AQA GCSE Physics Physics Paper 2 (Higher), November 2020: Question 1
14 marks · Standard Demand difficulty · Short Answer
Investigate the relationship between force and acceleration using a trolley on a sloping runway, including apparatus setup, graph plotting, experimental improvements, and acceleration calculations.
Practise this questionQuestion
Question text
01 A student investigated the acceleration of a trolley.
Figure 1 shows how the student set up the apparatus.
Figure 1
01.1 Before attaching the mass holder the student placed the trolley at the top of the
runway. The trolley rolled down the runway without being pushed.
What change to the apparatus in Figure 1 could be made to prevent the trolley from
starting to roll down the runway?
[1 mark]
Tick ( ) one box.
Move the wooden block to the left.
Shorten the length of the runway.
Use a taller wooden block.
01.2 The student attached the mass holder to the string.
The string rubbed along the edge of the bench as the mass holder fell to the floor.
Suggest what the student could do to prevent the string from rubbing.
[1 mark]
The light gate and data logger were used to determine the acceleration of the trolley.
The student increased the resultant force on the trolley and recorded the acceleration
*02* of the trolley.
Table 1 shows the results.
Table 1
Resultant force in newtons Acceleration in m/s2
0.05 0.08
0.10 0.18
0.15 0.25
0.20 0.32
0.25 0.41
Figure 2 is an incomplete graph of the results.
Figure 2
01.3 Complete Figure 2.
• Choose a suitable scale for the x-axis.
• Plot the results.
• Draw a line of best fit. 4
[4 marks]
01.4 Describe the relationship between the resultant force on the trolley and the
acceleration of the trolley.
*03* [1 mark]
01.5 Describe how the investigation could be improved to reduce the effect of random
errors.
[2 marks]
01.6 Write down the equation that links acceleration (a), mass (m) and resultant force (F).
[1 mark]
01.7 The resultant force on the trolley was 0.375 N.
The mass of the trolley was 0.60 kg.
Calculate the acceleration of the trolley.
Give your answer to 2 significant figures.
[4 marks]
Acceleration (2 significant figures) = m/s2
Mark scheme
Show the mark scheme
Question 1
AO /
Question Answers Extra information Mark
Spec. Ref.
01.1 Move the wooden block to the 1 AO3
left. 4.5.6.2.2
RPA7
01.2 use a pulley (on the edge of the allow any feasible method to 1 AO3
bench) stop the string from rubbing 4.5.6.2.2
RPA7
01.3 suitable scale 1 AO2
4.5.6.2.2
points plotted correctly allow 5 correctly plotted for RPA7
2 marks OR 3–4 correctly
plotted for 1 mark
line of best fit 1
01.4 (directly) proportional allow a correct description of 1 AO3
direct proportionality 4.5.6.2.2
RPA7
ignore positive correlation
allow weight (added to mass
holder) for force
allow f = ma for 1 mark
01.5 repeat the 1 AO3
measurements/investigation 4.5.6.2.2
RPA7
ignore anomalies and calculate 1
the mean / average
01.6 resultant force = mass × 1 AO1
acceleration 4.5.6.2.2
RPA7
or
F = m a
8 01.7 0.375 = 0.60 × a 1 AO2
4.5.6.2.2
0.375 RPA7
a =
0.60 1
a = 0.625 (m/s2) 1
a = 0.63 (m/s2) 1
Total 14
How to answer it
Investigation of Acceleration (Newton's Second Law)
What this question tests
This question assesses Required Practical 7 (RPA7): investigating how changes in force affect the acceleration of an object of constant mass. It tests your ability to analyze experimental equipment setup, handle data, plot graphs, describe physical relationships, reduce random errors, recall formulas, and perform multi-step calculations using correct significant figures.
Preventing Premature Movement
✅ Correct Answer
Tick: Move the wooden block to the left.
💡 Key Knowledge
The wooden block acts as a stop to keep the trolley stationary at the top of the ramp before release. Moving it left shortens the distance the trolley rolls, or prevents it from rolling off prematurely.
Reducing Friction from Equipment
✅ Correct Answer
Use a pulley (on the edge of the bench) so the string hangs vertically without rubbing.
🧠 Exam Technique
Any feasible method to stop friction between the string and the bench is accepted, but introducing a pulley is the standard laboratory solution for this setup.
Graph Completion
✅ Correct Answers
- Choose a linear, easy-to-read scale covering more than half the grid.
- Plot all 5 coordinate pairs accurately.
- Draw a clean, straight line of best fit.
❌ Common Errors
Students often lose marks by using awkward scales (like multiples of 3) that make plotting difficult, or by connecting dots with dot-to-dot jagged lines instead of drawing a smooth line of best fit.
Describing the Relationship
✅ Correct Answer
The acceleration is directly proportional to the resultant force.
❌ Common Errors
Avoid writing just "positive correlation." While true, it does not gain full credit because the graph demonstrates strict direct proportionality (the line goes straight through the origin).
Minimizing Random Errors
✅ Correct Answers (Choose 2)
- Repeat the measurements / investigation for each force.
- Ignore anomalies and calculate a mean (average).
🧠 Exam Technique
To reduce the effect of random errors in almost any GCSE practical, the golden rule is: repeat readings and calculate a mean.
Equation Recall
✅ Correct Answer
resultant force = mass × acceleration OR F = m × a
💡 Key Knowledge
This is a direct recall formula linked to Newton's Second Law of Motion.
Calculation of Acceleration
📐 Step-by-Step Calculation
- Substitute values into the formula:
0.375 = 0.60 × a - Rearrange to solve for acceleration (a):
a = 0.375 / 0.60 - Calculate unrounded value:
0.625 m/s² - Round to 2 significant figures:
0.63 m/s²
❌ Common Calculation Traps
Many students calculate 0.625 correctly but forget the final instruction: "Give your answer to 2 significant figures", losing the final accuracy mark.
Topics
Physics · Required Practicals · P5: Forces · Required Practicals
Question and mark scheme from the AQA GCSE Physics examination, Physics Paper 2 (Higher), November 2020. QuestionVault is an independent revision resource; questions remain the copyright of the awarding body.