MYP · 02 · extended response
The journey that ends closer but travels farther
Motion · Original GioPhysics question with a detailed, mark-by-mark answer guide.
- Demand
- discriminating
- Marks
- 6
- Topics
- 4
- Answer
- Complete
Signed robot velocity
Supplied question data. Read the labelled axes and use the observations to test the physical model.
Vertical axis (y): Velocity east / m s⁻¹
Horizontal axis (x): Time / s
Read the exact data as a table
| Time / s | Velocity east / m s⁻¹ |
|---|---|
| 0 | 4 |
| 2 | 4 |
| 4 | 0 |
| 6 | -4 |
| 8 | -4 |
These are the supplied values, not a worked answer. Lines join the supplied values; they are not a fitted model.
Optional enrichment: this challenge may extend beyond the usual syllabus depth and assumes confidence with algebra and graph interpretation. Take east as positive. A robot's velocity varies linearly between the supplied points. At t = 0 it is 2 m east of the origin. The graph describes one-dimensional motion; negative velocity means westward motion. Supplied data (Time / s; Velocity east / m s⁻¹): (0, 4), (2, 4), (4, 0), (6, -4), (8, -4).
- (a)
Determine displacement, total distance, final position, average speed and average velocity for the full 8 s.
3 marks - (b)
Find the acceleration between 2 and 6 s and explain whether the robot is slowing throughout that interval.
3 marks
Ready to self-mark?Reveal the detailed answer guide
(a)
Determine displacement, total distance, final position, average speed and average velocity for the full 8 s.
Build a chain of claim, evidence and physics reasoning. Address more than one relevant factor, identify a limitation or assumption, and finish with a conclusion that is conditional on the evidence rather than absolute.
- 1
Signed graph areas are +8, +4, −4 and −8 m, so their sum is zero displacement.
- 2
Distance adds the magnitudes, giving 24 m. The final position is the initial 2 m plus zero displacement.
- 3
Average speed = 24/8 = 3 m s⁻¹, whereas average velocity = 0/8 = 0. Distance and speed are scalars; displacement and velocity require direction.
(b)
Find the acceleration between 2 and 6 s and explain whether the robot is slowing throughout that interval.
Build a chain of claim, evidence and physics reasoning. Address more than one relevant factor, identify a limitation or assumption, and finish with a conclusion that is conditional on the evidence rather than absolute.
- 1
The gradient is (−4−4)/(6−2) = −2 m s⁻² throughout the interval.
- 2
Before 4 s acceleration opposes velocity, so speed decreases. After 4 s acceleration and velocity both point west, so speed increases.
- 3
A negative acceleration does not alone mean slowing. Compare its direction with the instantaneous velocity.
Complete marking guidance
Use these worked steps alongside the part-by-part answers. They explain the method and mark allocation; they do not add extra marks.
- Signed graph areas are +8, +4, −4 and −8 m, so their sum is zero displacement.
- Distance adds the magnitudes, giving 24 m. The final position is the initial 2 m plus zero displacement.
- Average speed = 24/8 = 3 m s⁻¹, whereas average velocity = 0/8 = 0. Distance and speed are scalars; displacement and velocity require direction.
- The gradient is (−4−4)/(6−2) = −2 m s⁻² throughout the interval.
- Before 4 s acceleration opposes velocity, so speed decreases. After 4 s acceleration and velocity both point west, so speed increases.
- A negative acceleration does not alone mean slowing. Compare its direction with the instantaneous velocity.
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