An oceanographic research probe is released from a vessel. It descends vertically into a deep lake, and at t=8.0 st = 8.0\text{ s}t=8.0 s, a rapid pneumatic thruster fires to reverse its direction, after which it ascends back towards the surface.
A simplified velocity-time graph modelling this vertical motion is shown below, where a positive velocity represents downward motion.
Describe the motion of the probe between points P and Q.
In what direction is the probe moving between points R and S?
The probe and the lake water can be modelled as a system. What is meant by 'a system' in physics?
- A group of objects that interact
- An object with zero net external force acting on it
- A collection of objects with different masses
When the thruster fires to reverse the probe's direction, energy is transferred. Explain how the data in the graph shows that the kinetic energy of the probe decreased during this event, indicating energy transfer to the surrounding water.
Forces and motion Questions
Practise AQA GCSE Physics Forces and motion with exam-style questions for Foundation and Higher tier. 83 questions covering Describing motion along a line, Forces, accelerations and Newton's Laws of motion, and Forces and braking, matched to the AQA GCSE Physics (8463) specification and written in Paper 1 and Paper 2 style. Every question includes a full worked solution and mark scheme, so you can see where marks are awarded rather than just whether you got the answer right.