Solids under stress: Eduqas A‑Level Physics questions

Every Eduqas A-Level Physics exam question on 2.5 Solids under stress, 2016–2025, with its mark scheme and examiner’s report.

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1,592 questions

Q5(a)
June 2025 · Component 2
3 marks2.5 Solids under stress
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Q5(b)(i)
June 2025 · Component 2
2 marks2.5 Solids under stress
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Q5(b)(ii)
June 2025 · Component 2
2 marks2.5 Solids under stress
The whole paper ↗
Q5(b)(iii)
June 2025 · Component 2
3 marks2.5 Solids under stress
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Q5(c)
June 2025 · Component 2
3 marks2.5 Solids under stress
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Q4(a)
June 2025 · AS Component 1
6 marks2.5 Solids under stress
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$June 2025 AS Component 1, question 4(a): Glass is an example of an amorphous, brittle material. Explain what is meant by an amorphous, brittle material and how glass fractures under tension. Give your$
Q4(b)
June 2025 · AS Component 1
4 marks2.5 Solids under stress
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Q4(c)
June 2025 · AS Component 1
4 marks2.5 Solids under stress
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Q6(a)(i)
June 2024 · Component 2
1 mark2.5 Solids under stress
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Q6(a)(ii)
June 2024 · Component 2
2 marks2.5 Solids under stress
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$June 2024 Component 2, question 6(a)(ii): Explain, in terms of stress, why the metal fractures at this point. [2]$
Q6(b)(i)
June 2024 · Component 2
2 marks2.5 Solids under stress
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Q6(b)(ii)
June 2024 · Component 2
3 marks2.5 Solids under stress
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Q6(b)(iii)
June 2024 · Component 2
2 marks2.5 Solids under stress
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Q4(a)(i)
June 2024 · AS Component 1
1 mark2.5 Solids under stress
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Q4(a)(ii)
June 2024 · AS Component 1
2 marks2.5 Solids under stress
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Q4(b)(i)
June 2024 · AS Component 1
6 marks2.5 Solids under stress
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Q4(b)(ii)
June 2024 · AS Component 1
1 mark2.5 Solids under stress
The whole paper ↗
Q4(b)(iii)
June 2024 · AS Component 1
2 marks2.5 Solids under stress
The whole paper ↗
Q4(a)(i)
June 2023 · Component 2
1 mark2.5 Solids under stress
The whole paper ↗
Q4(a)(ii)
June 2023 · Component 2
2 marks2.5 Solids under stress
The whole paper ↗

All 87 questions on Solids under stress, as a list

June 2025, Component 2, Q5(a) (3 marks): Describe a method to investigate the force-extension properties of rubber in the form of an elastic band as it is loaded only. You should describe how the exten
June 2025, Component 2, Q5(b)(i) (2 marks): Show that the line for the region AB is consistent with this sample of rubber having a Young modulus of approximately 3 MPa in this region. [2]
June 2025, Component 2, Q5(b)(ii) (2 marks): Briefly explain the changes in the molecular arrangement in the regions BC and CD. [2]
June 2025, Component 2, Q5(b)(iii) (3 marks): A student suggests that 1.5 times more work is done in stretching the rubber from C to D than from B to C. Determine whether the student is correct. [3]
June 2025, Component 2, Q5(c) (3 marks): Explain how a car tyre manufacturer might use the term ‘hysteresis’ to advise drivers that driving with under-inflated tyres (tyres below the recommended pressu
June 2025, AS Component 1, Q4(a) (6 marks): Glass is an example of an amorphous, brittle material. Explain what is meant by an amorphous, brittle material and how glass fractures under tension. Give your
June 2025, AS Component 1, Q4(b) (4 marks): A glass fibre of breaking stress 8.11 × 106 Pa just breaks when a mass of 2.6 kg is suspended from it. Determine the diameter of the fibre. [4]
June 2025, AS Component 1, Q4(c) (4 marks): The Young modulus, E, of a material can be given by the equation: E = Fl xA where F = force, l = length, x = extension and A = cross-sectional area. Use this eq
June 2024, Component 2, Q6(a)(i) (1 mark): Sketch a diagram to illustrate the term necking, indicating the direction of the stretching forces. [1]
June 2024, Component 2, Q6(a)(ii) (2 marks): Explain, in terms of stress, why the metal fractures at this point. [2]
June 2024, Component 2, Q6(b)(i) (2 marks): Show that: clamp F titanium  2 F steel where Ftitanium and Fsteel are the respective forces on the steel titanium titanium and steel wires. [Etitanium = 400 GP
June 2024, Component 2, Q6(b)(ii) (3 marks): The diameter of each wire is 1.4 mm and the unstretched length is 1.2 m. Determine the extension produced in one of the wires when F = 30 N. [3]
June 2024, Component 2, Q6(b)(iii) (2 marks): A physics student assumes that, since the wires extend by the same amount, they must possess the same amount of elastic potential energy. Determine whether the
June 2024, AS Component 1, Q4(a)(i) (1 mark): Define the Young modulus of a material. [1]
June 2024, AS Component 1, Q4(a)(ii) (2 marks): Rubber is a polymer. Describe its structure on a molecular scale. [2]
June 2024, AS Component 1, Q4(b)(i) (6 marks): Explain the shape and gradient of the graph in terms of the molecular behaviour of rubber. [6 QER]
June 2024, AS Component 1, Q4(b)(ii) (1 mark): On the same axes, sketch the graph that would be obtained when unloading the rubber band, assuming it undergoes hysteresis. [1]
June 2024, AS Component 1, Q4(b)(iii) (2 marks): Explain why hysteresis occurs. [2]
June 2023, Component 2, Q4(a)(i) (1 mark): Inserting a pre-stressed steel bar into the concrete would strengthen the beam. On the diagram, draw a pre-stressed steel bar in an appropriate position. [1]
June 2023, Component 2, Q4(a)(ii) (2 marks): Explain how the steel bar strengthens the beam. [2]
June 2023, Component 2, Q4(b)(i) (1 mark): All three steels have the same Young modulus. State how the graphs support this statement. [1]
June 2023, Component 2, Q4(b)(ii) (3 marks): Compare the physical properties of high carbon steel with low carbon steel and explain these properties in terms of their molecular structure. [3]
June 2023, Component 2, Q4(c)(i) (4 marks): Use information from the diagram and the following data to show that the extension in the cable is approximately 2 mm. [4] Young modulus of steel = 210 GPa Leng
June 2023, Component 2, Q4(c)(ii) (2 marks): Calculate the energy stored in the extended cable. [2]
June 2023, Component 2, Q4(c)(iii) (2 marks): The tugboat operator decides to replace the quenched steel cable with a cable made from low carbon steel of the same length and diameter. Using the graphs in pa
June 2023, AS Component 1, Q2(a) (6 marks): Copper is a crystalline material. Describe its structure and explain, on a molecular and macroscopic level, what happens to a copper wire when it breaks. [6 QER
June 2023, AS Component 1, Q2(b)(i) (2 marks): Calculate the stress at its elastic limit. [2]
June 2023, AS Component 1, Q2(b)(ii) (2 marks): The wire has a Young modulus of 1.3 × 1011 Pa. Calculate the extension at its elastic limit. [2]
June 2023, AS Component 1, Q2(c) (3 marks): The usual unit for Young modulus is the Pascal (Pa). Express this in terms of SI base units. [3]
June 2023, AS Component 2, Q6(c) (4 marks): A 1.2 m length of the constantan wire used in part (b) is stretched by a tensile force of 45 N. Determine the Young modulus of constantan if the wire extends by
June 2022, AS Component 1, Q4(a) (6 marks): Describe an experiment to determine the Young modulus of a metal wire. [6 QER]
June 2022, AS Component 1, Q4(b)(i) (1 mark): State which of the above materials is the stiffest and which is the least stiff. [1]
June 2022, AS Component 1, Q4(b)(ii) (3 marks): A force of 80.0 N is applied to a copper wire 2.00 m long. If the diameter is 1.20 mm determine its extension. [3]
June 2022, AS Component 1, Q5(b)(ii) (3 marks): The shopkeeper decides to use a copper wire of diameter 1.0 mm and breaking stress 3.0 × 108 Pa as the supporting cable. Evaluate whether the sign will be secur
Autumn 2021, Component 1, Q8(d) (3 marks): Paragraph 8 Read through the following article carefully. Build Your Own Strainmeter in an A-level Physics Classroom The first questions that need answering are
Autumn 2021, Component 2, Q4(a)(i) (2 marks): Glass is a brittle material. Briefly describe the process by which glass fractures. [2]
Autumn 2021, Component 2, Q4(a)(ii) (2 marks): Car windscreens are made from pre-stressed glass. During production, jets of air cool the hot glass which causes the outside to contract and harden while the in
Autumn 2021, Component 2, Q4(b)(i) (3 marks): A glass marble of mass 20 g is securely attached to a thin nylon thread of length 0.30 m and diameter 0.16 mm. Determine the extension of the thread when the ma
Autumn 2021, Component 2, Q4(b)(ii) (2 marks): The maximum stress that nylon can withstand before breaking is 9.00 × 107 Pa. Determine the breaking force for this thread. [2]
Autumn 2020, Component 2, Q4(a) (3 marks): Materials can be classified as being crystalline, amorphous or polymeric. Making reference to their microscopic structures explain what is meant by each of thes
Autumn 2020, Component 2, Q4(b)(i) (3 marks): By referring to the molecular structure of rubber, explain why the gradient at A is less than the gradient at B. [3]
Autumn 2020, Component 2, Q4(b)(ii) (3 marks): When the specimen is gradually unloaded, it is noted that the curve for unloading is different from the curve for loading. I. Name this phenomenon and account f
Autumn 2020, Component 2, Q5(a)(i) (2 marks): Show that the maximum extension possible for the wire without the elastic limit being exceeded is 1.25 mm. [2]
Autumn 2020, Component 2, Q5(a)(ii) (3 marks): Simon believes that this maximum extension (1.25 mm) of the steel wire depends on the radius of the wire. Natalie disagrees. Discuss who is correct, explaining
Autumn 2020, Component 2, Q5(b)(i) (3 marks): Show that the force per unit extension, k, of the wire is 80 kN m–1. [3]
Autumn 2020, Component 2, Q5(b)(ii) (2 marks): Determine the mass, m, that causes an equilibrium extension of 1.0 mm. [2]
June 2019, Component 2, Q5(a)(i) (3 marks): Show that the total extension, Δxtotal, of the bar under the action of an applied force, F, as shown in the diagram, can be given by: 4FL0 Δxtotal = 3AE where E
June 2019, Component 2, Q5(a)(ii) (1 mark): The graph shows the variation of extension with applied force for the part of cross- section, A. Draw (on the same grid) the expected force-extension graph for
June 2019, Component 2, Q5(a)(iii) (3 marks): Determine the Young modulus of the metal in the bar given that L0 = 1.2 m and A = 2.0 × 10–4 m2 [3]
June 2019, Component 2, Q5(a)(iv) (2 marks): Calculate the elastic potential energy stored in the whole bar when F = 400 N. [2]
June 2019, Component 2, Q5(b)(i) (3 marks): Use the graph to estimate the greatest mass which can be hung from a glass fibre of diameter 0.2 mm. [3]
June 2019, Component 2, Q5(b)(ii) (2 marks): Explain the term brittle fracture as it applies to glass and give a reason why very thin fibres have a greater breaking stress than thicker ones. [2]
June 2019, AS Component 1, Q1(a)(i) (1 mark): Define the Young modulus of a material. [1]
June 2019, AS Component 1, Q1(a)(ii) (3 marks): Express the unit of the Young modulus in terms of S.I. base units. [3]
June 2019, AS Component 1, Q1(b)(i) (3 marks): When a rubber band is gradually loaded and then unloaded it shows hysteresis and permanent set. Sketch, and clearly label a force-extension graph for rubber to
June 2019, AS Component 1, Q1(b)(ii) (2 marks): Considering the molecular structure of rubber explain why it has a much lower value of Young modulus than that of a metal. [2]
June 2019, AS Component 1, Q1(b)(iii) (2 marks): What is the effect on the Young modulus of rubber when its temperature rises? Explain your answer. [2]
June 2019, AS Component 1, Q3(a) (1 mark): State Hooke’s law. [1]
June 2019, AS Component 1, Q3(b)(i) (3 marks): Calculate the velocity with which it leaves the ground. [3]
June 2019, AS Component 1, Q3(b)(ii) (2 marks): Determine the initial acceleration of the toy as the spring extends. State any assumption you make. [2]
June 2018, Component 2, Q3(a) (2 marks): Explain how the choice of a suitable comparison wire minimises the effect of a change in temperature. [2]
June 2018, Component 2, Q3(b) (3 marks): Kiera uses a micrometer of resolution 0.01 mm to measure the mean diameter of the wire. She determines the mean diameter to be 0.16 mm. Calculate the cross-sect
June 2018, Component 2, Q3(c) (2 marks): Kiera then uses a metre ruler with a resolution of 1 mm to measure the initial length of the wire. She determines the length to be 1.680 m. Show, with an approp
June 2018, Component 2, Q3(d)(i) (4 marks): I. Add error bars for the extension on the plotted points. [1] II. Draw lines of maximum gradient and minimum gradient and determine the gradients of both lines
June 2018, Component 2, Q3(d)(ii) (2 marks): Hence, calculate the mean gradient and the percentage uncertainty in its value. [2]
June 2018, Component 2, Q3(e) (5 marks): Determine the Young modulus of the metal alloy, along with its absolute uncertainty. Give your answer to an appropriate number of significant figures. [5]
June 2018, Component 2, Q3(f) (2 marks): State which of the measurements contributes most to the overall uncertainty in your answer and suggest one change Kiera could make to her experiment which would
June 2018, Component 3, Q4(c)(iv) (3 marks): Calculate the strain produced in a laser structure if the power of the beam between the mirrors is 2.0 × 1015 W. You may assume that the structure of the laser
June 2018, AS Component 1, Q1(a)(i) (1 mark): Emily measures the length and diameter of the glass fibre and finds them to be 19.8 cm and 1.01 mm respectively. Suggest what measuring instruments she uses. [1
June 2018, AS Component 1, Q1(a)(ii) (3 marks): Determine the Young modulus of glass. [3]
June 2018, AS Component 1, Q1(a)(iii) (2 marks): Write a risk assessment for Emily’s experiment. [2]
June 2018, AS Component 1, Q1(a)(iv) (2 marks): Determine the energy stored in the glass just before breaking point is reached. [2]
June 2018, AS Component 1, Q1(b) (3 marks): Glass is a brittle material. Describe the process by which glass fractures. [3]
June 2018, AS Component 2, Q1(c) (3 marks): A section of rock undergoes a tensile stress of 900 MPa during an earthquake. Calculate the tensile strain if the Young modulus is 70 GPa for rock. [3]
June 2017, Component 2, Q8(a) (6 marks): The diagrams show a microscopic view and an atomic representation of the crystalline structure of a typical metal. GRAIN BOUNDARY GRAIN Microscopic view Atomic
June 2017, Component 2, Q8(b)(i) (3 marks): Determine whether or not these measurements are consistent with copper having a Young Modulus of 120 GPa. [3]
June 2017, Component 2, Q8(b)(ii) (2 marks): Estimate the work needed to produce a strain of 0.2% in the wire. [2]
June 2017, Component 2, Q8(b)(iii) (1 mark): Sketch a line on the graph to show the possible behaviour of the wire when the 20 N force is removed. [Assume the wire has been stretched beyond its elastic lim
June 2017, AS Component 1, Q1(a) (3 marks): Solid materials can be categorised into one of three different types. Complete the table describing the molecular structure of each type of solid. [3] Type of s
June 2017, AS Component 1, Q1(b) (4 marks): Sketch on the axis below a typical stress-strain graph for a length of ductile metal wire when it is gradually loaded until it breaks. Label, on your graph the:
June 2017, AS Component 1, Q1(c)(i) (4 marks): A nylon fishing line of negligible mass has a breaking stress of 60 MPa. Calculate the minimum diameter of line needed to lift a fish of mass 5.0 kg vertically
June 2017, AS Component 1, Q1(c)(ii) (2 marks): When lifting the fish vertically 2.00 m of the line extends by 40 mm. Use this information to calculate a value for the Young modulus of the nylon line at break
June 2017, AS Component 1, Q1(c)(iii) (2 marks): If the fish struggles the force on the line can be increased by a factor of ten. Calculate the minimum diameter of line now required to stop the line breaking.
June 2016, AS Component 1, Q7(a) (1 mark): Define the Young modulus. [1]
June 2016, AS Component 1, Q7(b) (6 marks): A student, Chloe, obtains a graph of force against extension for the loading of a rubber band. Force C B A Extension Describe and explain the variation of the Y
June 2016, AS Component 1, Q7(c) (2 marks): Add to the graph opposite to show what would happen when Chloe unloaded the rubber band. Account for any differences between the two lines. [2]
June 2016, AS Component 1, Q7(d) (2 marks): Some plastic shopping bags are made of non-biodegradable polymers. Discuss whether or not there should be a charge for using non-biodegradable plastic bags. [2]

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