Mark Scheme (Results)

January 2024

Pearson Edexcel International Advanced Level

in Mechanics M3 (WME03) Paper 01

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Edexcel and BTEC Qualifications

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January 2024
Question Paper Log Number P74324A
Publications Code WME03_01_2401_MS
All the material in this publication is copyright
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© Pearson Education Ltd 2024

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General Marking Guidance

• All candidates must receive the same treatment. Examiners

must mark the first candidate in exactly the same way as they
mark the last.
• Mark schemes should be applied positively. Candidates must
be rewarded for what they have shown they can do rather than
penalised for omissions.
• Examiners should mark according to the mark scheme not
according to their perception of where the grade boundaries
may lie.
• There is no ceiling on achievement. All marks on the mark
scheme should be used appropriately.
• All the marks on the mark scheme are designed to be awarded.
Examiners should always award full marks if deserved, i.e. if
the answer matches the mark scheme. Examiners should also
be prepared to award zero marks if the candidate’s response
is not worthy of credit according to the mark scheme.
• Where some judgement is required, mark schemes will
provide the principles by which marks will be awarded and
exemplification may be limited.
• When examiners are in doubt regarding the application of the
mark scheme to a candidate’s response, the team leader must
be consulted.
• Crossed out work should be marked UNLESS the candidate has
replaced it with an alternative response.

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 General Instructions for Marking

The total number of marks for the paper is 75.

Edexcel Mathematics mark schemes use the following types of marks:

‘M’ marks
These are marks given for a correct method or an attempt at a correct method.
In Mechanics they are usually awarded for the application of some mechanical
principle to produce an equation, e.g. resolving in a particular direction; taking
moments about a point; applying a suvat equation; applying the conservation of
momentum principle; etc.

The following criteria are usually applied to the equation.

To earn the M mark, the equation

(i) should have the correct number of terms
(ii) each term needs to be dimensionally correct

For example, in a moments equation, every term must be a ‘force x distance’ term
or ‘mass x distance’, if we allow them to cancel ‘g’ s.

For a resolution, all terms that need to be resolved (multiplied by sin or cos) must
be resolved to earn the M mark.

‘M’ marks are sometimes dependent (DM) on previous M marks having been
earned, e.g. when two simultaneous equations have been set up by, for example,
resolving in two directions and there is then an M mark for solving the equations
to find a particular quantity – this M mark is often dependent on the two previous
M marks having been earned.

‘A’ marks
These are dependent accuracy (or sometimes answer) marks and can only be
awarded if the previous M mark has been earned. e.g. M0 A1 is impossible.

‘B’ marks
These are independent accuracy marks where there is no method (e.g. often given
for a comment or for a graph).

A and B marks may be f.t. – follow through – marks.

General Abbreviations

These are some of the traditional marking abbreviations that will appear in the
mark schemes:
• bod means benefit of doubt
• ft means follow through
• the symbol will be used for correct ft
• cao means correct answer only
• cso means correct solution only, i.e. there must be no errors in this part of the
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question to obtain this mark

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• isw means ignore subsequent working

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• awrt means answers which round to
• SC means special case
• oe means or equivalent (and appropriate)
• dep means dependent
• indep means independent
• dp means decimal places
• sf means significant figures
• * means the answer is printed on the question paper
• means the second mark is dependent on gaining the first mark

All A marks are ‘correct answer only’ (cao.), unless shown, for example, as A1 ft
to indicate that previous wrong working is to be followed through. After a misread
however, the subsequent A marks affected are treated as A ft, but manifestly
absurd answers should never be awarded A marks.

For misreading which does not alter the character of a question or materially
simplify it, deduct two from any A or B marks gained, in that part of the question
affected.

If a candidate makes more than one attempt at any question:

• If all but one attempt is crossed out, mark the attempt which is NOT crossed
out.
• If either all attempts are crossed out or none are crossed out, mark all the
attempts and score the highest single attempt.

Ignore wrong working or incorrect statements following a correct answer.

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 General Principles for Mechanics Marking
(NB specific mark schemes may sometimes override these general principles)

• Rules for M marks:

o correct no. of terms;
o dimensionally correct;
o all terms that need resolving (i.e. multiplied by cos or sin) are resolved.
• Omission or extra g in a resolution is an accuracy error not method error.
• Omission of mass from a resolution is a method error.
• Omission of a length from a moments equation is a method error.
• Omission of units or incorrect units is not (usually) counted as an accuracy
error.
• DM indicates a dependent method mark, i.e. one that can only be awarded if a
previous specified method mark has been awarded.
• Any numerical answer which comes from use of g = 9.8 should be given to 2
or 3 SF.
• Use of g = 9.81 should be penalised once per (complete) question.
o N.B. Over-accuracy or under-accuracy of correct answers should only be
penalised once per complete question. However, premature
approximation should be penalised every time it occurs.
• Marks must be entered in the same order as they appear on the mark scheme.
• In all cases, if the candidate clearly labels their working under a particular part
of a question i.e. (a) or (b) or (c)…then that working can only score marks for
that part of the question.
• Accept column vectors in all cases.
• Misreads – if a misread does not alter the character of a question or materially
simplify it, deduct two from any A or B marks gained, bearing in mind that
after a misread, the subsequent A marks affected are treated as A ft

Mechanics Abbreviations

M(A) Taking moments about A.

N2L Newton’s Second Law (Equation of Motion)
NEL Newton’s Experimental Law (Newton’s Law of Impact)
HL Hooke’s Law
SHM Simple harmonic motion
PCLM Principle of conservation of linear momentum
RHS Right hand side
LHS Left hand side
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1a Form differential equation in v and x
dv dv
only. Need to see or v
mgR 2 dv dx dx
− 2
= mv M1
2x dx Cannot get this mark using t.
Allow with both m’s cancelled.
Condone sign error.
Separate variables correctly and
gR 2  1 integrate at least one side.
−  dx =  vdv M1
2  x2 Cannot get this mark using t.
Condone sign error.
Obtain given answer from correct
work. Must include at least one line of
working between integral and final
answer. Correct signs seen throughout
working.
v 2 gR 2
Condone = + C followed by
gR 2 2 2x
v2 = +C * A1*
x gR 2
v2 = +C
x
Note: If the first line of working is
1 2 gR 2
v = −  2 dx followed by
2 2x
integration of RHS, this scores
M0M1A0*
ALT1 Form an energy equation with 2 KE
1 1 gmR 2
(a) mu 2 − mv 2 =  2 dx M1 terms and the integral of the variable
2 2 x force. Condone sign errors.
1 1 gmR 2 Integrate the force wrt x. Condone sign
mu 2 − mv 2 = − +A M1
2 2 x errors.
Obtain given answer from correct
gR 2 work. Must include at least one line of
v2 = +C * A1*
x working and correct signs seen
throughout working.
[3]
b Use initial conditions to evaluate C
x = 3R, v2 = 3gR M1
in the given answer.
gR 2  8 gR 
 C = 3gR − =  A1 Or equivalent
3R  3 
33 gR
11gR Accept
x=Rv= A1 3
3
Answer must be in terms of g and R
[3]
ALT1 Use of definite integral instead of
(b) finding + C
R
v  gR 2  Use initial conditions in a definite
v 
2
=  M1
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integral.
 x 3R
3 gR
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 gR 2 gR 2 Or equivalent
v 2 − 3gR = − A1
R 3R
11gR 33 gR
v= A1
Accept
3 3
Answer must be in terms of g and R
(6)

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2a Change in GPE M1 Condone sin / cos confusion
= mg 1.3l sin  ( = 0.5lmg )
 ( 0.3l ) B1 One correct term for EPE
2
l 2
EPE = or EPE =
2l 2l
Energy equation B to A M1 Dimensionally correct with all the
required terms. Condone sign errors
and sin / cos confusion
l 2  ( 0.3l ) A1 Correct unsimplified equation
2

− = 0.5lmg
2l 2l
1 100 A1* Obtain given answer from correct
  = mg = mg
1 − 0.09 91 working. Must see evidence of
simplification.
[5]
2b Equation of motion M1 Dimensionally correct with all the
required terms. Condone sign errors
and sin/cos confusion.
T − mg sin  = ma A1
Correct unsimplified equation
 l
− mg sin  = ma
l Correct unsimplified equation with
A1
 100 5  HL used to replace T
 mg − mg = ma 
 91 13 
5 A1 Accept 0.71g or better.
a= g
7 If g = 9.8 is used, accept 7.

Note: If g = 9.81 is used then penalise once per complete question.

SHM equations can only be used if the motion is proven to be SHM first.
[4]
(9)

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3a Moment of S about the y-axis M1 Use of formula ( )(  )  xy 2 dx
No need to see the correct limits
here. The curve equation must be
substituted correctly and an attempt
to integrate seen (at least one term
must have a power of x raised by 1)
Note the correct expression for
integrating is
2
1  1
x  x ( 3 − x )  = x3 ( 3 − x )
2

4  16
= ( 9 x3 − 6 x 4 + x5 )
1
16

1 9 4 6 5 1 6  A1 Correct integrated expression.

= ( )(  ) x − x + x 
16  4 5 6 
31 A1 Correct use of correct limits (0 and
= ( )(  ) 2). No need to see a line of working
60
showing substitution of limits.
31
However, must see or
60
equivalent numerical evaluation of
integral.
31 Complete method to find the
( )(  ) distance. Formula must be the right
x = 60
2 ( )(  )  xy 2 dx
( )(  ) M1 way up x = Must
5 M
have consistent use of  and of ρ.

31 Obtain given answer from correct

= * A1*
24 working
[5]
3b Correct use of trig M1 Correct trig ratio to find a relevant
angle,   or ( 90 −  ) 
Must use curve equation with x = 2
 31 
and  2 − 
 24 
1 17  12  A1 Or equivalent. Condone reciprocal.
tan   =   = 
2 24  17 

 = 35 A1 2 sf or better (35.2175…)
A0 for use of radians.
[3]
(8)
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4 O 4a
If angle is between incline and
R
4 3
vertical then sin  = , cos  =
r
5 5
F
3a
θ
mg
V

Resolve vertically Need all terms. Dimensionally

R sin  = mg + F cos 
Equation for horizontal motion
R cos  + F sin  = mr 2
M1 correct. Condone sign errors and
sin/cos confusion.
A1 Unsimplified equation with at most
one error.
A1 Correct unsimplified equation
Need all terms. Dimensionally
correct. Condone sign errors and
M1 sin/cos confusion. Accept any form
of acceleration for the method mark
only.
A1 Unsimplified equation with at most
one error. Direction of F consistent
with vertical resolution. Incorrect
form of acceleration is one error.

A1 Correct unsimplified equation

Use of F =  R Used, not just quoted.
M1 1
F= R
4
Substitute for trig and solve for max Dependent on all preceding M
 marks. If more than two equations
are produced, the correct two must
DM1 be used.
 20mg 5mg 
R = ,F = 
 13 13 
16 g Obtain given answer from correct
 = A1* working
13r
.
[9]
(9)
Alt1 Using N2L parallel and Need all terms. Dimensionally
perpendicular to the incline. correct. Condone sign errors and
sin/cos confusion. Note that the
acceleration must have a sin/cos
component. Accept any form of
Perpendicular M1 acceleration for the method mark
A1A1 only. Mark A’s as above.
R − mg sin  = mr 2 cos 

Parallel A1A0 Unsimplified equation with at

M1 most one error
F + mg cos  = mr 2 sin 
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A1A1 A1A1 Correct unsimplified equation

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5
Curve equation
x2 + y 2 = r 2

5a
Using x-axis Use of correct integral. Limits
() x2 r − x dx
2 2
not needed here.
or
M1 Accept an integral of the form:


x-axis: k x r − x dx
2 2
Using y-axis
()  ( ) dx
2
1
2 r 2 − x2 y-axis: k r 2
− x 2 dx
2

x-axis
3

( )( )
2
=−  r 2
− x 2 2

3 Correct integration, ignore

A1 limits. Correct expression.
y-axis
 2 x3 
= (  )  xr − 
 3
2
= (  ) r3
Correct use of limits, 0 and r or
A1
3 – r and r.
Using x-axis Complete method to obtain
r
1 2 distance.
 r  x =   2 xy dx
2 0
Use of a correct formula,
Using y-axis consistent with the axis and
r
1 2 1
 r  y =   y 2 dx M1 limits used, to find centre of
2 2 −r mass with curve equation.
or
1 2
r  must appear on both sides
 r  y =   y 2 dx or neither.
2 0

2 3
r
3 4r Obtain given answer from
x= = * A1*
1 2 3 correct working
r
2
ALT Parametric approach Curve equation
1 x = r cos  , y = r sin 
5(a) x2 + y 2 = r 2
Using x-axis Use of correct integral. Limits
 not needed here.
 sin 2 cos  dθ
3 2
2r
0 M1
Accept an integral of the form:
kr 3  sin 2 cos  d
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 
Correct integration, ignore
 sin 3   2
= 2r 3   A1 limits. Correct expression.
 3 0
2 3
r = A1 Correct use of limits
3
2 3 Complete method to obtain
r distance.
x= 3 Use of correct formula.
1 2 M1
r  must appear on both sides
2
or neither.
4r Obtain given answer from
= * A1*
3 correct working
[5]
ALT Using y-axis Use of correct integral. Limits
2 not needed here.
5(a) 

 sin 3 dθ
3 2 M1
r Accept an integral of the form:
0

kr 3  sin 3 d

r 3  2 (1 − cos 2  ) sin dθ Correct integration, ignore
0
 A1 limits. Correct expression.
 cos3   2
= r  − cos  +
3

 3  0
2 3
r = A1 Correct use of limits
3
2 3 Complete method to obtain
r distance.
x= 3
1 2 M1 Use of correct formula.
r  must appear on both sides
2
or neither.
4r Obtain given answer from
= * A1*
3 correct working
[5]
5b large Small Small
removed added
mass 8 a 2 2 a 2 2 a 2 B1 Correct mass ratios
From 16a 8a 8a
( −) B1 Correct distances
AC 3 3 3
Moments about AC M1 All terms required.
Dimensionally correct or
equivalent for a parallel axis.
Condone sign errors. If column
vectors are used, this mark is
awarded once the equation is
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written separate to the column

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vectors.
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 16a 8a 8a A1 Correct unsimplified equation.
8 a 2  − 2 a 2  − 2 a 2 
3 3 3
= 8 a d
2

96a 4a A1* Obtain given value from

= 8d  d = *
3  correct working. Need to see at
least some simplification.
[5]
5c Moments about perpendicular axis through M1 Dimensionally correct.
A Need all terms.
Or equivalent for a parallel
axis
From A A1ft Unsimplified equation with at
4a  8 a − 2a  2 a + 6a  2 a = 8 a x
2 2 2 2
most one error.
A1ft Correct unsimplified equation
Follow their mass ratio
 x = 5a A1 Correct only. If measured from
B, distance is a
Correct use of trig to find an expression for d x
tan  tan  = or tan  = where
M1 x d
x is distance from A.
4
tan  = A1 Only
5
[6]
(16)

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6a In equilibrium Need all three forces.
M1
Dimensionally correct
l −e e A1 Unsimplified equation with at
mg + 4mg = 4mg most one error
l l
A1 Correct unsimplified equation
5l
5l = 8e  e = , Obtain given answer from
8
* A1* correct working.
5l 13l
AE = l + = Must see AE =
8 8
ALT1 M1 Need all three forces.
(2l − AE ) ( AE − l ) Dimensionally correct
mg + 4mg = 4mg A1 Unsimplified equation with at
l l
most one error
A1 Correct unsimplified equation
13l Obtain given answer from
AE = * A1* correct working. Must see AE
8
=
ALT2 M1 Need all three forces.
l  l  Dimensionally correct
 − e  + e
mg + 4mg   = 4mg  2 
2 A1 Unsimplified equation with at
l l most one error
A1 Correct unsimplified equation
l l l 13l Obtain given answer from
e = , AE = l + + = * A1*
8 2 8 8 correct working
[4]
6b Equation of motion M1 Need all terms. Dimensionally
correct. Condone use of a for
acceleration.
5l 3l A1 Unsimplified equation with at
+x −x most one error.
4mg 8 − 4mg 8 − mg = −mx A1 Correct unsimplified equation
l l
Note: the question states x is
measured vertically down.
8mg 8g A1* Obtain given answer from
 −mx = x, x = − x * correct working. Must use x
l l
[4]
Use of v 2 =  2 ( a 2 − x 2 ) with a =
6c 3l
Or use of equivalent correct
8 M1
formula
8g  9 2 1 2  Correct unsimplified
=  l − l  A1
l  64 64  expression for v or v 2
v = gl A1 Correct only
[3]
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6d 3l B1 Use of relevant formula with
x= cos t correct amplitude
8
3l 3l
x = cos t or x = sin t
8 8

Use of M1 Complete method to find t or

l 3l required time
− = cos t
8 8 1  1
t = cos −1  − 
  3
or
l 3l 1 2 or
= sin t and correct use of 
8 8 2  1 1 1
t= sin −1   with period
 3 2
or
l 3l
= cos t and correct use of or
8 8 1 1
1 t= cos −1   with 
 − cos −1    3
3

Required time A1 Or equivalent, accept

2  −1  l  −1  l l
cos −1   = cos −1   1.91 , 1.35 , 0.43 l
  3  2g  3  2g g
l
or 3.82
8g
 2 −1  1  l   1 
+ sin   =   + 2sin −1   
  3 8g   3
 −1 
or cos −1   = 1.91...
 3 
2  1  l   1 
 − cos −1    =  − cos −1   
  3  2g   3 

[3]
(14) om
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7a Conservation of mechanical energy: M1 All terms required.
Dimensionally correct
5 12
cos  = , sin  =
13 13
1 2 1 2 A1 Correct unsimplified equation
mu = mv + mg ( r + r cos  )
2 2
36 A1* Obtain given answer from
v 2 = u 2 − gr * correct working
13
[3]
7b All terms required.
Dimensionally correct. Condone
Equation of motion M1 sign errors and sin/cos
confusion.
Condone use of R = 0
Correct unsimplified equation.
mv 2
R + mg cos  = A1 Condone (strict) inequality the
r right way round.
Use R…0 and solve for u 2 M1 Complete method to obtain u 2
Condone use of R = 0 or R > 0
mv 2 Obtain given answer from
− mg cos  …0 correct working.
r *
36 5 41 Must have stated the inequality
 u − gr … gr , u … gr
2 2
A1* R0
13 13 13 If there is no reference to R, the
max mark in (b) is
M1A1M1A0*
[4]
7c 24 B1 Or equivalent
BC = 2r sin  = r BC = 1.846…r
13
Relevant vertical motion M1 Complete method vertically
Eg time to return to the level of BC using suvat
2v sin  24v A1 Correct unsimplified expression
t= =
g 13 g for time
24 gr 24 16r
Accept 4 ,
13g 13 13 13 g
96 r
, 0.65 r
13 13 g
Relevant horizontal motion M1 Complete method horizontally
Eg distance travelled by P

120 A1 Correct unsimplified expression

= ( v cos  ) t = v 2 
169 g for distance
1920
0.87r, r , 0.0892 gr
2197
16 gr 120 160r 12 12 A1* Obtain given conclusion from
=  =   2r 
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13 169 g 169 13 13 correct working

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 hence falls into the bowl *
ALT 1 Horizontal: time, T, required to travel M1 Complete method horizontally
for last the length BC
3 marks
2r sin  = v cos   T A1
12
2r
T= 13 =1.38 r
gr 5 Correct unsimplified expression
4  for T
13 13
t  T since 0.654 r  1.38 r A1* Obtain given conclusion from
hence falls into the bowl * correct working

ALT 2 Horizontal: speed, V, required to reach M1 Complete method horizontally

for last C
3 marks
2r sin  A1
−V sin  = V sin  − g
V cos 
Correct unsimplified expression
gr 13gr
V = = for V
cos  5
13gr 16 gr A1* Obtain given conclusion from
v  V since  correct working
5 13
hence falls into the bowl *
SC: If range formula is quoted
correctly award M1A1M1A1.
2v 2 sin  cos 
Range =
g
[6]
(13)

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