AQA GCSE Combined Science: Trilogy Physics Paper 2 (Foundation), 2023: Question 5
11 marks · Standard Demand difficulty · Short Answer
Calculate work done and mass of an engineer climbing a ladder, identifying energy stores and using the weight equation.
Practise this questionQuestion
Question text
05 Figure 13 shows an engineer climbing up a ladder.
Figure 13
The distance between each rung on the ladder is 30 cm.
05.1 What is 30 cm in metres?
[1 mark]
Tick ( ) one box.
0.030 m 0.30 m 25 3.0 m 30 m
05.2 The engineer has a weight of 710 N.
Calculate the work done when climbing up one rung of the ladder.
Use your answer to Question 05.1 and the equation:
work done = force × distance
[2 marks]
*24* Work done = Nm
05.3 The engineer climbs the ladder carrying some equipment.
Give the reason why carrying equipment increases the work done by the engineer
when climbing the ladder.
[1 mark]
05.4 The engineer is stationary at the top of the ladder.
Which energy stores of the engineer increase due to the engineer climbing
the ladder?
[2 marks]
Tick ( ) two boxes.
Chemical
Elastic potential
Gravitational potential
Kinetic
Thermal 27
Use the Physics Equations Sheet to answer questions 05.5 and 05.6.
05.5 Write down the equation that links gravitational field strength (g), mass (m)
and weight (W).
[1 mark]
05.6 The engineer has a weight of 710 N.
gravitational field strength = 9.8 N/kg
Calculate the mass of the engineer.
Give your answer to 2 significant figures.
[4 marks]
Mass (2 significant figures) = kg
Mark scheme
Show the mark scheme
Question 5
AO /
Question Answers Extra information Mark
Spec. Ref.
05.1 0.30 (m) 1 AO2
6.5.2
AO /
Spec. Ref.
05.2 W = 710 × 0.30 1 AO2
6.5.2
W = 213 Nm 1
allow ecf from question 05.1
AO /
Spec. Ref.
05.3 force / weight is greater 1 AO3
6.5.2
AO /
Spec. Ref.
05.4 gravitational potential 1 AO2
6.5.2
thermal 1
AO /
Spec. Ref.
05.5 weight = mass × gravitational 1 AO1
field strength 6.5.1.3
or
W = mg – OMBINED SCIENCE: TRILOGY – –
AO /
Spec. Ref.
05.6 710 = m × 9.8 1 AO2
6.5.1.3
m = 1
9.8
m = 72.4… 1 13
m = 72 (kg) this mark can only be awarded if 1
the correct equation is used and
a value of m is calculated
Total Question 5 11
How to answer it
Work, Energy, and Weight on a Ladder
What this question tests
This question assesses your ability to convert units, calculate work done, identify energy store changes, and rearrange the weight equation. It specifically looks for precision in significant figures and the application of Error Carried Forward (ECF).
Calculating Work Done
Unit Conversion and Substitution
Correct Answers
- 05.1: 0.30 m
- 05.2: 213 Nm
Exam Technique
In 05.2, the question says "Use your answer to Question 05.1". If you got 05.1 wrong, you can still get full marks in 05.2 by using your incorrect number correctly. This is called Error Carried Forward.
Calculation Steps for 05.2
- Identify Force: Weight is the force, which is 710 N.
- Identify Distance: Use the converted distance from 05.1 (0.30 m).
- Apply Equation: Work done = 710 N × 0.30 m
- Final Answer: 213 Nm
Forces and Energy Stores
Conceptual Understanding
Key Knowledge
Work Done: To move an object, you must overcome a force. If the equipment adds mass, the total weight (force) increases, so more work must be done to move the same distance.
Correct Answers
05.3: The force (or weight) is greater.
05.4: Gravitational potential AND Thermal.
Common Errors
- 05.3: Students often say "it's harder" or "it takes more energy." While true, the examiner wants the scientific reason: the force/weight has increased.
- 05.4: Many students forget Thermal. As the engineer climbs, muscles produce heat, and friction in joints/ladder rungs increases the thermal store.
Mass and Weight
Rearranging Equations and Significant Figures
The Equation (05.5)
Weight = mass × gravitational field strength
W = m × g
Calculation Steps for 05.6
- Substitute values: 710 = m × 9.8
- Rearrange for m: m = 710 / 9.8
- Calculate: m = 72.4489...
- Round to 2 Sig Figs: Look at the third digit (4). Since it is less than 5, keep the 72.
- Final Answer: 72 kg
Significant Figures Trap
This question specifically asks for 2 significant figures. Even if your calculation is perfect, you lose the final mark if you write "72.4" or "72.45".
Common Misconception
Don't confuse mass (kg) with weight (N). Weight is a force caused by gravity acting on mass. On Earth, g is always 9.8 N/kg.
Topics
Physics · P1: Energy · P5: Forces
Question and mark scheme from the AQA GCSE Combined Science: Trilogy examination, Physics Paper 2 (Foundation), 2023. QuestionVault is an independent revision resource; questions remain the copyright of the awarding body.