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CAIE A-Level Physics Geometry, Trigonometry and Vectors

Practise choosing areas, volumes, Pythagoras, trigonometry, vector addition or perpendicular resolution before applying the relevant physics equation.

Syllabus
2028–2030
Course
Physics 9702
Level
A2

Exam points

  • use areas and volumes, including unit conversions, to calculate physical quantities
  • apply Pythagoras, similar triangles and trigonometric relationships to physical diagrams
  • resolve or combine vectors into perpendicular components in a physical context

M.3-Geometry, trigonometry and vectors question 1

[Maximum number: 1]

A steel sphere of mass 0.29 kg is suspended in equilibrium from a vertical spring. The centre of the sphere is 8.5 cm from the top of the spring, as shown in Fig. 2.1.

Fig. 2.1

Fig. 2.1

The sphere is now set in motion so that it is moving in a horizontal circle at constant speed, as shown in Fig. 2.2.

Fig. 2.2

Fig. 2.2

The distance from the centre of the sphere to the top of the spring is now 10.8 cm .

The angle between the linear axis of the spring and the vertical is 27∘27^{\circ}.

Show that the radius r of the circle is 4.9 cm .

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