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    PracticeAQA GCSEAQA GCSE Physics Higher Tier Paper 2Question 07.4
    Hard6 marksExtended Response
    ForcesHighercalculationforcesenergy

    AQA GCSE · Question 07.4 · Forces

    Another train travels at a speed of 60 m/s.
    A constant braking force of 270 000 N causes the train to decelerate and stop.
    mass of train = 240 000 kg
    Calculate the distance travelled while the braking force is applied.
    Use the Physics Equations Sheet.

    How to approach this question

    This is a multi-step problem. You can solve it in two main ways. **Method 1 (Forces and Motion):** 1. Use Newton's Second Law (F=ma) to find the deceleration caused by the braking force. 2. Use the equation of motion that links initial velocity (u), final velocity (v), acceleration (a), and distance (s). (Hint: v² = u² + 2as). 3. Rearrange the equation to solve for distance (s). Remember that deceleration is a negative acceleration. **Method 2 (Energy):** 1. Calculate the initial kinetic energy of the train (KE = ½mv²). 2. The work done by the braking force must be equal to the initial kinetic energy to bring the train to a stop. 3. Use the work done equation (Work = Force × distance) and set it equal to the kinetic energy. 4. Rearrange to solve for distance.

    Full Answer

    Method 1: Using F=ma and v²=u²+2as 1. Calculate deceleration: a = F / m = 270 000 N / 240 000 kg = 1.125 m/s². 2. Use equation of motion: v² = u² + 2as. 3. Identify variables: u = 60 m/s, v = 0 m/s, a = -1.125 m/s². 4. Rearrange for distance (s): s = (v² - u²) / 2a. 5. Substitute: s = (0² - 60²) / (2 × -1.125) = -3600 / -2.25. 6. Calculate: s = 1600 m. Method 2: Using Work-Energy Theorem 1. Initial kinetic energy: KE = ½mv² = ½ × 240 000 × 60² = 432 000 000 J. 2. Work done by braking force = Force × distance (W = Fd). 3. To stop the train, work done must equal the initial KE. 4. Fd = 432 000 000 J. 5. Rearrange for distance (d): d = 432 000 000 / F. 6. Substitute: d = 432 000 000 / 270 000 = 1600 m.
    This problem can be solved by combining equations for force and motion, or by using the concept of work and energy. **Method 1: Using F=ma and Equations of Motion** 1. **Calculate deceleration (a):** Use Newton's Second Law, F = ma. Rearrange to find a: a = F / m a = 270 000 N / 240 000 kg a = 1.125 m/s² Since this is a braking force, the acceleration is negative: a = -1.125 m/s². 2. **Calculate distance (s):** Use the equation of motion that relates initial speed (u), final speed (v), acceleration (a), and distance (s): v² = u² + 2as We know: u = 60 m/s (initial speed) v = 0 m/s (the train stops) a = -1.125 m/s² Rearrange to solve for s: s = (v² - u²) / 2a s = (0² - 60²) / (2 × -1.125) s = (-3600) / (-2.25) s = 1600 m **Method 2: Using Work-Energy Theorem** 1. **Calculate initial Kinetic Energy (KE):** The work done by the brakes must equal the initial kinetic energy of the train to bring it to a stop. KE = ½mv² KE = 0.5 × 240 000 kg × (60 m/s)² KE = 120 000 × 3600 KE = 432,000,000 J 2. **Calculate distance (d):** Work Done (W) = Force (F) × distance (d) W = KE Fd = 432,000,000 J d = 432,000,000 J / 270 000 N d = 1600 m

    Common mistakes

    ✗ Mixing up initial (u) and final (v) velocities.\n✗ Forgetting to use a negative sign for deceleration in the motion equation.\n✗ Making calculation errors, especially with large numbers or squaring.\n✗ Using the wrong equations.
    Question 07.3All questionsQuestion 07.5

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