does not return to O 9 that this has no real roots (and hence P does not return to O). 4t 2 − 33t + 72 = 0 gives b 2 − 4ac = ( −33 ) 2 −4 4 72 = −63 . 2 2 11 t − t + 4 = 0 gives 9 6 2  11  2 2 7 b − 4 ac = − −4  4 = − .    6  9 36 2

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Q8 · 6 N 20° A B 15° A block A of mass 2 kg and a particle B of mass 0.5 kg are connected by a…

8 6 N 20° A B 15° A block A of mass 2 kg and a particle B of mass 0.5 kg are connected by a light inextensible string inclined at 15° to the horizontal. They are pulled across a horizontal surface with acceleration 1.2 m s -2 by a force of magnitude 6 N, applied to A, acting at 20° above the horizontal as shown in the diagram. The string and the force applied to A are in the same vertical plane. The contact between B and the surface is smooth and the contact between A and the surface is rough. (a) Find the tension in the string. 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(b) Find the coefficient of friction between A and the surface. 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Mark scheme: 8(a) T cos15 = 0.5 1.2 M1 N2L for B – correct number of terms, allow sin/cos mix ONLY. T = 0.621 N A1 3 6 − 3 2 Allow . 5 2 8(b) Attempt to resolve vertically for A to form an equation *M1 Correct number of terms, allow sign errors and sin/cos mix, allow their (possibly incorrect) T from 8(a). 6sin 20 + R A = 2 g + T sin15 A1 R A = 18.10864  Attempt at N2L for A *M1 Correct number of terms, allow sign errors and sin/cos mix, allow their (possibly incorrect) T from 8(a). 6cos20 − T cos15 − F = 2 1.2 A1 F = 2.63815 Use of F = R to get an equation in  only DM1 Dependent on both previous M1 marks. = 0.146 A1 = 0.1456848  6

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Cambridge’s own grade thresholds for 2025 Oct/Nov, Paper 4 · Variant 1. A higher threshold means an easier paper — the bar moves with how the cohort did.

A38/50
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