Figure 23 shows a drone - Edexcel - GCSE Physics - Question 9 - 2020 - Paper 1
Question 9
Figure 23 shows a drone.
The drone has four spinning blades.
The upward force produced enables the drone to rise in the air.
The speed at which the blades spin is m... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Figure 23 shows a drone - Edexcel - GCSE Physics - Question 9 - 2020 - Paper 1
Step 1
Describe the relationship between upward force and speed shown by this graph.
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Answer
The graph indicates that the upward force generated by the drone's blades increases with speed. This relationship is not linear; initially, there is little to no upward force at lower speeds (around 0 to 1000 turns per minute). As the speed increases, the upward force grows rapidly, demonstrating an exponential growth pattern past a certain threshold of blade speed.
Step 2
Calculate the change in gravitational potential energy when the drone rises through a height of 20 m.
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Answer
To find the change in gravitational potential energy (GPE), we use the formula:
GPE=mimesgimesh
Where:
m = mass of the drone (4.5 kg)
g = gravitational field strength (10 N/kg)
h = height (20 m)
Calculating:
GPE=4.5imes10imes20=900extJ
Step 3
State the amount of useful work done by the blades as the drone rises through 20 m.
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Answer
The useful work done by the blades as the drone rises through 20 m is equal to the change in gravitational potential energy, which we calculated as 900 J.
Step 4
Calculate the useful power developed by the blades in this time of 4 s.
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Answer
To calculate the power developed, we use the formula:
ext{Power} = rac{ ext{Work done}}{ ext{Time taken}}
Where:
Work done = 900 J
Time taken = 4 s
Calculating the power:
ext{Power} = rac{900}{4} = 225 ext{ W}
Step 5
Describe the changes in the way energy is stored when the drone rises from the ground.
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Answer
As the drone rises, the energy initially stored in the form of chemical potential energy (from the battery or fuel) is converted into mechanical energy by the motors. This mechanical energy is used to produce lift, converting it into gravitational potential energy as the drone gains height. The process highlights the transformation of energy from one form to another, facilitating the drone's ascent.