CAPE Physics Unit 1 · 2009 · Paper 1 · Question Q6

Item 6 refers to the diagram and information below. A trolley is travelling at a uniform velocity, \mathbf{v}, along a horizontal path. A lump of plasticine is released from a point directly above a point P on its path. The plasticine travels a vertical distance, \mathbf{h}, and acquires a speed \mathbf{v} (equal to that of the trolley) before it lands directly on top of the trolley and sticks on it. What is the distance of the trolley from the point \mathbf{P} when the plasticine begins to fall?

1. (A)2h
2. (B)\sqrt{2}\,h
3. (C)h
4. (D)\frac{h}{\sqrt{2}}

This question uses a figure or table from the paper — you'll see it when you practise.