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    PracticeAQA GCSEAQA GCSE Physics Higher Tier Paper 2Question 04.2
    Hard4 marksStructured
    ForcesHighercalculationforcespressure

    AQA GCSE · Question 04.2 · Forces

    The submarine moved from the surface of the water to the bottom of the Mariana Trench.
    The change in pressure was 110 000 kPa.
    mean density of sea water = 1026 kg/m³
    gravitational field strength = 9.8 N/kg
    Calculate the depth of the Mariana Trench. Use the Physics Equations Sheet.

    How to approach this question

    1. Identify the correct equation for pressure in a liquid. 2. Check the units. Pressure is given in kilopascals (kPa) but the standard unit is pascals (Pa). You must convert this first. 3. Rearrange the equation to make depth (h) the subject. 4. Substitute the given values for pressure (p), density (ρ), and gravitational field strength (g). 5. Calculate the final answer.

    Full Answer

    1. Convert pressure to Pascals: p = 110 000 kPa = 110 000 × 1000 Pa = 110 000 000 Pa 2. Equation: p = hρg 3. Rearrange for depth (h): h = p / (ρg) 4. Substitute: h = 110 000 000 / (1026 × 9.8) 5. Calculate: h = 110 000 000 / 10054.8 = 10940 m (or 11000 m to 2 s.f.)
    The equation for the change in pressure in a fluid is: change in pressure (p) = height of column (h) × density of fluid (ρ) × gravitational field strength (g) p = hρg We need to calculate the depth (h), so we rearrange the formula: h = p / (ρg) First, we must convert the pressure from kilopascals (kPa) to pascals (Pa): p = 110 000 kPa = 110 000 × 1000 Pa = 1.1 × 10⁸ Pa Now, substitute the values into the rearranged equation: h = 110 000 000 / (1026 kg/m³ × 9.8 N/kg) h = 110 000 000 / 10054.8 h ≈ 10940 m The depth of the Mariana Trench is approximately 10940 metres (or 11 km).

    Common mistakes

    ✗ Forgetting to convert pressure from kPa to Pa. This is a very common error.\n✗ Rearranging the equation incorrectly.\n✗ Calculation errors.
    Question 04.1All questionsQuestion 04.3

    Practice the full AQA GCSE Physics Higher Tier Paper 2

    43 questions · hints · full answers · grading

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