Figure 5 is a velocity/time graph for a lift moving upwards in a tall building - Edexcel - GCSE Physics Combined Science - Question 3 - 2023 - Paper 1
Question 3
Figure 5 is a velocity/time graph for a lift moving upwards in a tall building.
Figure 5
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Figure 5 is a velocity/time graph for a lift moving upwards in a tall building - Edexcel - GCSE Physics Combined Science - Question 3 - 2023 - Paper 1
Step 1
Determine the velocity intervals
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Answer
Based on the velocity/time graph (Figure 5), the lift has three distinct velocity intervals: 0 m/s to 5 m/s (for 6 seconds), constant at 5 m/s (for 8 seconds), and finally dropping back to 0 m/s. The periods of acceleration/deceleration can also be noted from the graph.
Step 2
Calculate the distance traveled during each interval
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Answer
The distance traveled can be calculated using the formula:
extDistance=extVelocityimesextTime.
During the first interval (0 to 2s):
Velocity = 5 m/s, Time = 2s:
extDistance1=5imes2=10extm
During the second interval (2 to 10s):
Velocity = 5 m/s, Time = 8s:
extDistance2=5imes8=40extm
Lastly, during the third interval (10 to 12s), the lift comes to rest:
Velocity averages from 5 m/s to 0 m/s. This is an average velocity of 2.5 m/s, Time = 2s:
extDistance3=2.5imes2=5extm
Step 3
Sum the distances
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Answer
The total distance traveled by the lift is the sum of the distances from all intervals:
extTotalDistance=10+40+5=55extm.
