Cambridge International AS & A Level

MATHEMATICS 9709/42
Paper 4 Mechanics October/November 2021
MARK SCHEME
Maximum Mark: 50

Published

This mark scheme is published as an aid to teachers and candidates, to indicate the requirements of the
examination. It shows the basis on which Examiners were instructed to award marks. It does not indicate the
details of the discussions that took place at an Examiners’ meeting before marking began, which would have
considered the acceptability of alternative answers.

Mark schemes should be read in conjunction with the question paper and the Principal Examiner Report for
Teachers.

Cambridge International will not enter into discussions about these mark schemes.

Cambridge International is publishing the mark schemes for the October/November 2021 series for most
Cambridge IGCSE™, Cambridge International A and AS Level components and some Cambridge O Level
components.

This document consists of 14 printed pages.

© UCLES 2021 [Turn over

9709/42 Cambridge International AS & A Level – Mark Scheme October/November 2021
PUBLISHED
Generic Marking Principles

These general marking principles must be applied by all examiners when marking candidate answers. They should be applied alongside the specific content of the
mark scheme or generic level descriptors for a question. Each question paper and mark scheme will also comply with these marking principles.

GENERIC MARKING PRINCIPLE 1:

Marks must be awarded in line with:
• the specific content of the mark scheme or the generic level descriptors for the question
• the specific skills defined in the mark scheme or in the generic level descriptors for the question
• the standard of response required by a candidate as exemplified by the standardisation scripts.

GENERIC MARKING PRINCIPLE 2:

Marks awarded are always whole marks (not half marks, or other fractions).

GENERIC MARKING PRINCIPLE 3:

Marks must be awarded positively:
• marks are awarded for correct/valid answers, as defined in the mark scheme. However, credit is given for valid answers which go beyond the scope of the
syllabus and mark scheme, referring to your Team Leader as appropriate
• marks are awarded when candidates clearly demonstrate what they know and can do
• marks are not deducted for errors
• marks are not deducted for omissions
• answers should only be judged on the quality of spelling, punctuation and grammar when these features are specifically assessed by the question as
indicated by the mark scheme. The meaning, however, should be unambiguous.

GENERIC MARKING PRINCIPLE 4:

Rules must be applied consistently, e.g. in situations where candidates have not followed instructions or in the application of generic level descriptors.

GENERIC MARKING PRINCIPLE 5:

Marks should be awarded using the full range of marks defined in the mark scheme for the question (however; the use of the full mark range may be limited
according to the quality of the candidate responses seen).

GENERIC MARKING PRINCIPLE 6:

Marks awarded are based solely on the requirements as defined in the mark scheme. Marks should not be awarded with grade thresholds or grade descriptors in
mind.

© UCLES 2021 Page 2 of 14

9709/42 Cambridge International AS & A Level – Mark Scheme October/November 2021
PUBLISHED
Mathematics Specific Marking Principles

1 Unless a particular method has been specified in the question, full marks may be awarded for any correct method. However, if a calculation is required
then no marks will be awarded for a scale drawing.

2 Unless specified in the question, answers may be given as fractions, decimals or in standard form. Ignore superfluous zeros, provided that the degree of
accuracy is not affected.

3 Allow alternative conventions for notation if used consistently throughout the paper, e.g. commas being used as decimal points.

4 Unless otherwise indicated, marks once gained cannot subsequently be lost, e.g. wrong working following a correct form of answer is ignored (isw).

5 Where a candidate has misread a number in the question and used that value consistently throughout, provided that number does not alter the difficulty or
the method required, award all marks earned and deduct just 1 mark for the misread.

6 Recovery within working is allowed, e.g. a notation error in the working where the following line of working makes the candidate’s intent clear.

© UCLES 2021 Page 3 of 14

9709/42 Cambridge International AS & A Level – Mark Scheme October/November 2021
PUBLISHED
Mark Scheme Notes

The following notes are intended to aid interpretation of mark schemes in general, but individual mark schemes may include marks awarded for specific reasons
outside the scope of these notes.

Types of mark

M Method mark, awarded for a valid method applied to the problem. Method marks are not lost for numerical errors, algebraic slips or errors in units.
However, it is not usually sufficient for a candidate just to indicate an intention of using some method or just to quote a formula; the formula or idea
must be applied to the specific problem in hand, e.g. by substituting the relevant quantities into the formula. Correct application of a formula
without the formula being quoted obviously earns the M mark and in some cases an M mark can be implied from a correct answer.

A Accuracy mark, awarded for a correct answer or intermediate step correctly obtained. Accuracy marks cannot be given unless the associated method
mark is earned (or implied).

B Mark for a correct result or statement independent of method marks.

DM or DB When a part of a question has two or more ‘method’ steps, the M marks are generally independent unless the scheme specifically says otherwise;
and similarly, when there are several B marks allocated. The notation DM or DB is used to indicate that a particular M or B mark is dependent on
an earlier M or B (asterisked) mark in the scheme. When two or more steps are run together by the candidate, the earlier marks are implied and full
credit is given.

FT Implies that the A or B mark indicated is allowed for work correctly following on from previously incorrect results. Otherwise, A or B marks are
given for correct work only.

• A or B marks are given for correct work only (not for results obtained from incorrect working) unless follow through is allowed (see abbreviation FT above).
• For a numerical answer, allow the A or B mark if the answer is correct to 3 significant figures or would be correct to 3 significant figures if rounded (1
decimal place for angles in degrees).
• The total number of marks available for each question is shown at the bottom of the Marks column.
• Wrong or missing units in an answer should not result in loss of marks unless the guidance indicates otherwise.
• Square brackets [ ] around text or numbers show extra information not needed for the mark to be awarded.

© UCLES 2021 Page 4 of 14

9709/42 Cambridge International AS & A Level – Mark Scheme October/November 2021
PUBLISHED
Abbreviations

AEF/OE Any Equivalent Form (of answer is equally acceptable) / Or Equivalent

AG Answer Given on the question paper (so extra checking is needed to ensure that the detailed working leading to the result is valid)

CAO Correct Answer Only (emphasising that no ‘follow through’ from a previous error is allowed)

CWO Correct Working Only

ISW Ignore Subsequent Working

SOI Seen Or Implied

SC Special Case (detailing the mark to be given for a specific wrong solution, or a case where some standard marking practice is to be varied in the
light of a particular circumstance)

WWW Without Wrong Working

AWRT Answer Which Rounds To

© UCLES 2021 Page 5 of 14

9709/42 Cambridge International AS & A Level – Mark Scheme October/November 2021
PUBLISHED
Question Answer Marks Guidance

1(a) 20 - 6 20 20 M1 Equate the accelerations and set up an equation in T.

= or 20 = 6 +
50 - T 5 5(50 - T ) 20
Allow correct use of their incorrect .
5

T = 46.5 A1

1(b) Distance = 1
2
× 5 × 20 + 20 × 20 + 1
2
× 5 × (20 + 6) + M1 Attempt to find the total distance travelled using areas.
Allow with T not yet substituted.
+ 6 × (T – 30) + 12 × (50 – T) × (20 + 6) + 12 × 10 × 20
Allow one error in use of area formulae or omission of only
[= 50 + 400 + 65 + 99 + 45.5 + 100] one of the areas: 0–5, 5–25, 25–30, 30–T, T–50, 50–-60.
OR
Distance = 12 × 20 × (60 + 45) – 12 × 14 × (25 + T – 30)
[= 1050 – 290.5]

Total distance travelled = 759.5 m A1 FT FT their T value:

Provided 30 < T < 50 and distance = 1085 − 7T

© UCLES 2021 Page 6 of 14

9709/42 Cambridge International AS & A Level – Mark Scheme October/November 2021
PUBLISHED
Question Answer Marks Guidance

2(a) For van: 2500 – 700 – T = 3600a M1 Apply Newton’s 2nd law to the van or to the trailer or to the
For trailer: T – 300 = 1200a system of van and trailer. Correct number of terms.
For system: 2500 – 700 – 300 = (3600 + 1200)a
A1 For any two correct.

Obtain an equation in T only M1

 5 
 a = 16 = 0.3125
 

Tension in the rope = T = 675 N A1

2(b) For van: –F – 700 = 3600a M1 Apply Newton’s 2nd law to any two of the van, the trailer and
For trailer: – 300 = 1200a the system with braking force F and with T = 0.
System: − F − 700 − 300 = ( 3600 + 1200 ) a

Least possible value of braking force = F = 200 N A1 Allow F = –200

© UCLES 2021 Page 7 of 14

9709/42 Cambridge International AS & A Level – Mark Scheme October/November 2021
PUBLISHED
Question Answer Marks Guidance

3(a) mg × 1.8 = 1
mv2 M1 Use of conservation of energy, 2 terms.
2
Must NOT use constant acceleration equations. Use of
equations such as v 2 = u 2 + 2as scores M0 A0.

Speed of block at B = v = 6 ms–1 A1 AG

3(b) Attempt the work-energy equation M1 In the form: ± KE lost = ± PE gain ± WD against Resistance

1
2
× m × 62 = 4.5 + mg × 1.2 If using motion from A to final point
A1 mg × 1.8 = mg × 1.2 + 4.5

Mass of the block = m = 0.75 kg A1

Question Answer Marks Guidance

4(a) For differentiation of s *M1

v = 0.004(150t – 3t2) [ = 0.6t – 0.012t2] A1

v = 0 when t = 50. At t = 50, DM1 Solve v = 0 for t and substitute this value into s.
s = 0.004(75 × 502 – 503) = 0.3 × 502 – 0.004 ×503

Distance AB = 250 m A1 AG

© UCLES 2021 Page 8 of 14

9709/42 Cambridge International AS & A Level – Mark Scheme October/November 2021
PUBLISHED
Question Answer Marks Guidance

4(b) Attempt to determine stationary points for v by differentiation or by use *M1 If symmetry used then an attempt to find the required mid-
of symmetry [a = 0.004(150 – 6t) = 0.6 – 0.024t] point must be seen.
or using symmetry attempt to find the mid-point between t = 0 and their
t value at v = 0

Maximum v when a = 0 so t = 25 DM1 Attempt to solve a = 0 or use symmetry to find the relevant t
Or finding the mid-point if symmetry is used value.
e.g. v = 0.004(150 × 25 – 3 × 252) = 0.6 × 25 – 0.012 × 252 [= 7.5 ms–1]

Maximum velocity = 7.5 ms–1 A1

Alternative method for question 4(b)

Attempt to velocity as v = −0.012 ( t − 25) − 252 

2 M1* Attempt to complete the square for their velocity as far as
 
k ( t − a ) − a 2 
2
 

v = −0.012 ( t − 25 ) + 0.012 × 252

2 DM1 Or select the 0.012 × 252 term as the maximum velocity.
and select t = 25 as the maximum point.

Maximum = [ 0.012 × 625 = ] 7.5  ms–1 A1

© UCLES 2021 Page 9 of 14

9709/42 Cambridge International AS & A Level – Mark Scheme October/November 2021
PUBLISHED
Question Answer Marks Guidance

5(a) 960 000 B1 Allow for 960 000 = DF × 30

Driving force = DF =
30

DF − 75000 g × sin α − R = 0 M1 Resolve forces along the slope.

Must use a value for either sin α or α .

Resistance force = R = 24 500 N A1 Allow correct work with 24500 to 3 sf.

5(b) WD by engine in 60 s = 900 000 × 60 [= 54000000] B1

1 1 B1 For either correct expression for KE.

KEinit = × 75000 × 302 KE final = × 75000 × v 2
2 2

1 1 M1 For use of the work-energy equation with 4 terms, correct

900 000 × 60 + × 75000 × 302 = 46 500 000 + × 75000 × v 2 dimensions.
2 2

Speed of engine after 60 s = v = 33.2 ms–1 A1 Allow v = 1100 = 10 11

© UCLES 2021 Page 10 of 14

9709/42 Cambridge International AS & A Level – Mark Scheme October/November 2021
PUBLISHED
Question Answer Marks Guidance

6(a) Horizontal: 100 – TU sin 60 – TL sin 60 = 0 M1 Resolve horizontally or vertically or perpendicular to the
Vertical: TU cos 60 – TL cos 60 – 5g = 0 upper string to reach an equation. Correct number of terms,
Perp to TU TL cos 30 + 5g cos 30 = 100 cos 60 Allow X for 100 in horizontal equation.

A1 Either horizontal and vertical equations correct or

perpendicular correct.
Must see X = 100 used for A1.

Solve for either TL or TU using equation(s) with no missing term. M1 May see TU = 107.74

TL = 7.74 N A1 Allow 7.73

6(b) Horizontal: X − Tup sin 60 = 0 M1 Resolve either horizontally or vertically or perpendicular to

Vertical: Tup cos 60 − 5 g = 0 the upper string. Must be using the tension Tlow = 0 .
Equivalent to Lami as:
Perp to Tup 5 g cos30 = X cos 60
5g X  Tup 
= = 
sin150 sin120  sin 90 

A1 Either horizontal and vertical equations correct or

perpendicular correct.

Eliminate Tup and/or solve for X M1 Tup = 100

Least value of X = 86.6 A1 Allow X = 50 3

© UCLES 2021 Page 11 of 14

9709/42 Cambridge International AS & A Level – Mark Scheme October/November 2021
PUBLISHED
Question Answer Marks Guidance

7(a) For Q: Apply Newton’s 2nd law along or perpendicular to the plane
–2mg sin α – F = 2ma [–16m – 7.2m = 2ma] to particle Q.
R = 2mg cos α [= 12m] M1 Must use values for α or sin α or cos α .

A1 Both correct.

F = 0.6 × 2mg cos α = 0.6 × 0.6 × 20m [= 7.2m] M1 Using F = 0.6 R where R is a component of 2mg only
[2(m)a = –2(m)g (0.8) – 0.6 × 2(m)g (0.6)]

Acceleration of Q up the plane while moving up the plane is A1 AG

a = –11.6 ms–2

7(b) For P: mg sin α – 0.6R = ma, leading to 8m – 3.6m = ma M1 Apply Newton’s 2nd law to attempt to find the acceleration of
[ R = mg cos α = 6m, a = 4.4 ms −2 ] particle P. Must use values for α or sin α .

 25  M1 For using constant acceleration equations to attempt to

Q comes to rest when 10 − 11.6T1 = 0, T1 = 29 = 0.862 determine when vQ = 0 .
 

1 M1 Use constant acceleration equations to attempt to find either

For P sP( down ) = × 4.4 × T12 [ = 1.635]
2 sP ( down ) or sQ( up ) at time T1 .
1
For Q sQ( up ) = 10T1 + × ( −11.6 ) × T12 [ = 4.31]
2

d = 6.4 − s P ( down ) − sQ ( up ) [ = 0.455] M1 For attempting to find the extra distance d [ = 0.455] needed
and to find T2 [ = 0.12] by using d = sP 2 − sQ 2 = ( 4.4T1 ) × T2 to reach 6.4 m and using uP = 4.4T1 at T1 to find T2 as
1 1
[ sP 2 and sQ 2 are distances travelled by P and Q in time T2 ] d = ( 4.4T1 ) T2 + × 4.4T22 − × 4.4T22 .
2 2

Time before collision = [t = T1 + T2 = 0.862 + 0.12 =] 0.982 A1 t = 0.98194357 …

© UCLES 2021 Page 12 of 14

9709/42 Cambridge International AS & A Level – Mark Scheme October/November 2021
PUBLISHED
Question Answer Marks Guidance

7(b) Alternative method for Question 7(b)

For P: mg sin α – 0.6R = ma, leading to 8m – 3.6m = ma M1 Apply Newton’s 2nd law to attempt to find the acceleration of
[ R = mg cos α = 6m, a = 4.4 ms −2 ] particle P. Must use values for α or sin α

 25  M1 For using constant acceleration equations to attempt to

Q comes to rest when 10 − 11.6T1 = 0, T1 = 29 = 0.862 determine when vQ = 0
 

1 M1 Use constant acceleration equations to attempt to find either

For P sP( down ) = × 4.4 × t 2 sP ( down ) or sQ( up ) at time t where t is the total time before
2
1 1 collision.
sQ( up ) = 10T1 + × ( −11.6 ) T12 − × 4.4 ( t − T1 )
2
For Q
2 2

1 1 1 M1 For using sP ( down ) + sQ ( up ) = 6.4 and solving for t

× 4.4t 2 + 10T1 + × ( −11.6 ) T12 − × 4.4 ( t − T1 ) = 6.4
2

2 2 2

Time before collision is t = 0.982 s A1 t = 0.98194357 …

Special case for those who do not take into account the fact that Q comes to rest and then changes its direction

For P: mg sin α – 0.6R = ma, leading to 8m – 3.6m = ma M1 Apply Newton’s 2nd law to attempt to find the acceleration of
[ R = mg cos α = 6m, a = 4.4 ms −2 ] particle P. Must use values for α or sin α .

For P sp(down) = (±) 12 × 4.4t2 M1 For using constant acceleration equations to attempt to find
either sp(down) or sq(up).
For Q sq(up) = (±) 10t + 1
2
× (–11.6)t2

sp + sq = 6.4 leading to 1
2
× 4.4t2 + 10t + 1
2
× (–11.6)t2 = 6.4 M1 For applying (±) sp + (±) sq = 6.4 using their expressions for sp
and sq to set up and solve a 3-term quadratic equation in t to
obtain at least 1 solution.

© UCLES 2021 Page 13 of 14

9709/42 Cambridge International AS & A Level – Mark Scheme October/November 2021
PUBLISHED
Question Answer Marks Guidance

7(b) Time that particles are in motion before collision = t = 1 s A1 Must reject t = 16/9
Maximum mark 4 out of 5

7(c) up(down) = 0 + 4.4 × 0.982 [= 4.3208] B1 FT Allow ±4.4. FT on their 4.4 and their 0.982

uq(down) = 4.4 × 0.12 [= 0.528] B1 FT Allow ±4.4. FT on their 4.4 and their 0.12

±m × 4.3208 ± 2m × 0.528 = ± (m + 2m)v M1 Apply conservation of momentum, 4 terms, using their up and
[Correct equation is m × 4.3208 + 2m × 0.528 = ± (m + 2m)v] uq values with m and 2m respectively. Velocity of P and Q
after impact must be equal.

Speed of combined particle immediately after impact = v = 1.79 ms–1 A1 Must be positive

Special case for those who do not take into account the fact that Q comes to rest and then changes its direction

up(down) = 0 + 4.4 × 1 [= 4.4] B1 FT Allow ±4.4, FT on their 1 and their 4.4

uq(up) = 10 – 11.6 × 1 [= –1.6] so uq(down) = 1.6 B1 FT Allow ± (10 – 11.6 × 1), FT on their 1

± m × 4.4 ± 2m × 1.6 = ± (m + 2m)v M1 Apply conservation of momentum, 4 terms, using their up and
uq values with m and 2m respectively. Velocity of P and Q
after impact must be equal.

Speed of combined particle immediately after impact = v = 2.53 ms–1 38

A1 Allow v = 15 . Must be positive.

© UCLES 2021 Page 14 of 14