AQA GCSE Combined Science: Trilogy Physics Paper 2 (Foundation), November 2020: Question 7

14 marks · Standard Demand difficulty · Extended Answer

Plan an investigation into how ramp height affects trolley acceleration, plot experimental data on a graph, and calculate mass using Newton's second law.

Practise this question

Question

Question 7 shows an investigation on acceleration. Figure 11 illustrates a trolley on an inclined wooden ramp elevated at one end by wooden blocks to a certain height. Part 07.1 asks to plan an investigation to determine how ramp height affects trolley acceleration (6 marks). Table 2 provides data for ramp height in metres (0.1 to 0.6) and acceleration in m/s² (0.9 to 4.3). Figure 12 shows a grid with two points plotted at (0.1, 0.9) and (0.2, 1.3). Part 07.2 asks to label axes, plot remaining points, and draw a line of best fit (4 marks). Part 07.3 asks for the equation linking acceleration, mass, and resultant force (1 mark). Part 07.4 asks to calculate the mass of the trolley when resultant force is 0.63 N and acceleration is 2.1 m/s² (3 marks).
Question text

07 A student investigated how the height of a ramp affects the acceleration of a trolley

down the ramp.

Figure 11 shows some of the equipment used.

Figure 11

07.1 Plan an investigation to determine how the height of the ramp affects the acceleration

of the trolley.

[6 marks]

Table 2 shows the results.

Table 2

Height of ramp in metres 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.5 0.6

Acceleration in m/s2 0.9 1.3 2.1 3.2 3.9 4.3

The first two results have been plotted on Figure 12.

Figure 12

07.2 Complete Figure 12.

You should:

• label the axes

• plot the remaining results from Table 2

• draw a line of best fit.

[4 marks]

07.3 Write down the equation that links acceleration (a), mass (m) and resultant force (F).

[1 mark]

*21* When the resultant force on the trolley was 0.63 N the acceleration of the trolley

07.4

was 2.1 m/s2

Calculate the mass of the trolley.

[3 marks]

Mass of trolley = kg

Mark scheme

Show the mark scheme Mark scheme for Question 7. 07.1 uses a 3-level response scheme (up to 6 marks) assessing method, apparatus (wooden blocks, metre rule, light gates/stopclock), controls, and calculation of acceleration. 07.2 awards 2 marks for correctly plotting all data points, 1 mark for correct axis labels with units, and 1 mark for a straight line of best fit. 07.3 awards 1 mark for resultant force = mass × acceleration (F = ma). 07.4 awards 3 marks: substitution (0.63 = m × 2.1), rearrangement (m = 0.63 / 2.1), and final answer (0.30 kg). Total: 14 marks.

AO /

Question Answers Mark

Spec. Ref.

07.1 Level 3: The method would lead to the production of a valid 5–6 AO3

outcome. All key steps are identified and logically sequenced.

Level 2: The method would not necessarily lead to a valid 3–4 AO1

outcome. Most steps are identified, but the plan is not fully logically

sequenced.

Level 1: The method would not lead to a valid outcome. Some 1–2 AO1

relevant steps are identified, but links are not made clear.

No relevant content 0 6.5.4.2.2

RPA19

Indicative content

measurements

• place one wooden block under the ramp

• vary the height by placing a different number of wooden blocks

• measure the height of the ramp using a metre rule

• measure the distance travelled using a metre rule

• measure time taken using light gates (and computer/datalogger)

• measure time taken using a stopclock or ticker timer

• release trolley from the same position each time

• release the trolley without applying a force

results

• repeat at the same height and calculate a mean

• repeat for different heights

v2- u2

• calculate acceleration using a = (v-u)/t or a =

2s

AO /

Question Answers Extra information Mark

Spec. Ref.

07.2 all points plotted correctly allow 1 mark for 3 points plotted 2 AO2

correctly 6.5.4.2.2

RPA19

height of ramp in metres on x- both quantity and unit required 1

axis and acceleration in m/s2 on for both axes

y-axis)

correct line of best fit 1

07.3 resultant force = mass × 1 AO1

acceleration 6.5.4.2.2

RPA19

or

F =ma

07.4 0.63 = m × 2.1 1 AO2

6.5.4.2.2

0.63 1 RPA19

m =

2.1

allow 0.3 (kg) 1

m = 0.30 (kg)

Total 14

How to answer it

Forces & Acceleration: Trolley on an Inclined Ramp

📌 What this question tests

This question assesses Required Practical 19 (Forces & Acceleration / Newton's 2nd Law). You must be able to:

  • Plan a scientific method: Identify apparatus, controlled variables, measurement techniques (light gates/stopclock), and repeat readings to calculate acceleration.
  • Present and interpret data: Correctly label axes with quantities and units, plot points accurately, and draw a smooth line of best fit.
  • Recall & apply Newton's Second Law: Recall F = m × a and rearrange it to solve for mass ( m = F / a ) with proper units.
Question 07.1 (6 Marks)

Experimental Method: Investigating Ramp Height & Acceleration

Extended Response (Level of Response Mark Scheme)

✅ Model 6-Mark Method

  1. Setup & Independent Variable: Place one wooden block under the top of the ramp. Measure the vertical height from the bench to the top of the ramp using a metre rule.
  2. Measurement of Acceleration: Set up two light gates connected to a data logger at known positions along the ramp (or measure the distance with a metre rule and time the motion with a stopclock).
  3. Fair Testing (Controls): Release the trolley from rest from the exact same starting point each time without pushing it. Ensure the mass of the trolley remains constant.
  4. Recording: Record the acceleration directly from the data logger (or calculate it using a = (v - u) / t ).
  5. Repetition: Repeat the drop at this height two more times and calculate a mean acceleration.
  6. Range: Increase the height by adding more wooden blocks (e.g., 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 blocks), measure each new height, and repeat the experiment.

🧠 How Examiners Grade 6-Mark Plans

This is marked in three bands:

  • Level 3 (5–6 marks): Clear, coherent, logically ordered plan containing: measuring height, controlling release, measuring acceleration (light gates or time/distance), and repeating for multiple heights.
  • Level 2 (3–4 marks): Most steps present, but missing key details (e.g., forgets repeats, doesn't specify how acceleration is measured, or omits control variables).
  • Level 1 (1–2 marks): Fragmented steps with little logical sequence (e.g., "put blocks, drop car, measure time").

💡 Apparatus to Mention

  • Metre rule: To measure height of the ramp and distance travelled.
  • Light gates + data logger: The most accurate way to record time/velocity to find acceleration automatically without human reaction time errors.
  • Alternative: Stopclock + ticker timer or measuring initial/final velocities to calculate a = (v - u) / t or a = (v² - u²) / 2s .

❌ Common Errors to Avoid

  • Pushing the trolley: You must state "release from rest without pushing", otherwise initial velocity is not zero and forces are unequal.
  • Saying "measure acceleration with a stopwatch": A stopwatch cannot measure acceleration directly! You must explain that it measures time, which is then used with distance/speed to calculate acceleration.
  • Changing multiple variables: Adding weights to the trolley while also raising the ramp invalidates the test.
Question 07.2 (4 Marks)

Graph Skills: Axes, Plotting, and Line of Best Fit

Completing Figure 12

✅ Mark Breakdown (4 Marks)

  • Mark 1 (Axes Labels): Both axes labelled with quantity and unit:
    • x-axis: Height of ramp in metres (or Height (m) )
    • y-axis: Acceleration in m/s² (or Acceleration (m/s²) )
  • Mark 2 & 3 (Plotting Points):
    • 4 remaining points correctly plotted to within ±½ small square:
        • (0.3, 2.1)
        • (0.4, 3.2)
        • (0.5, 3.9)
        • (0.6, 4.3)
    (All 4 correct = 2 marks; 3 correct = 1 mark)
  • Mark 4 (Line of Best Fit): A single smooth line (straight line or gentle curve) passing through/balanced between the plotted points.

🧠 Graph Drawing Rules

  • Plotting marks: Use small, precise '×' marks. Large "blobs" lose marks because they cover more than ½ a small square.
  • Line of Best Fit: Must be drawn with a single continuous stroke. Do not sketch "furry" lines, and do not play "dot-to-dot" between points!
  • Check units: You will lose the axis label mark if you write "Height" without "m" or "metres", or "Acceleration" without "m/s²".
Question 07.3 (1 Mark)

Equation Recall: Newton's Second Law

Linking resultant force, mass, and acceleration

✅ Correct Answer

resultant force = mass × acceleration

Accepted in symbols: F = m a (or F = m × a )

❌ Common Errors

  • Writing just "force" instead of "resultant force" if words are specifically asked for (though standard equations accept F = ma).
  • Inverting the equation (e.g. writing m = F × a or a = F × m ).
Question 07.4 (3 Marks)

Calculation: Finding the Mass of the Trolley

Given: Resultant Force = 0.63 N, Acceleration = 2.1 m/s²

📐 Step-by-Step Calculation

  1. Step 1: Substitute given values into formula [1 Mark]
    0.63 = m × 2.1
  2. Step 2: Rearrange to make mass (m) the subject [1 Mark]
    m = 0.63 / 2.1
  3. Step 3: Calculate the final answer [1 Mark]
    m = 0.30 kg (or 0.3 kg )
Final Answer: 0.30 kg (or 0.3 kg)

❌ Calculation Traps

  • Wrong rearrangement: Multiplying numbers instead of dividing: 0.63 × 2.1 = 1.32 (0 marks for method).
  • Dividing upside down: Computing 2.1 / 0.63 = 3.33 kg . Remember: to isolate m , divide both sides by acceleration a !
  • Unit confusion: The question already provides "kg" on the answer line. If it hadn't, omitting units or writing grams would cost marks.

Topics

Physics · P5: Forces

Question and mark scheme from the AQA GCSE Combined Science: Trilogy examination, Physics Paper 2 (Foundation), November 2020. QuestionVault is an independent revision resource; questions remain the copyright of the awarding body.