3 Worksheet (AS)

Data needed to answer questions can be found in the Data, formulae and relationships sheet.
1 Which row gives the correct sub-multiple or multiple for both micro and mega? [1]
micro mega
A 10−3 103
B 10−3 106
C 10−6 103
D 10−6 106
2 The resistive force F on a metal ball falling at low speeds in water is given by the equation
F = brv where r is the radius of the metal ball, v is its velocity and b is a constant.
What are the base units of b in the SI system? [1]
A kg m s−1
B kg m s−2
C kg m−1 s−1
D kg m−1 s−2
3 A rubber rope of mass m and length x is stretched by a tension force T.
When the rope is moved up and down a wave moves along the rope with a velocity v.
Which equation is homogeneous and thus could be correct? [1]
A v2 = T m x−1
B v2 = T m−1 x−1
C v2 = T m−1 x
D v2 = T m x
4 A car of mass 1000 kg travelling along a straight horizontal road has an acceleration of
1.8 m s–2 when a driving force of 2.6 kN acts in the forward direction.
What is the resistive force acting backwards on the car? [1]
A 0.8 kN B 1.8 kN C 2.6 kN D 4.4 kN
5 An athlete bends down and then jumps straight up into the air. At the instant he starts his jump
three forces act on him – his weight, an upthrust from the air and the contact force with the
ground. What is the correct order in increasing magnitude of these three forces? [1]
A contact force → weight → upthrust
B upthrust → contact force → weight
C upthrust → weight → contact force
D weight → upthrust → contact force
6 In the topic of dynamics, the equation F = ma is very important.
Define all the terms in this equation. [3]
7 A metal sphere is falling at a steady speed in a tube containing oil. Describe all the forces
acting on the sphere. What is the net force on the sphere? [2]
8 Define the newton (N). [1]
9 A 120 g apple falls off a tree. Calculate the weight of the apple. [2]

AS and A Level Physics Original material © Cambridge University Press 2010 1

 3 Worksheet (AS)

10 The diagram shows a parachutist of mass 82 kg falling towards the Earth. In each case,
determine the net force and the acceleration of the parachutist.
a b c

[2]

[1]

[2]
11 The gravitational field strength on the surface of Venus is 8.77 N kg−1.
a Calculate the weight of a 5.0 kg rock on the surface of this planet. [2]
b What is the weight of a similar rock on the Earth’s surface? [1]
12 Show that the equation v2 = u2 + 2as is homogeneous with respect to base units in the
SI system. [3]
13 The diagram shows the horizontal forces acting on a motorbike
and its rider travelling along a level road. The total mass of the
rider and the motorbike is 160 kg. Determine the acceleration
of the motorbike. [3]

14 The diagram shows the horizontal forces acting on a 920 kg car.

The total forward force acting on the car is 400 N. The drag on the car depends on its speed v
and is given by the expression:
drag = 0.3v2
a At a particular instant the car is travelling at a speed of 20 m s−1. Calculate:
i the net force on the car [2]
ii the acceleration of the car. [2]
b Explain why you cannot use
v = u + at
to determine the velocity of the car after a time t. [1]

AS and A Level Physics Original material © Cambridge University Press 2010 2

 3 Worksheet (AS)

15 The diagram shows an 80 kg person in a lift.

The normal contact force acting on the person from the base of the lift is R. Determine the
magnitude of R when the lift:
a is travelling upwards at a constant velocity of 2.0 m s−1 [2]
b is accelerated upwards at 2.3 m s−2. [3]

Total: Score: %
37

AS and A Level Physics Original material © Cambridge University Press 2010 3