Skip to main content

MYP Physics · 02 · extended response

Choosing a model for a water jet

Motion · Original GioPhysics question with a detailed, mark-by-mark answer guide.

Demand
discriminating
Marks
8
Topics
2
Answer
Complete
extended response8 marks

A designer aims a fountain nozzle horizontally from a platform 1.25 m above a pool. Water leaves at 4.0 m s⁻¹. A simple projectile model uses g = 10 m s⁻² and ignores air resistance. The target drain is 2.2 m horizontally from the nozzle.

  1. a

    Determine Determine the modelled time for the water to fall to pool level.

    2 marks
  2. b

    Predict Predict whether the water reaches the drain and support the prediction quantitatively.

    2 marks
  3. c

    Evaluate Evaluate how useful this result is for the real fountain and recommend one next design step.

    4 marks
Ready to self-mark?Reveal the detailed answer guide
Answer overviewKey answer: Uses 1.25 = ½ × 10 × t². Obtains t = 0.50 s. Calculates horizontal distance = 4.0 × 0.50 = 2.0 m.
01

a

2 marks

Determine Determine the modelled time for the water to fall to pool level.

How to approach it

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. 1

    Uses 1.25 = ½ × 10 × t².

  2. 2

    Obtains t = 0.50 s.

02

b

2 marks

Predict Predict whether the water reaches the drain and support the prediction quantitatively.

How to approach it

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. 1

    Calculates horizontal distance = 4.0 × 0.50 = 2.0 m.

  2. 2

    Concludes that the model predicts the water lands 0.2 m short of the 2.2 m drain.

03

c

4 marks

Evaluate Evaluate how useful this result is for the real fountain and recommend one next design step.

How to approach it

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. 1

    Identifies a relevant model limitation, such as water breaking into droplets, air drag, or an uncertain exit speed.

  2. 2

    Explains a likely effect of that limitation or uncertainty on the landing position.

  3. 3

    Recognises that a 0.2 m shortfall is large enough that relying on the ideal result alone is risky.

  4. 4

    Recommends a controlled prototype test or adjustable nozzle followed by measured landing positions.

Private on this device

Did your answer earn the marks?

Compare the reasoning point by point, then choose what happens next.