Non-uniform motion: past paper questions

Where the questions come from

• Question 8Oct/Nov 2025, paper 11Multiple choice1 markHas a diagram

  A sphere falls from rest through the air. The graph shows the variation with time of the sphere's velocity. Which diagram shows the forces acting on the sphere when it is at the velocity corresponding to point P on the graph?

  Try this question
• Question 5May/June 2026, paper 13Multiple choice1 markHas a diagram

  An object falls from a large height. The air resistance acting on the object is significant. The graphs show the variation of two quantities $P$ and $Q$ with time.

  Try this question
• Question 14Oct/Nov 2024, paper 11Multiple choice1 markHas a diagram

  The graph shows how velocity $v$ varies with time $t$ for a bungee jumper. At which point is the bungee jumper momentarily at rest and at which point does she have zero acceleration?

  Try this question
• Question 9Oct/Nov 2023, paper 11Multiple choice1 mark

  In an experiment, a metal ball is dropped into a viscous liquid. The terminal velocity of the ball in the liquid is measured. The experiment is repeated four times.

  Try this question
• Question 15Oct/Nov 2024, paper 11Multiple choice1 markHas a diagram

  A solid sphere, which is less dense than water, is held completely immersed in water a few metres below the surface. The density of the water is uniform. The sphere is released.

  Try this question
• Question 9Oct/Nov 2023, paper 12Multiple choice1 mark

  An object falls from a stationary helicopter and reaches terminal velocity. What happens to the acceleration of the object between leaving the helicopter and reaching terminal velocity?

  Try this question
• Question 12May/June 2025, paper 12Multiple choice1 markHas a diagram

  A stone is released from rest and falls a long distance in air. Which graph could show the variation with time $t$ of the acceleration $a$ of the stone?

  Try this question
• Question 8Oct/Nov 2024, paper 12Multiple choice1 markHas a diagram

  The graph shows how a quantity $Y$ varies with a quantity $X$ for an object falling vertically at its terminal velocity towards the surface of the Earth. Which quantities could $X$ and $Y$ represent?

  Try this question
• Question 9Oct/Nov 2023, paper 13Multiple choice1 markHas a diagram

  A ball falls from rest through air and eventually reaches a constant velocity. For this fall, forces $X$ and $Y$ vary with time as shown. What could be forces $X$ and $Y$?

  Try this question
• Question 8May/June 2025, paper 13Multiple choice1 mark

  Two spheres are released from rest at equal heights above the ground. Both spheres reach terminal velocity. One sphere has a larger density than the other sphere.

  Try this question
• Question 7Oct/Nov 2024, paper 13Multiple choice1 mark

  Two identical balls are projected vertically upwards from ground level with the same initial velocity. Ball X is in a vacuum and ball Y is in air. Which statement about the motion of the balls is correct?

  Try this question
• Question 2Oct/Nov 2023, paper 22Structured8 marksHas a diagram

  A high-altitude balloon is stationary in still air. A solid sphere is suspended from the balloon by a string, as shown in Fig. 2.1. The volume of the balloon is $7.5{\text{ m}}^3$.

  Try this question
• Question 8Oct/Nov 2024, paper 13Multiple choice1 markHas a diagram

  The graph shows the variation of velocity with time for a stone that falls from a bridge into a lake and sinks to the bottom of the lake. What can be deduced about the motion of the stone?

  Try this question
• Question 3May/June 2024, paper 12Multiple choice1 markHas a diagram

  A football is kicked so that it moves vertically upwards through the air. What is the variation in the air resistance and the resultant force acting on the ball as it moves vertically upwards?

  Try this question
• Question 9May/June 2023, paper 13Multiple choice1 mark

  Two balls of identical shape and size but different masses are falling through the same liquid. The sum of the drag force and upthrust acting on each ball is equal to its weight. Which statement about the two balls is correct?

  Try this question
• Question 8May/June 2024, paper 13Multiple choice1 markHas a diagram

  The graph shows the variation with time of the speed of a raindrop falling vertically through air. Which statement is correct?

  Try this question
• Question 2May/June 2023, paper 23Structured8 marksHas a diagram

  A sphere floats in equilibrium on the surface of sea water of density $1050\text{ kg}{\text{ m}}^{-3}$, as shown in Fig. 2.1. 21% of the volume of the sphere is below the surface of the water. Calculate the density of the sphere.

  Try this question
• Question 1May/June 2024, paper 21Structured10 marksHas a diagram

  The drag force F_D acting on an object falling through air is given by F_D = 1/2 Cρ Av² where A is the cross-sectional area of the object, v is the velocity of…

  Try this question
• Question 2May/June 2024, paper 22Structured10 marksHas a diagram

  A skydiver jumps from an aircraft at time $t=0$ and falls vertically downwards. The variation with $t$ of her velocity $v$ is shown in Fig. 2.1. Using Fig. 2.1, state the terminal velocity of the skydiver.

  Try this question