A Formula 1 racing car uses its fuel up during the race, causing its lap times to decrease - AQA - A-Level Physics - Question 24 - 2021 - Paper 1
Question 24
A Formula 1 racing car uses its fuel up during the race, causing its lap times to decrease.
The lap times decrease because
A the acceleration of the car increases.... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:A Formula 1 racing car uses its fuel up during the race, causing its lap times to decrease - AQA - A-Level Physics - Question 24 - 2021 - Paper 1
Step 1
A the acceleration of the car increases.
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Answer
While it might seem plausible that an increase in acceleration could decrease lap times, this is typically not the primary factor being referenced in this context.
Step 2
B the drag forces on the car decrease.
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Answer
As the car uses fuel, it becomes lighter, which can lead to a decrease in drag forces. This reduction in drag can indeed contribute to faster lap times.
Step 3
C the maximum speed of the car increases.
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Answer
This option suggests that the car's maximum speed is increased due to fuel consumption. While the power-to-weight ratio might improve slightly as fuel is burned, it does not significantly affect maximum speed as suggested.
Step 4
D the tyres become worn, reducing the friction with the road.
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Worn tyres typically increase the friction less than fresh tyres, which could slow down lap times. This is not a logical conclusion for decreased lap times.
