Easy1 markStructured
ForcesForcesGraphsAcceleration

AQA GCSE · Question 03.4 · Forces

1.451.401.351.301.251.201.151.101.051.00Accelerationin m/s²0.650.700.750.800.850.90Total mass of the trolley in kgxxxxx

Figure 6 shows some of the results. Describe the relationship shown in Figure 6.

How to approach this question

To describe the relationship shown in a graph, state what happens to the variable on the y-axis as the variable on the x-axis increases. Use the labels from the axes in your description.

Full Answer

As the total mass of the trolley increases, the acceleration of the trolley decreases.
The graph shows the "Total mass of the trolley in kg" on the x-axis and "Acceleration in m/s²" on the y-axis. As you look from left to right along the x-axis, the value of the mass is increasing. Following the line of the graph, you can see that as the mass increases, the line goes downwards, meaning the value for acceleration on the y-axis is decreasing. Therefore, the relationship is that as the total mass increases, the acceleration decreases. This is an inversely proportional relationship.

Common mistakes

✗ Simply stating "it goes down". You must refer to the variables on the axes.\n✗ Describing the relationship incorrectly, e.g., "as mass increases, acceleration increases".

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