AQA GCSE Physics Physics Paper 2 (Foundation), November 2020: Question 1

12 marks · Standard Demand difficulty · Short Answer

Analyze an experiment dropping modelling clay through oil to investigate forces, terminal velocity, weight calculation, and non-contact forces.

Practise this question

Question

Question text

01 A student dropped a piece of modelling clay into oil.

Figure 1 shows the modelling clay just before it was dropped into the oil.

Figure 1

01.1 What was the distance fallen by the modelling clay?

[1 mark]

Tick ( ) one box.

from A to C

from A to D

from B to C

from B to D

01.2 What measuring instrument should be used to measure the distance fallen?

[1 mark]

The student dropped four pieces of modelling clay, each with a different shape.

For each piece the student measured the time taken to fall the same distance through

the oil.

01.3 The student removed each piece of modelling clay from the oil before dropping the

*03* next piece.

Suggest one reason why.

[1 mark]

The student repeated the measurements and calculated mean values.

Table 1 shows the results.

Table 1

Shape Time taken in seconds

Drop 1 Drop 2 Drop 3 Mean

47 38 41 42

Sphere

68 49 57 58

Cube

34 37 34 X

Cylinder

29 23 26 26

Cone

01.4 Calculate value X in Table 1.

[2 marks]

X = s

01.5 Each piece of modelling clay had the same mass.

*04* Which shape in Table 1 had the smallest resistive force acting against it as it fell?

Tick ( ) one box.

Give one reason for your answer.

[2 marks]

Cone

Cube

Cylinder

Sphere

Reason

01.6 How would the time taken to fall change if the modelling clay was dropped through air

instead of through oil?

[1 mark]

Tick ( ) one box.

Time through air would be less.

Time through air would be more.

Time through air would be the same.6

01.7 The mass of a piece of modelling clay was 0.050 kg.

gravitational field strength = 9.8 N/kg

Calculate the weight of the piece of modelling clay.

Use the equation:

weight = mass × gravitational field strength

[2 marks]

Weight = N

01.8 Weight causes the modelling clay to fall through the oil.

Weight is a non-contact force.

Which of the following are also non-contact forces?

[2 marks]

Tick ( ) two boxes.

Air resistance

Electrostatic force

Friction

Magnetic force

Tension

Mark scheme

Show the mark scheme

Question 1

AO /

Question Answers Extra information Mark

Spec. Ref.

01.1 B to D 1 AO2

4.5.6.1.2

01.2 metre rule allow tape measure 1 AO1

allow ruler 4.5.6.1.2

01.3 so that each piece falls the allow to stop them from building 1 AO3

same distance up at the bottom 4.5.6.1.2

01.4 34 + 37 + 34 allow 105 1 AO2

33 4.5.6.1.2

35 (s) 1

01.5 cone 1 AO3

4.5.6.1.2

the (mean) time is the lowest reason only scores if correct 1

shape is selected

allow it fell the fastest

allow it had the most

streamlined shape

ignore reference to surface area

01.6 Time through air would be less. 1 AO3

4.5.6.1.2

01.7 w = 0.050 × 9.8 1 AO2

4.5.1.3

w = 0.49 (N) 1

01.8 Electrostatic force 1 AO1

4.5.1.2

Magnetic force 1

Total 12

How to answer it

GCSE Physics Study Guide: Forces and Falling Objects

What this question tests

This question assesses your understanding of forces, contact versus non-contact forces, calculating weight using weight = mass × gravitational field strength , practical skills involving timing and measurement, calculating mean values, and interpreting data about resistive forces.

Part 01.1

Identifying Distance Fallen

✅ Correct Answer

from B to D

1 mark

💡 Key Knowledge

The drop starts when the clay leaves the release point ( B ) at the surface of the oil.
The drop ends when it reaches the bottom of the measuring cylinder ( D ). Point A is above the oil, and C is an arbitrary point inside.

Part 01.2

Measuring Instruments

✅ Correct Answer

metre rule (also accept tape measure, ruler)

1 mark

🧠 Exam Technique

Keep your answer simple and direct. Name a standard laboratory instrument used for measuring vertical lengths over a distance of several centimeters or a meter.

Part 01.3

Controlling Variables

✅ Correct Answer

So that each piece falls the same distance / to stop them from building up at the bottom.

1 mark

❌ Common Errors

Students often lose this mark by writing vague statements like "to keep it a fair test" without explaining which variable is being controlled (the distance).

Part 01.4

Calculating Mean Values

📐 Step-by-Step Calculation

Identify the repeat values for the cylinder from Table 1: 34 , 37 , and 34 .
Sum the valid repeats: 34 + 37 + 34 = 105 .
Divide by the number of valid drops ( 3 ): 105 ÷ 3 = 35 .

Answer: X = 35 s

2 marks (1 for working/sum, 1 for correct answer)

❌ Common Calculation Traps

Do not include anomalous results if they are obvious outliers, though in this specific row ( 34, 37, 34 ), all three values are consistent and should be included.

Part 01.5

Resistive Forces Analysis

✅ Correct Answer

Cone

Reason: The (mean) time is the lowest / it fell the fastest / it had the most streamlined shape.

2 marks (1 for shape, 1 for reason - reason only scores if shape is correct)

💡 Key Knowledge

A smaller resistive force (drag) allows an object to move through a fluid faster, resulting in a shorter fall time.

Part 01.6

Comparing Fluids (Air vs Oil)

✅ Correct Answer

Time through air would be less.

1 mark

💡 Key Knowledge

Air is much less viscous (has lower resistance) than oil, so an object falls through air much faster than through oil.

Part 01.7

Weight Calculation

📐 Step-by-Step Calculation

State the equation: weight = mass × gravitational field strength
Substitute the given values: weight = 0.050 × 9.8
Calculate the final value: 0.49

Weight = 0.49 N

2 marks (1 for substitution, 1 for correct answer with unit)

❌ Common Calculation Traps

Watch out for unit slips or incorrect multiplication. Ensure you include the correct unit ( N ) if requested.

Part 01.8

Contact and Non-Contact Forces

✅ Correct Answer

Tick two boxes:

✅ Electrostatic force
✅ Magnetic force

2 marks (1 mark for each correct box ticked. Deduct 1 mark for each extra tick)

💡 Key Knowledge

Non-contact forces act without physical contact between objects (e.g., gravitational, electrostatic, and magnetic forces).
Contact forces require physical touch (e.g., air resistance, friction, tension, normal contact force).

Topics

Physics · P5: Forces

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