| Exam Board | AQA |
|---|---|
| Module | M1 (Mechanics 1) |
| Year | 2010 |
| Session | January |
| Marks | 10 |
| Paper | Download PDF ↗ |
| Topic | SUVAT in 2D & Gravity |
| Type | Vertical motion with resistance force |
| Difficulty | Moderate -0.3 This is a straightforward M1 question testing standard SUVAT equations and Newton's second law with constant forces. Part (a) is basic free fall, part (b) applies F=ma with two forces (one calculation is even given as 'show that'), and the final part requires only a simple qualitative statement about air resistance varying with speed. No novel problem-solving or geometric insight required. |
| Spec | 3.02d Constant acceleration: SUVAT formulae3.03a Force: vector nature and diagrams3.03c Newton's second law: F=ma one dimension3.03d Newton's second law: 2D vectors |
4 A ball is released from rest at a height of 15 metres above ground level.
\begin{enumerate}[label=(\alph*)]
\item Find the speed of the ball when it hits the ground, assuming that no air resistance acts on the ball.
\item In fact, air resistance does act on the ball. Assume that the air resistance force has a constant magnitude of 0.9 newtons. The ball has a mass of 0.5 kg .
\begin{enumerate}[label=(\roman*)]
\item Draw a diagram to show the forces acting on the ball, including the magnitudes of the forces acting.
\item Show that the acceleration of the ball is $8 \mathrm {~m} \mathrm {~s} ^ { - 2 }$.
\item Find the speed at which the ball hits the ground.
\item Explain why the assumption that the air resistance force is constant may not be valid.
\end{enumerate}\end{enumerate}
\hfill \mbox{\textit{AQA M1 2010 Q4 [10]}}