Figure 8 shows a student before and during a bungee jump - AQA - GCSE Physics - Question 6 - 2023 - Paper 1
Question 6
Figure 8 shows a student before and during a bungee jump.
The diagram is not to scale.
In position B, the student is moving towards the river and the bungee cord i... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Figure 8 shows a student before and during a bungee jump - AQA - GCSE Physics - Question 6 - 2023 - Paper 1
Step 1
How do the energy stores in position B compare with the energy stores in position A?
96%
114 rated
Only available for registered users.
Sign up now to view full answer, or log in if you already have an account!
Answer
The student's gravitational potential energy is less than at A because the student is descending towards the river. The student's kinetic energy is more than at A due to the acceleration towards the ground. The bungee cord's elastic potential energy is more than at A as the bungee cord is stretched beyond its original length.
Step 2
Calculate the elastic potential energy stored by the bungee cord.
99%
104 rated
Only available for registered users.
Sign up now to view full answer, or log in if you already have an account!
Answer
Using the formula for elastic potential energy:
Ee=0.5×k×e2
where:
k=78.4N/m (spring constant)
e=25m (extension)
We calculate:
Ee=0.5×78.4×252=24500 J
Step 3
Give the reason why Bungee cord C will have a smaller extension than A or B for any bungee jumper.
96%
101 rated
Only available for registered users.
Sign up now to view full answer, or log in if you already have an account!
Answer
Bungee cord C will have a smaller extension because it has the greatest spring constant, meaning it requires a larger force to extend it, allowing it to resist stretching more than the other cords.
Step 4
Which bungee cord would be safest to use for a person with a large weight?
98%
120 rated
Only available for registered users.
Sign up now to view full answer, or log in if you already have an account!
Answer
Bungee cord A would be safest to use as it has the greatest extension before snapping, allowing it to accommodate larger weights without breaking.
