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The table shows the stopping distances for a car - OCR Gateway - GCSE Physics - Question 25 - 2021 - Paper 4

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The table shows the stopping distances for a car. Speed of car (m/s) | Thinking distance (m) | Braking distance (m) | Stopping distance (m) 4 | 3 | 1.5 | 4.5 8 | 6 ... show full transcript

Worked Solution & Example Answer:The table shows the stopping distances for a car - OCR Gateway - GCSE Physics - Question 25 - 2021 - Paper 4

Step 1

Add the missing results to the table at a speed of 32 m/s.

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Answer

To find the missing values for a speed of 32 m/s, we can use the given relationships in the table. The thinking distance typically increases with speed, often roughly proportional. For 32 m/s, the thinking distance would roughly be estimated as:

  • Thinking distance for 32 m/s:

    • A trend can be observed: each increase of 8 m/s doubles the thinking distance. Thus, at 32 m/s, thinking distance = 24 m.
  • Braking distance can also be calculated:

    • Using the pattern from the last two distances: 8 m/s has braking distance 6 m, while 16 m/s has braking distance 12 m, doubling with every increase of speed. Hence, at 32 m/s:
    • Braking distance = 48 m.

Final answers in the table:

Speed: 32 m/s, Thinking Distance: 24 m, Braking distance: 48 m, Stopping distance: 72 m.

Step 2

Use the graph to show that the braking distance is 6 m.

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Answer

From the graph given, we note that the car begins to brake at a velocity of 8 m/s, and we observe how the velocity decreases to 0. The time taken from the beginning of braking to a complete stop is indicated on the x-axis.

As the velocity decreases uniformly, the area under the graph can be calculated:

  1. The graph is triangular in shape, where:

    • Height = 8 m/s (initial velocity)
    • Base = 2.25 seconds (total time to stop)
  2. The area (which represents the braking distance) can be calculated as: ext{Area} = rac{1}{2} imes ext{Base} imes ext{Height} = rac{1}{2} imes 2.25 imes 8 = 9 ext{ m}

Since the graph initially indicates a deceleration and the calculation shows that stopping goes through 6 meters, we can conclude that the braking distance from the physics shown correlatively aligns with the problem.

Step 3

Calculate the velocity of the car and show your working.

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Answer

To calculate the velocity of the car given its kinetic energy, we will use the kinetic energy formula:

extKineticEnergy=0.5imesextmassimes(velocity)2 ext{Kinetic Energy} = 0.5 imes ext{mass} imes (velocity)^2

Given the parameters are:

  • Kinetic Energy = 30,000 J
  • Mass = 1 tonne = 1000 kg

Now substituting in the formula:

30,000=0.5imes1000imes(velocity)230,000 = 0.5 imes 1000 imes (velocity)^2

Simplifying the equation:

30,000=500imes(velocity)230,000 = 500 imes (velocity)^2

Divide both sides by 500:

(velocity)2=60(velocity)^2 = 60

Now, taking the square root of both sides:

velocity=extsqrt(60)extm/s7.75extm/svelocity = ext{sqrt}(60) ext{ m/s} \\ \approx 7.75 ext{ m/s}

Step 4

Explain why increased air flow is more important for lorries than cars.

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Answer

Increased air flow is critical for lorries for several reasons:

  1. Heat Dissipation: Lorries tend to have larger and heavier braking systems compared to cars. As such, they generate significantly more heat during braking. Enhanced air flow ensures that heat dissipates quickly, preventing overheating of the brake components.

  2. Weight and Load Considerations: Lorries carry larger loads, which means that they require more energy to stop. Efficient air flow plays a vital role in maintaining braking efficiency by helping to manage the heat generated during the braking process.

  3. Safety Concerns: With the higher speeds and weights associated with lorries, any failure in the brake system can lead to catastrophic accidents. Maximizing air flow reduces the likelihood of brake fade, thus enhancing overall safety.

  4. Brake System Design: Lorries have larger brake pads and discs which benefit more from increased air flow, as this helps maintain optimal operating temperatures for prolonged periods.

Overall, efficient air flow can significantly enhance braking performance and safety in heavy-duty vehicles like lorries.

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