Mark Scheme (Results)

January 2025

Pearson Edexcel International Advanced Level

In Mechanics M2 (WME02) Paper 01
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January 2025
Question Paper Log Number P76198A
Publications Code WME02_01_2501_MS
All the material in this publication is copyright
© Pearson Education Ltd 2025
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.
 EDEXCEL IAL MATHEMATICS
General Instructions for Marking

1. The total number of marks for the paper is 75.

2. The Edexcel Mathematics mark schemes use the following types of marks:
• M marks: Method marks are awarded for ‘knowing a method and
attempting to apply it’, unless otherwise indicated.
• A marks: Accuracy marks can only be awarded if the relevant method (M)
marks have been earned.
• B marks are unconditional accuracy marks (independent of M marks)
• Marks should not be subdivided.

3. Abbreviations
These are some of the traditional marking abbreviations that will appear in
the mark schemes and can be used if you are using the annotation facility
on ePEN.

• bod – benefit of doubt

• ft – follow through
• the symbol will be used for correct ft
• cao – correct answer only
• cso - correct solution only. There must be no errors in this part of the
question to obtain this mark
• isw – ignore subsequent working
• awrt – answers which round to
• SC: special case
• oe – or equivalent (and appropriate)
• d… or dep – dependent
• indep – independent
• dp decimal places
• sf significant figures
•  The answer is printed on the paper or ag- answer given
• or d… The second mark is dependent on gaining the first mark
4. 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.

5. 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 you are using the annotation facility on
ePEN, indicate this action by ‘MR’ in the body of the script.

6. 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.

7. Ignore wrong working or incorrect statements following a correct answer.

 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

1. Gain in GPE M1 Or equivalent. Condone sine /
 5 cosine confusion
= 2.6 g × 20sin α = 2.6 g × 20 × 
 13 
1  1 12  M1 Or equivalent. Condone sine /
Fmax =× 2.6 g cos α  =× 2.6 g ×  cosine confusion
5  5 13 
Work done against friction = 20Fmax M1 Follow their Fmax . Must have an
expression for Fmax.
Independent of the preceding M1
Total work done DM1 Dependent on preceding M marks
= 2.6 g × 20sin α + 4 × 2.6 g cos α Must be adding the two relevant
expressions
= 290(J) A1 2 sf or 3 sf
Do not ISW
NB: Omission of g should be
marked as an accuracy error
[5]
(5)
2a NB If they use a = 0 then max score is 1/7 (3rd M1 only)
Equation of motion for van + trailer: M1 First equation: Dimensionally
correct. Need all terms. In F or P.
Condone sign errors.
F − ( 500 + 200 ) = ( 900 + 300 ) a A1 Correct unsimplified equation
Equation of motion for the trailer M1 Second equation: Dimensionally
correct. Need all terms. In F or P.
Condone sign errors. Correct mass
T − 200 =
300a A1 Correct unsimplified equation.
Follow their a.
Equation of motion for van There are 3 possible equations.
F − T − 500 =900a They need 2 of them. M1A1 for
each correct unsimplified
equation.
18000 M1 Use of P = Fv Need to have
=F =( 1500 )
12 substituted relevant values
Condone use of 18 in place of
18000 (or incorrect number of
zeros)
Solve for T DM1 Dependent on previous 3 M marks
T = 400 A1 Correct only
NB: Inclusion of g should be
marked as an accuracy error
[7]

2b Equation of motion for van + trailer M1 Dimensionally correct. Need all

terms. Condone sign errors.
Condone sine / cosine confusion
Alt: Obtains separate equations for
van and trailer and eliminates T
F − ( 200 + 500 ) − ( 300 + 900 ) g sin α =
0 A1 Unsimplified equation in F or v
with at most one error. Consistent
 18000 1200 g  trig confusion is one error.
 = 700 + 
 v 15  Consistent sign error is one error.
Missing g is one error.
A1 Correct unsimplified equation in v
Allow with trig value not
substituted
=v 12
= or v 12.1 A1 2 sf or 3 sf
[4]
(11)
3a dr M1 Differentiate the vector. At least
Use v =
dt 3 powers going down

(
v = 3 − ( t + 1)
− 12
) i + ( 2t − 6) j A1
A1
one component correct
both components correct.

( 2t − 6 ) = 0 ⇒ t = 3 M1 Equate their j component of

velocity to zero and solve for t
Must have seen a clear attempt to
differentiate
Speed = 2.5 ( ms −1 ) or equivalent A1 Must be a scalar. A0 for 2.5i
[5]

3b dv Differentiate the vector. Powers

Use a = M1 going down and at least one
dt constant goes to zero.
1 Or equivalent correct expression
−3
a = ( t + 1) 2 i + 2 j A1 Allow if correct derivative
2 implied by correct substitution
 4  16 Correct use of Pythagoras
=a  a
i + 2 j=
125
+ 22 DM1
Dependent on the preceding M1
 125 

= 2.03 ( m s −2 ) or better 2 645

A1 or 2.0317…
25
[4]

3c
(
For r = 0, 3t + 2 − 2 t + 1 =0 and ) M1 No need to consider t = 0 as this is
excluded in the Q
(t 2
− 6t ) =
0
t ≠0⇒t = (
6 but 3 × 6 + 2 − 2 6 + 1 ≠ 0 ) A1 Clear explanation of the given
result with no errors seen.
Hence no solution and does not return
( )
e.g. 3t + 2 − 2 t + 1 = 0
2
⇒ 9t + 8t = 0 has no solution for
t > 0 (need something to indicate
impossible)
There will be other alternatives
e.g. Show that the horizontal component of the velocity is always > 2, so no return
M1 for correct strategy A1 for correct conclusion with no errors seen and sufficient
justification. Conclusion needs to be clear but does not need to be the exact wording
from the question.

An argument dependent solely on acceleration is unlikely to work – do send to

review if you find one worthy of merit.
[2]
(11)
4 NB: For the whole of this question, confusion between horizontal and vertical is not
a misread
4a Seen or implied anywhere
x=3 B1
Do not accept x =3i
Complete method using suvat or
Use of v= u + 2as
2 2
M1 energy to form an equation in y.
Condone sign errors
2 2
15 = y + 2 × g ×10 A1 Correct unsimplified equation
2 sf or 3 sf .
If final answer is y = 5.4j do not
y 2 = 29, y = 5.4 or 5.39 A1
penalise inclusion of a vector a
second time.
SC allow 4/4 for xi + yj =3i + 5.4j
[4]
4a Seen or implied anywhere
x=3 B1
alt Do not accept x =3i
Equation for conservation of energy M1 Require all 3 terms and no extras.
Dimensionally correct. Condone
sign errors. Must include m
1 1 A1 Correct unsimplified equation –
m × ( 32 + 152 ) = mg ×10 + m ( x 2 + y 2 )
2 2 any equivalent form
2 sf or 3 sf .
If final answer is y = 5.4j do not
y 2 = 29, y = 5.4 or 5.39 A1
penalise inclusion of a vector a
second time.
[4]
4b Time from B to C: M1 Complete method using suvat and
their vertical speed.
Condone sign errors
−15= 5.39 − gt ( t = 2.08 ) A1ft Correct equation in t only
e.g. 10
= 15t − 12 gt 2
ft on their 5.39 if used
Horizontal distance DM1 Complete method using suvat and
= 3t=( their x × their t ) their x value.
Dependent on preceding M1
( AC = ) 6.2(m) or 6.24(m) A1 2 sf or 3 sf
NB Penalise over-accuracy only
once per question
[4]

(8)
5a Impulse-momentum equation. M1 Dimensionally correct.
Subtraction seen or implied.
Condone subtraction in wrong
order.
( ±I =) A1 Or equivalent
Ignore 4 10 if seen here
2 ( λ i + λ j) − 2 ( 4i ) ( = ( 2λ − 8 ) i + 2λ j)

( I = )160 = ( 2λ − 8)
2 2
+ ( 2λ )
2 DM1 Use of Pythagoras to obtain an
equation in λ Dependent on the
previous M1
(⇒ 0 = λ 2 − 4λ − 12 ) A1 Or any correct unsimplified
equation in λ
⇒ (λ =
)6 A1 Correct only.
SC Allow 5/5 in (a) if working with -I. They will lose marks later.
[5]
5a Form vector triangle for impulse or for M1 Dimensionally correct. Must be
alt momentum. subtracting. Condone
subtraction in wrong order.
Correct triangle A1 8

4 10

2 2Δ

e.g.
160 =64 + 8λ − 32 2λ ×
2 1 DM1 Use of Cosine Rule to obtain an
2
equation in λ Dependent on the
previous M1
⇒ 0= 8λ 2 − 32λ − 96 A1 Or equivalent equation in λ
⇒ (λ =
)6 A1 Correct only
[5]
5b I 4i + 12 j
= B1ft Follow their λ
( I = ( 2λ − 8) i + 2λ j)
B0 for a column vector. B0 if
still in terms of lambda. Ignore
second solution for negative
lambda if seen
[1]
5c 12 16 M1 Correct use of trig or scalar
tan θ ° = or cos θ ° = product for the required angle
4 4 × 4 10
with their I provided both
components are non-zero
Do not allow for the reciprocal
θ = 72 A1 72 or better (71.56505…) from
correct work only
Ignore second solution for
negative lambda if seen
[2]
6a rectangle triangle lamina
area 8ka 2
3ka 2
5ka 2 B1 Correct area ratio seen or implied
From AD 4a 2a d B1 Correct distances from AD or a
parallel axis seen or implied.
Condone if d not used
Moments about AD M1 Or a parallel axis. Need all terms.
Dimensionally consistent.
Condone sign error.
8ka 2 × 4a − 3ka 2 × 2a= 5ka 2 × d A1 Correct unsimplified equation
26 A1* Obtain given answer from correct
26a = 5d ⇒ d = a *
5 working. Must obtain d = …
[5]

6b Moments about PS M1 Or a parallel axis. Need all terms.

Dimensionally consistent.
Must be using the 3 correctly with
areas, so 5ka 2 , 15ka 2 , 15ka 2 is M0.
Allow a slip on one value.
Condone sign error.
26 A1 Unsimplified equation with a slip
5k × a + 2 × 3 × 4k × 4a= ( 5k + 24k ) x on at most one value
5
A1 Correct unsimplified equation.
Allow with common factors
cancelled
122 A1 Correct only
x= a
29
y = ka B1 Distance from PQ seen or implied
122 A1ft  x 
tan θ = Follow their x .  
29k  ka 
[6]
(11)
7a NB: This is a “show that” question.
The working must give a clear
indication of where the lengths in
the moments equation come from.
Check the diagram. Could be
resolving or using similar triangles.
Might have resorted to using a
calculator to evaluate the angles.
Each term should include a trig
ratio

Moments about A M1 Or an alternative complete method

to form an equation in T. Condone
sign errors and sine / cosine
confusion. Need all terms and
dimensionally consistent. (accept
with no a)
12W × 4a sin θ + W × 8a sin θ = 5a × T sin 2θ A1 Unsimplified equation with at most
or 48aW sin θ + 8aW sin θ = 8aT sin θ one error
48aW sin θ + 8aW sin θ A1 Correct unsimplified equation
or Allow A1A0 if angle DCB used
= 3aT cos θ + 4aT sin θ
and not in terms of θ
 3 3 3 4 If no trig in the moments equation
 48 × W + 8 × W = T ×10 × × 
 5 5 5 5 then M0 – given answer, so no
BOD
Obtain given answer from correct
56W = 8T ⇒ T = 7W * A1*
working
[4]
7b Condone sign errors and sine /
First equation e.g. resolve horizontally M1
cosine confusion
Correct unsimplified equation
 21 
( )
± H
= T sin θ
=  W  A1 Alt: resolving parallel to the rod:
 5  13W = cos θ T cos 2θ + R cos α
Condone sign errors and sine /
Second equation e.g. resolve vertically M1
cosine confusion
37  Correct unsimplified equation

( ± )V + T cos= θ 13W =  V W  A1 Alt resolving perpendicular to the
 5  rod: 13W= sin θ R sin α + T sin 2θ
Another alternative is to use a second moments equation
e.g M(C ) : 5a × R sin α + W × 3a sin θ= 12W × a sin θ
M( B ) : R sin α × 8a + T sin 2θ × 3a= 12W × 4a sin θ
Complete method to obtain α
3 H
α ° tan −1 − tan −1
= Dependent on the two preceding M
4 V
DM1 marks
V 4 Alt gives
or tan −1 − tan −1
H 3 = R sin α 27 = W , R cos α 211
25 25

7.29205… or better. Mark 0.127

α = 7.3 A1
radians as a misread
[6]
8a
6u u

P Q
m km

2v 3v

Used the right way round.

Use of impact law M1
Condone sign errors
Correct unsimplified equation
3v − 2v 1 v 1
= A1 e.g. If see just = assume a
6u + u 3 5u 3
sign slip and allow M1A0A0
7
v= u A1 Correct only. CSO
3
[3]

8b Dimensionally consistent. Need all

terms. Condone sign errors.
Use of CLM
M1 Condone one slip in matching
(or equal and opposite impulses)
speeds and masses. Condone
consistent omission of m.
Correct unsimplified equation
6mu − kmu = 3kmv + 2mv or
A1 Allow the marks if CLM stated
6u − ku = 3kv + 2v
correctly in (a) and used here.
7 7 4 1 Correct only from correct work
6 − k = 3k × + 2 × =, 8k = , k A1
3 3 3 6 only
[3]

8c This method looks at the total time between the two collisions between P and Q
Speed of Q after rebound Seen or implied
=f × 3v ( =f × 7u ) B1ft
ft is for correct use of their v
t P between collisions Seen or implied
6d  3d 9d  B1ft For P distance 6d/7 at 2v
= =  =  ft is for correct use of their v
7 × 2v  7v 49u 
d d
tQ between collisions
= +
3v 7 × 3 fv For Q distance d at 3v and distance
M1
 d d  d/7 at 3vf
=
 + 
 7u 49 fu 
3d d d Equate times and solve for f
tQ =t P ⇒ = + DM1
7v 3v 21 fv Dependent on preceding M1
3 1 1 2 1 1
= + , = , f = A1 Correct only from correct working
7 3 21 f 21 21 f 2
[5]
See over for alternatives
8c This method looks at the time between the collision between Q and the wall and the
alt second collision between P and Q
Speed of Q after rebound Seen or implied
=f × 3v ( =f × 7u ) B1ft
ft is for correct use of their v
Distance apart when Q hits wall Seen or implied
14u d  d  ft is for correct use of their v
= d− × =  B1ft
Distance moved by Q – distance
3 7u  3  moved by P
t P for extra distance Additional time to second
4d 14u  4d  M1 collision = extra distance
= ÷  = ÷ 2v  divided by speed of P
21 3  21 
4d 14u d Equate times to second collision
tQ =t P ⇒ ÷ = ÷ 7uf DM1 and solve for f
21 3 7 Dependent on preceding M1
12 1 1 Correct only from correct
= = , f A1
3 × 2 × 49 49 f 2 working
[5]
8c This method looks at how far Q travels after the rebound
alt
Speed of Q after rebound Seen or implied
=f × 3v ( =f × 7u ) B1ft
ft is for correct use of their v
6d  3d  B1ft
t P between collisions
= =  
7 × 2v  7v 
Distance travelled by Q if f = 1 M1
3d 9
= × 3v = d
7v 7
actual distance after rebound M1 This is equivalent to
f =
9 3d d d
d −d × 3v = × 3v + × 3v
7 7v 3v 21 fv
9d d
or = d +
7 7f
1 A1 Correct only from correct
=
2 working
[5]
8c This method looks at distances
alt
Speed of Q after rebound Seen or implied
=f × 3v ( =f × 7u ) B1ft
ft is for correct use of their v
If t1 is the time for Q to the wall and t2 is B1ft
the time between wall and second collision
14
distance travelled by P is ( t1 + t2 ) u
3
 14 6 M1 Equate distances for P and Q
( t1 + t2 ) u= × 7ut1
3 7
d M1
Use = 7uf × t2 and solve
7

1 A1 Correct only from correct

Obtain f =
2 working
[5]
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