OCR Mechanics Exam Questions with Full Solutions (A Level Maths)

OCR A Level Mechanics is one of the areas where students lose the most avoidable marks. The maths is often manageable — but poor setup, missing explanations, or incorrect assumptions cost method marks.

In this guide, we’ll look at:

• The types of OCR Mechanics exam questions you’ll face

• Common mistakes students make

• A full worked OCR-style solution to a real Mechanics question

• How to practise Mechanics the right way

What Makes OCR A Level Mechanics Challenging?

OCR Mechanics questions test modelling as much as mathematics.

OCR examiners expect you to:

• Clearly state assumptions (e.g. “particle”, “smooth surface”)

• Use correct force diagrams and directions

• Apply Newton’s laws systematically

• Justify equations, not just write them down

Marks are awarded heavily for method and reasoning, not just answers.

Common OCR Mechanics Exam Question Types

You will regularly see questions involving:

• Constant acceleration (SUVAT)

• Forces and Newton’s Laws

• Projectiles

• Moments

• Work, energy, and power

• Connected particles

Many students know the formulas — but struggle to apply them in OCR exam style.

Example OCR Mechanics Exam Question

A particle of mass 2 kg is placed on a rough horizontal surface. It is pulled by a horizontal force of 10 N. The coefficient of friction between the particle and the surface is 0.2. The particle starts from rest.

Find the acceleration of the particle.

Full OCR-Style Worked Solution

Step 1: Model and assumptions

We model the object as a particle on a rough horizontal surface.

Vertical forces:

• Weight = $2g$ N

• Normal reaction = $R$

Since there is no vertical motion:

$$R=2g$$

Step 2: Friction force

Friction acts opposite to motion.

$$F=\mu R=0.2\times 2g=0.4g\text{ N}$$

Step 3: Horizontal forces

Forces acting horizontally:

• Pulling force = 10 N

• Friction = $0.4g$ N

Resultant force:

$$10-0.4g$$

Step 4: Apply Newton’s Second Law

$$F=ma$$$$10-0.4g=2a$$

Substitute $g=9.8$:

$$10-3.92=2a$$$$6.08=2a$$$$a=3.04{\text{ m s}}^{-2}$$

Final Answer

$$\boxed{{\displaystyle a=3.04{\text{ m s}}^{-2}}}$$

✔ Correct assumptions stated
✔ Forces clearly identified
✔ Newton’s laws applied correctly

This is exactly the structure OCR examiners reward.

Common Mistakes OCR Examiners Penalise

Students often lose marks by:

• Forgetting to calculate the normal reaction

• Using friction without stating direction

• Writing equations without justification

• Skipping force diagrams

• Not stating assumptions

Even one missing line can cost multiple method marks.

How to Revise OCR Mechanics Effectively

The best approach is:

1. Attempt real OCR exam questions

2. Compare your answer with a full worked solution

3. Rewrite the solution in your own words

4. Practise a similar question immediately

This builds both understanding and exam technique.

Why Full Worked Solutions Matter

Short answers aren’t enough for OCR Mechanics. You need:

• Examiner-style layout

• Clear reasoning

• Correct mathematical modelling

That’s why many top students rely on fully solved OCR Mechanics exam questions rather than generic textbooks.

Get Full OCR Mechanics Solutions

If you want access to complete OCR A Level Mechanics exam questions with full solutions, written to match examiner expectations:

👉 View our OCR Mechanics worked solutions
✔ Exam-ready
✔ Step-by-step
✔ OCR-specific