P2 2.3
1 To consolidate further knowledge and understanding about resultant forces, mass and acceleration.
2 To develop numerical and algebraic skills.
1 a) 560 N, b) 2.5 m/s 2 , c) 20 000 kg, d) 40 000 N.
2 b) 3000 N.
3 a) ii) 16 N, b) i) 0.4 m/s 2 , ii) 32 N in the opposite direction to her direction of motion.
Students will need to have covered topic 2.3 before carrying out this activity. The activity consists of three questions that require the use of ‘resultant force = mass
 acceleration’ which may be presented to higher-tier students in symbolic form.
The first question consists of four separate calculations and they will need to rearrange the force equation in parts b) and c). Higher-tier students should be able to do so using the symbolic form of the equation. Lower-attaining students could be shown how to use the ‘triangle’ form of the equation.
The other two questions are structured and each provides a simple situation where a resultant force acts on an object moving in a straight line and changes its velocity. Students will need to read the questions carefully to extract the correct data for each stage of the calculation.
Before students take the homework sheet away, check that low attaining students know how to use the triangle form of the equation. They could draw it on the bottom of the sheet.
AQA Science © Nelson Thornes Ltd 2006 P2 2.3 1