AQA GCSE Physics Physics Paper 2 (Foundation), June 2024: Question 5
9 marks · Standard Demand difficulty · Short Answer
Answer questions about a distance-time graph for a walk, including scalar and vector quantities, total distance, average speed, identifying the section walked slowest, work done against gravity, and typical running speed.
Practise this questionQuestion
Question text
05 A person has been for a walk.
Figure 9 shows the distance–time graph for the walk.
Figure 9
05.1 Some quantities are scalar quantities and others are vector quantities.
Which of the following are scalar quantities?
[2 marks]
Tick ( ) two boxes.
Displacement
Distance
Force
Speed
Velocity 19
05.2 What was the total distance walked by the person in 2000 seconds?
[1 mark]
Total distance = m
05.3 Calculate the average speed of the person during the 2000 seconds.
Use your answer to Question 05.2
Use the equation:
total distance
average speed =
total time
[2 marks]
Average speed = m/s
05.4 Which section of Figure 9 shows the person walking the slowest?
Give a reason for your answer.
[2 marks]
Tick ( ) one box.
A B C
Reason
05.5 The person walked slowest when going up some steps.
Complete the sentence.
Choose the answer from the box.
[1 mark]
air resistance friction gravity
When walking up the steps, the person did more work against the
force of .
05.6 On another day, the person ran the same route.
What is a typical speed for a person running?
[1 mark]
Tick ( ) one box.
0.3 m/s
3.0 m/s
30 m/s
Mark scheme
Show the mark scheme
Question 5
AO /
Question Answers Extra information Mark
Spec. Ref.
05.1 distance 1 AO1
4.5.6.1.1
speed 1 4.5.6.1.3
AO /
Spec. Ref.
05.2 3200 (m) 1 AO2
4.5.6.1.4
AO /
Spec. Ref.
05.3 3200 allow ecf from question 05.2 1 AO2
average speed = 4.5.6.1.2
2000
= 1.6 (m/s) 1
AO /
Spec. Ref.
05.4 B 1 AO3
It has the smallest gradient MP2 is dependent on MP1 1 AO1
4.5.6.1.4
AO /
Spec. Ref.
05.5 gravity 1 AO3
4.5.2
AO /
Spec. Ref.
05.6 3.0 m/s 1 AO1
4.5.6.1.2
Total Question 5 9
How to answer it
Motion and Distance-Time Graphs Study Guide
This question assesses your understanding of scalar and vector quantities, your ability to extract information from distance-time graphs, calculating average speed, interpreting gradients in terms of speed, and recalling typical walking and running speeds. It also links motion against height to work done against gravitational force.
Part (05.1) - Scalars and Vectors
Identify scalar quantities from a given list [2 marks]
✅ Correct Answers
- distance
- speed
💡 Key Knowledge
- Scalar: Has magnitude (size) only, no specific direction.
- Vector: Has both magnitude and direction (e.g., displacement, velocity, force).
❌ Common Errors
Ticking displacement or velocity. Remember that displacement is distance in a given direction, making it a vector!
Part (05.2) - Reading Distance-Time Graphs
What was the total distance walked by the person in 2000 seconds? [1 mark]
✅ Correct Answer
3200 m (Units are already given on the answer line).
🧠 Exam Technique
Locate 2000 seconds on the horizontal x-axis, follow it straight up to the line of the graph, and read across to the vertical y-axis to find the corresponding distance.
Part (05.3) - Calculating Average Speed
Calculate the average speed during the 2000 seconds [2 marks]
📐 Calculation Steps
- State equation: average speed = total distance / total time
- Substitute values: 3200 / 2000
- Final Answer: 1.6 m/s
🧠 Exam Technique & ECF
If you misread Question 05.2, examiners apply Error Carried Forward (ECF). As long as you divide your Part 05.2 answer by 2000 correctly, you will still earn the second mark!
Part (05.4) - Interpreting Gradients
Which section of Figure 9 shows the person walking the slowest? Give a reason. [2 marks]
✅ Correct Answer
Section: B
Reason: It has the smallest gradient (slope).
💡 Key Knowledge
On a distance-time graph, the gradient of the line equals the speed. A shallower line means a slower speed; a steeper line means a faster speed.
❌ Common Errors
Writing a valid reason like "it covers the least distance" without linking it to the gradient or slope will lose the second mark. Mark point 2 is dependent on selecting section B.
Part (05.5) - Work Done and Forces
Complete the sentence: When walking up the steps, the person did more work against the force of... [1 mark]
✅ Correct Answer
gravity
💡 Key Knowledge
Moving upwards against the Earth's gravitational field requires a vertical force to overcome weight, meaning work is done against gravity.
Part (05.6) - Typical Speeds
What is a typical speed for a person running? [1 mark]
✅ Correct Answer
3.0 m/s
💡 Key Knowledge - Learn these standard GCSE values:
- Walking: ~1.5 m/s
- Running: ~3.0 m/s
- Cycling: ~6.0 m/s
Topics
Physics · P5: Forces
Question and mark scheme from the AQA GCSE Physics examination, Physics Paper 2 (Foundation), June 2024. QuestionVault is an independent revision resource; questions remain the copyright of the awarding body.