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Date May 2009 Marks available 1 Reference code 09M.1.SL.TZ1.5
Level Standard level Paper Paper 1 Time zone Time zone 1
Command term Question number 5 Adapted from N/A

Question

The diagram shows a girl attempting (but failing) to lift a heavy suitcase of weight WW. The magnitude of the vertical upwards pull of the girl on the suitcase is PP and the magnitude of the vertical reaction of the floor on the suitcase is RR.

M09/4/PHYSI/SPM/ENG/TZ1/05

Which equation correctly relates WW, PP and RR?

A.     W=P+RW=P+R

B.     W>P+RW>P+R

C.     W<P+RW<P+R

D.     W=P=RW=P=R

Markscheme

A

Examiners report

The majority of candidates selected an incorrect option, as a result of a misunderstanding of equilibrium. Candidates should have realized that during equilibrium the sum of the vertical upwards forces acting on the suitcase will be equal in magnitude to the sum of the vertical downwards forces.

Syllabus sections

Core » Topic 2: Mechanics » 2.2 – Forces
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