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AQA GCSE · Question 05.5 · Forces
The runway was then raised at one end. The force acting through the string remained the same. Explain how the acceleration was affected by raising the end of the runway.
The runway was then raised at one end. The force acting through the string remained the same. Explain how the acceleration was affected by raising the end of the runway.
How to approach this question
1. When the runway is raised, which force now has a component acting down the slope?
2. How does this new force component affect the *total* force pulling the trolley down the slope (the resultant force)?
3. According to F=ma, if the resultant force changes and the mass stays the same, what happens to the acceleration?
Full Answer
The acceleration increased. Raising the runway introduces a component of the trolley's weight that acts down the slope. This force adds to the tension from the string, increasing the total resultant force on the trolley. Since acceleration is proportional to resultant force (F=ma), the acceleration increased.
When the runway is horizontal, the only horizontal force accelerating the trolley is the tension in the string (minus any friction).
When the runway is raised, the force of gravity (the trolley's weight) can be split into two components: one perpendicular to the slope and one parallel to the slope. The component parallel to the slope acts downwards along the runway.
This gravitational component now adds to the tension force from the string. Therefore, the total resultant force accelerating the trolley is greater (Resultant Force = Tension + Component of Weight).
According to Newton's Second Law (F=ma), since the mass (m) of the trolley is constant, a greater resultant force (F) will produce a greater acceleration (a).
Common mistakes
✗ Simply stating "gravity helps" without mentioning the component of weight down the slope.\n✗ Forgetting to link the increased resultant force to increased acceleration via F=ma.\n✗ Thinking that raising the slope decreases friction, which is a smaller effect and not the main reason.
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