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Figure 13 shows a part of a machine used to separate steel cans from aluminium cans - Edexcel - GCSE Physics - Question 5 - 2020 - Paper 1
Question 5
Figure 13 shows a part of a machine used to separate steel cans from aluminium cans. The cans are carried along a moving belt. The belt goes around a roller. The ro... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Figure 13 shows a part of a machine used to separate steel cans from aluminium cans - Edexcel - GCSE Physics - Question 5 - 2020 - Paper 1
Step 1
Explain how this machine separates the steel cans from the aluminium cans.
Answer
The machine operates based on the magnetic properties of the materials. Steel is magnetic while aluminum is not. As the cans move along the belt towards the roller, the steel cans are attracted to the magnet. Consequently, the steel cans stick to the roller and are carried away toward container A. On the other hand, the aluminum cans, which are non-magnetic, do not adhere to the magnet and fall freely into container B.
Step 2
Step 3
Explain why the toy car starts to move only when the toy brick gets near to the toy car.
Answer
The toy car starts to move when the toy brick approaches because the strength of the magnetic field emitted by the magnet on the toy brick increases as the distance decreases. Once the toy brick is close enough, the attractive force exerted by the toy brick's magnet becomes strong enough to overcome any resistance, resulting in the motion of the toy car towards the toy brick.
Step 4
Describe how the student could develop this investigation to test this theory.
Answer
- Move the brick towards the car: Gradually bring the toy brick closer to the car until it starts to move.
- Measure distance: Record the distance from the car to the brick at which movement begins.
- Repeat with two magnets: Attach a second magnet on top of the first and repeat the measurement process to see if the distance at which the car starts moving changes.
- Comparison: Compare the distance measurements for the single magnet and the stacked magnets. This will help determine if more magnets indeed produce a stronger magnetic field.
- Document procedure: Clearly outline the steps taken and keep track of the measurements. Additionally, make predictions about whether the distance will be greater with two magnets or not.