OCR A Level Further Mathematics B (MEI) Paper 1 June 2026 Mark Scheme – Mechanics Major (Y421/01)

Official OCR A Level Further Mathematics B (MEI) Paper 1 (Y421/01) Mechanics Major mark scheme – June 2026 series. Complete marking instructions with detailed solutions for all 12 questions. Section A (shorter questions): projectile motion (time of flight T = 2u sinθ/g, range R = u cosθ × T, vertical displacement formula), Newton’s laws and friction (limiting friction F_max = μR, static vs kinetic friction, inclined plane tanθ = μ at slipping), work-energy principle (KE = ½mv², work done by gravity mgh, work done by friction Fd, change in KE), circular motion (centripetal acceleration a = v²/r, centripetal force F = mv²/r, conical pendulum resolving vertically and horizontally, tanθ = v²/rg, tension T = mg/cosθ), momentum and impulse (impulse = change in momentum m(v-u), conservation of linear momentum m₁u₁ + m₂u₂ = m₁v₁ + m₂v₂, coefficient of restitution e = relative speed after / relative speed before), simple harmonic motion (x = Acos(ωt), v² = ω²(A² – x²), v_max = ωA, period T = 2π/ω), rotational motion (moment of inertia of rod about centre I_cm = 1/12 ML², parallel axis theorem I = I_cm + Mh², torque τ = Fr, angular acceleration α = τ/I). Section B (longer questions): connected particles with variable forces (Newton’s second law equations, simultaneous solution for acceleration), elastic strings/springs and energy (Hooke’s law T = λx/l, equilibrium mg = λx/l, elastic potential energy EPE = λx²/2l, energy conservation mg(h+x) = λx²/2l for maximum extension), motion in a vertical circle (forces at top mg + T = mv²/r, minimum speed for complete circle v_min = √(rg), energy conservation between bottom and top, tension calculation), differential equations in mechanics (air resistance m dv/dt = mg – kv, terminal velocity v_T = mg/k, separation of variables to derive v = v_T(1 – e^{-kt/m})), statics of rigid bodies (moments about a point, uniform rod weight at centre, equilibrium of forces, tilting condition R_A = 0). Includes mark allocation per part (method marks M, accuracy marks A, independent marks B, follow-through FT), grade boundaries (A* 80%+, A 70-79%), and examiner guidance (use of g = 9.8 m/s², significant figures, calculator use). Perfect for OCR A Level Further Mathematics revision, mechanics major exam preparation, teacher marking, and student self-assessment.