GCSE Grade Prediction Tool - Physics

Examination Practice

A child of mass 30 kg rides down a zipline, starting from rest, at a height of 15 m above the ground. The child reaches the bottom at 2 m above the ground.

(a) Describe the energy changes that occur as the child moves from the top to the bottom of the zipline. [3 marks]

(b) Calculate the loss in gravitational potential energy (GPE) as the child moves from the top to the bottom. Gravitational field strength = 9.8 N/kg. [2 marks]

(c) Assuming no energy is transferred to the surroundings, calculate the speed of the child at the bottom of the zipline. Give your answer to one decimal place. [4 marks]

(d) The actual speed reached is different from your calculated value. Determine whether your answer to (c) is an overestimate or an underestimate and explain your answer. [3 marks]

(e) Another child went down the zipline and reached a different maximum speed. Suggest one factor that may have affected the maximum speeds reached by the children. [1 mark]