AQA GCSE Physics Physics Paper 1 (Foundation), June 2024: Question 3
11 marks · Standard Demand difficulty · Short Answer
Calculate elastic potential energy, kinetic energy, maximum height, and explain energy dissipation for a theme park bungee ride.
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Question text
03 In a ride at a theme park, a person is strapped into a pod that is attached to two
stretched bungee cords.
The bungee cords behave like springs.
Figure 7 shows a person using the ride.
Figure 7
03.1 How is the extension of each bungee cord calculated?
[1 mark]
Tick ( ) one box.
stretched length + original length
stretched length – original length
stretched length × original length
stretched length ÷ original length
03.2 Before the pod is released, the extension of each bungee cord is 7.5 m.
spring constant of the bungee cord = 800 N/m
Calculate the elastic potential energy stored in each stretched bungee cord.
Use the equation:
*13* elastic potential energy = 0.5 × spring constant × (extension)2
[2 marks]
Elastic potential energy = J
03.3 The maximum speed of the pod is 15 m/s.
The mass of the pod is 240 kg.
Calculate the maximum kinetic energy of the pod.
Use the equation:
kinetic energy = 0.5 × mass × (speed)2
[2 marks]
Maximum kinetic energy = J
Use the Physics Equations Sheet to answer questions 03.4 and 03.5.
03.4 Which equation links gravitational field strength (g), gravitational potential energy (Ep),
height (h) and mass (m)?
[1 mark]
Tick ( ) one box.
m × g
Ep =
h
m
Ep =
g × h
Ep = m × g × h
03.5 The pod has 24 000 J of gravitational potential energy when at its maximum height.
The mass of the pod is 240 kg.
gravitational field strength = 9.8 N/kg
Calculate the maximum height reached by the pod.
[3 marks]
Maximum height = m
03.6 Why is the maximum gravitational potential energy of the pod less than the initial
elastic potential energy of the bungee cords?
[2 marks]
Tick ( ) two boxes.
Energy is created.
Energy is destroyed.
Energy is transferred to the surroundings.
Work is done against air resistance.
Work is done by the force of gravity.
Work is done by the person in the pod.
Mark scheme
Show the mark scheme
Question 3
AO /
Question Answers Extra information Mark
Spec. Ref.
03.1 stretched length – original length 1 AO2
4.1.1.2
AO /
Spec. Ref.
03.2 E = 0.5 × 800 × 7.52 1 AO2
e
4.1.1.2
Ee = 22 500 (J) 1
AO /
Spec. Ref.
03.3 kinetic energy = 0.5 × 240 × 152 1 AO2
4.1.1.2
kinetic energy = 27 000 (J) 1
AO /
Spec. Ref.
03.4 Ep = m × g × h 1 AO1
4.1.1.2
AO /
Spec. Ref.
03.5 24 000 = 240 × 9.8 × h 1 AO2
4.1.1.2
24 000 1
h =
(240 × 9.8)
h = 10.2 (m) allow 10 (m) 1
allow a correct answer given to
more than 3 s.f.– – –
AO /
Spec. Ref.
03.6 energy is transferred to the 1 AO1
surroundings 4.1.2.1
work is done against air 1
resistance
Total Question 3 11
How to answer it
Energy Transfers in a Bungee Ride
What this question tests
This question assesses your understanding of energy stores and transfers, specifically focusing on elastic potential energy, kinetic energy, and gravitational potential energy. You will need to recall standard physics equations, rearrange formulas to calculate missing values (like height), and apply the principle of conservation of energy to real-world scenarios involving dissipative forces such as air resistance.
Definition of Extension
✅ Correct Answer
stretched length − original length
💡 Key Knowledge
Extension is defined as the increase in length of a stretchy object (like a spring or bungee cord) when a force is applied. It is always found by taking the final stretched length away from the initial unstretched (original) length.
Calculating Elastic Potential Energy
📐 Step-by-Step Calculation
- Identify the given values: Spring constant ( k ) = 800 N/m , Extension ( e ) = 7.5 m .
- State the formula: Eₑ = 0.5 × k × e²
- Substitute values: Eₑ = 0.5 × 800 × 7.5²
- Calculate extension squared: 7.5² = 56.25
- Multiply through: 0.5 × 800 × 56.25 = 22,500 J
❌ Common Errors
A very common student mistake is forgetting to square the extension ( e² ). Always calculate the square of the extension before multiplying by the spring constant and 0.5.
Calculating Kinetic Energy
📐 Step-by-Step Calculation
- Identify the given values: Mass ( m ) = 240 kg , Speed ( v ) = 15 m/s .
- State the formula: Eₖ = 0.5 × m × v²
- Substitute values: Eₖ = 0.5 × 240 × 15²
- Square the speed: 15² = 225
- Multiply through: 0.5 × 240 × 225 = 27,000 J
🧠 Exam Technique
Even though the question gives you the equation on the paper, always write it out in symbol or word form before substituting numbers. This guarantees you pick up the substitution mark even if your calculator arithmetic goes wrong.
Gravitational Potential Energy Equation
✅ Correct Answer
Eₚ = m × g × h
💡 Key Knowledge
You must recall standard equations from memory for your GCSE exams. Gravitational potential energy depends on mass ( m ), gravitational field strength ( g ), and vertical height ( h ).
Calculating Maximum Height
📐 Step-by-Step Calculation
- Identify values: Eₚ = 24,000 J , m = 240 kg , g = 9.8 N/kg .
- Rearrange Eₚ = m × g × h to find height: h = Eₚ ÷ (m × g)
- Substitute numbers: h = 24,000 ÷ (240 × 9.8)
- Calculate denominator: 240 × 9.8 = 2,352
- Divide: 24,000 ÷ 2,352 = 10.204... m
- Round appropriately: 10.2 m (Examiners also accept 10 m if g=10 was used, or more significant figures).
❌ Common Errors
Students often fail when rearranging equations with multiple terms on the bottom. Always calculate the product of the bottom terms ( m × g ) first as a single number before dividing the top number by it.
Energy Dissipation and Conservation
✅ Correct Two Boxes to Tick
- ✔ Energy is transferred to the surroundings.
- ✔ Work is done against air resistance.
💡 Key Knowledge
In the real world, energy is never 100% efficient due to resistive forces. As the pod moves upward, it pushes air out of the way. This means work is done against air resistance, dissipating thermal energy into the surrounding atmosphere.
Topics
Physics · P1: Energy · P5: Forces
Question and mark scheme from the AQA GCSE Physics examination, Physics Paper 1 (Foundation), June 2024. QuestionVault is an independent revision resource; questions remain the copyright of the awarding body.