AQA GCSE Combined Science: Trilogy Physics Paper 2 (Higher), 2020: Question 2

14 marks · Standard Demand difficulty · Extended Answer

Plan an investigation into how ramp height affects the acceleration of a trolley, complete a graph of the results, state the equation linking force, mass and acceleration, and calculate the trolley’s mass.

Practise this question

Question

The question page shows a physics investigation with a labelled diagram of a trolley on a sloping ramp supported by stacked wooden blocks, with labels for trolley, ramp, wooden blocks and the vertical height. Part 02.1 asks for a plan to determine how ramp height affects trolley acceleration for 6 marks, with answer lines. Below, a results table lists ramp heights in metres of 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5 and 0.6, with corresponding accelerations in metres per second squared of 0.9, 1.3, 2.1, 3.2, 3.9 and 4.3; a blank graph grid already has the first two points plotted and part 02.2 asks students to label axes, plot the remaining points and draw a line of best fit for 4 marks. Part 02.3 asks for the equation linking acceleration, mass and resultant force for 1 mark, and part 02.4 gives a resultant force of 0.63 N and acceleration of 2.1 m/s squared and asks students to calculate the trolley mass for 3 marks.
Question text

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

down the ramp.

Figure 3 shows some of the equipment used.

Figure 3

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

of the trolley.

[6 marks]

Table 1 shows the results.

Table 1

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 4.

Figure 4

02.2 Complete Figure 4.

You should:

• label the axes

• plot the remaining results from Table 1

• draw a line of best fit.

[4 marks]

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

[1 mark]

02.4 When the resultant force on the trolley was 0.63 N the acceleration of the trolley

was 2.1 m/s2

Calculate the mass of the trolley.

[3 marks]

Mass of trolley = kg

Mark scheme

Show the mark scheme The mark scheme is a table covering questions 02.1 to 02.4 with marks and specification references. For 02.1, level descriptors reward a logically sequenced valid method, with indicative points including varying ramp height using wooden blocks, measuring height, distance and time, releasing the trolley from the same position without pushing, repeating trials, calculating a mean and calculating acceleration using equations such as a equals change in velocity over time or v squared minus u squared over 2s. For 02.2, marks are awarded for correctly plotting all points, labelling the x-axis as height of ramp in metres and the y-axis as acceleration in m/s squared, and drawing a correct line of best fit. For 02.3 the accepted answer is resultant force equals mass times acceleration or F = ma, and for 02.4 the calculation shown is 0.63 = m × 2.1, so m = 0.63 divided by 2.1 = 0.30 kg, with 0.3 kg allowed.

AO /

Question Answers Mark

Spec. Ref.

02.1 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.

02.2 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

8 y-axis)

correct line of best fit 1

02.3 resultant force = mass × 1 AO1

acceleration 6.5.4.2.2

RPA19

or

F = ma

02.4 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

Ramp Height and Trolley Acceleration

What this question tests

Planning a fair test, identifying variables, reading and plotting data, using axes correctly, and applying the equation F = ma to calculate mass.

Big idea: as the ramp height increases, the trolley accelerates more.
Question 02.1 — Plan an investigation

Part (a): Plan how to investigate the effect of ramp height on acceleration

✅ Correct answer points

  • Place the ramp on wooden blocks.
  • Change the height by using a different number of blocks.
  • Measure the height of the ramp with a metre rule.
  • Release the trolley from the same starting position each time.
  • Do not push it; let it go freely.
  • Measure the distance and time, then calculate acceleration.
  • Repeat each height and calculate a mean.

💡 Key knowledge

  • The independent variable is height of the ramp.
  • The dependent variable is acceleration.
  • Keep control variables the same: trolley, ramp surface, distance travelled, and release point.
  • Acceleration can be found using a = (v-u)/t or a = (v²-u²)/(2s) .

🧠 Exam technique

  • For 6 marks, give a full method in a logical order.
  • Include how to vary the height, what to measure, and how to make it fair.
  • Top answers mention repeating results and taking a mean.
  • Clear method steps are better than lots of vague science words.

❌ Common errors

  • Only saying “change the height” without explaining the practical method.
  • Forgetting to say the trolley must be released from the same point.
  • Not saying the trolley should be released without a push.
  • Leaving out repeats, so the method is less reliable.
  • Measuring the wrong thing, such as only the time with no calculation of acceleration.
How marks are awarded: Level 3 responses are fully logical and would produce a valid result. The best answers include the independent variable, the measurement method, control of variables, repeats, and how acceleration is obtained.
Question 02.2 — Complete the graph

Part (b): Plot the results and draw a line of best fit

✅ Correct answers

  • x-axis: height of ramp in metres
  • y-axis: acceleration in m/s²
  • Plot the remaining points accurately:
    • (0.3, 2.1)
    • (0.4, 3.2)
    • (0.5, 3.9)
    • (0.6, 4.3)
  • Draw a correct line of best fit through the trend.

💡 Key knowledge

  • The data show a positive correlation: greater height gives greater acceleration.
  • Use the points to identify the trend, not just join dot-to-dot.
  • Axis labels need both the quantity and the unit.

🧠 Exam technique

  • Remember: the x-axis is the independent variable.
  • Use a smooth line of best fit, not a ruler-straight join between all points.
  • One mark is for the axis labels, one for the points, one for the line of best fit.
  • The first two points were already on the graph, so make sure the rest are positioned correctly.

❌ Common errors

  • Swapping the axes.
  • Leaving off the units.
  • Plotting points in the wrong place, especially 0.4 and 0.5.
  • Drawing a “dot-to-dot” line instead of a best-fit line.
  • Making the graph look like a straight join when the data trend should be judged overall.
Question 02.3 — Equation

Part (c): Write the equation linking force, mass and acceleration

✅ Correct answer

F = ma

or

resultant force = mass × acceleration

💡 Key knowledge

  • F = resultant force in newtons (N)
  • m = mass in kilograms (kg)
  • a = acceleration in m/s²

🧠 Exam technique

  • Use the exact GCSE physics equation.
  • If writing words, include “resultant force”, not just “force”.

❌ Common errors

  • Writing F = m/a or a = Fm .
  • Forgetting that the force must be resultant force.
Question 02.4 — Calculation

Part (d): Calculate the mass of the trolley

📐 Step-by-step calculation

  1. Use F = ma
  2. Rearrange to find mass: m = F / a
  3. Substitute the values: m = 0.63 / 2.1
  4. Calculate: m = 0.30

Mass of trolley = 0.30 kg

✅ Correct answer

0.30 kg

Allow 0.3 kg

💡 Key knowledge

  • Force must be in newtons and acceleration in m/s².
  • Mass is in kilograms.
  • Check that the rearrangement is correct before calculating.

❌ Common calculation traps

  • Using m = a/F instead of m = F/a .
  • Forgetting to divide.
  • Giving the answer in grams instead of kilograms.
  • Not keeping sensible rounding to 2 significant figures, matching the data.
How the 3 marks are gained: one for writing F = ma , one for rearranging correctly, and one for the final correct answer.
Examiner insight

What made top answers stand out?

💡 Strong features

  • Method was clear, practical, and fair.
  • Variables were identified and controlled properly.
  • Graph axes were labelled with units.
  • Calculation showed correct rearrangement and units.

❌ Where students lost marks

  • Vague plan with no measurement details.
  • Mixing up height and acceleration on the graph.
  • Writing the equation incorrectly.
  • Incorrect rearrangement in the mass calculation.

Topics

Physics · Required Practicals · P5: Forces · Physics Required Practicals

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