← Further Maths syllabus

EnglandFurther Maths

Further Mechanics (optional)

4 dot points across 4 inquiry questions. Click any dot point for a focused answer with worked past exam questions where available.

How do you find the centre of mass of a system of particles, a lamina or a composite body?

The centre of mass of a system of particles, of a uniform lamina (by symmetry or integration), and of a composite body, and the equilibrium of a suspended or tilting body.
A focused answer to the OCR A-Level Further Mathematics A Mechanics option content on centre of mass, covering the centre of mass of a system of particles, of a uniform lamina by symmetry or integration, and of a composite body by treating each part as a point mass, and applications to a suspended body hanging in equilibrium.
11 min answer →

How do you analyse motion in a horizontal or vertical circle, and what provides the centripetal force?

Angular speed, the centripetal acceleration and force, motion in a horizontal circle (including the conical pendulum and banked tracks), and motion in a vertical circle with the conditions for maintaining contact or tension.
A focused answer to the OCR A-Level Further Mathematics A Mechanics option content on circular motion, covering angular speed, the centripetal acceleration and force directed to the centre, motion in a horizontal circle such as the conical pendulum and banked tracks, and motion in a vertical circle including the conditions for a string to stay taut or a particle to maintain contact.
12 min answer →

How do momentum and impulse describe collisions, and what does the coefficient of restitution tell you?

Linear momentum and impulse, conservation of momentum, Newton's experimental law and the coefficient of restitution, and direct and oblique collisions including the impulse during impact.
A focused answer to the OCR A-Level Further Mathematics A Mechanics option content on momentum, impulse and collisions, covering linear momentum and the impulse-momentum principle, conservation of momentum in one and two dimensions, Newton's experimental law and the coefficient of restitution, and direct and oblique collisions.
12 min answer →

How do work, energy and power relate, and how do elastic strings and springs store energy?

Work done by a force, kinetic and gravitational potential energy, the work-energy principle, power as the rate of working, Hooke's law for elastic strings and springs, and elastic potential energy.
A focused answer to the OCR A-Level Further Mathematics A Mechanics option content on work, energy and power, covering the work done by a force, kinetic and gravitational potential energy, the work-energy principle and conservation of energy, power as force times velocity, Hooke's law for elastic strings and springs, and elastic potential energy.
12 min answer →