Figure 6 shows a 'Mars rover' descending to the surface of the planet Mars. speed = 88 m/s P 1.60 km speed = 0 m/s Q 1.80 km Gravitational field strength on Mars = 3.7 N/kg Mass of rover = 1100 kg (i) Calculate the change in gravitational potential energy of the rover as it descends from position P to position Q. Give your answer to 2 significant figures. (ii) Use data from Figure 6 to calculate the change in kinetic energy of the rover as it descends from position P to position Q.

GCSE Edexcel Physics Combined Science Energy stores & Transfers: Figure 6 shows a 'Mars rover' de

Figure 6 shows a 'Mars rover' descending to the surface of the planet Mars - Edexcel - GCSE Physics Combined Science - Question 4 - 2022 - Paper 1

Question 4

Figure 6 shows a 'Mars rover' descending to the surface of the planet Mars. speed = 88 m/s P 1.60 km speed = 0 m/s Q 1.80 km Gravitational field strength on M... show full transcript

Worked Solution & Example Answer:Figure 6 shows a 'Mars rover' descending to the surface of the planet Mars - Edexcel - GCSE Physics Combined Science - Question 4 - 2022 - Paper 1

Step 1

Calculate the change in gravitational potential energy

96%

114 rated

Answer

To find the change in gravitational potential energy (GPE) as the rover descends from position P to position Q, we use the formula:

$\Delta GPE = m \times g \times \Delta h$

where:

$m$ = mass of the rover = 1100 kg
$g$ = gravitational field strength on Mars = 3.7 N/kg
$\Delta h$ = change in height = (1.80 km - 1.60 km) = 0.20 km = 200 m

Substituting the values into the formula:

$\Delta GPE = 1100 \times 3.7 \times 200$

Calculating this gives:

$\Delta GPE = 814000\, J$

Rounding to 2 significant figures: $\Delta GPE \approx 810000\, J$

Step 2

Use data from Figure 6 to calculate the change in kinetic energy

99%

104 rated

Answer

To find the change in kinetic energy (KE) as the rover descends from position P to position Q, we use the formula:

$\Delta KE = \frac{1}{2} m (v^2 - u^2)$

where:

$m$ = mass of the rover = 1100 kg
$v$ = final speed at position Q = 0 m/s
$u$ = initial speed at position P = 88 m/s

Substituting the values into the formula:

$\Delta KE = \frac{1}{2} \times 1100 \times (0^2 - 88^2)$

Calculating this gives:

$\Delta KE = \frac{1}{2} \times 1100 \times (-7744) = -4269200\, J$

As only the magnitude is requested: $\Delta KE = 4269200\, J$

Figure 6 shows a 'Mars rover' descending to the surface of the planet Mars - Edexcel - GCSE Physics Combined Science - Question 4 - 2022 - Paper 1

Worked Solution & Example Answer:Figure 6 shows a 'Mars rover' descending to the surface of the planet Mars - Edexcel - GCSE Physics Combined Science - Question 4 - 2022 - Paper 1

Calculate the change in gravitational potential energy

Use data from Figure 6 to calculate the change in kinetic energy

Join the GCSE students using SimpleStudy...