MYP Physics · 05 · data analysis
Power on the stairs
Work, energy and power · Original GioPhysics question with a detailed, mark-by-mark answer guide.
- Demand
- routine
- Marks
- 7
- Topics
- 2
- Answer
- Complete
Three students climb the same vertical height of 3.0 m. Use g = 10 N kg⁻¹ and ignore energy transferred to the surroundings.
| Student | Mass / kg | Time / s |
|---|---|---|
| Lina | 48 | 5.0 |
| Marek | 60 | 6.0 |
| Noor | 54 | 4.5 |
- a
Calculate Calculate the gravitational potential energy gained by each student.
3 marks - b
Determine Determine each student's average power and identify the greatest value.
3 marks - c
Explain Explain why the fastest time alone is not a fair comparison of power for these students.
1 mark
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a
Calculate Calculate the gravitational potential energy gained by each student.
Read the data before explaining it. Quote the relevant values or trend, show the comparison or calculation, and then connect that numerical evidence to the physical conclusion—including uncertainty or anomalies when they matter.
- 1
Calculates Lina's gain as 48 × 10 × 3.0 = 1440 J.
- 2
Calculates Marek's gain as 60 × 10 × 3.0 = 1800 J.
- 3
Calculates Noor's gain as 54 × 10 × 3.0 = 1620 J.
b
Determine Determine each student's average power and identify the greatest value.
Read the data before explaining it. Quote the relevant values or trend, show the comparison or calculation, and then connect that numerical evidence to the physical conclusion—including uncertainty or anomalies when they matter.
- 1
Calculates Lina's power as 1440 ÷ 5.0 = 288 W.
- 2
Calculates Marek's power as 1800 ÷ 6.0 = 300 W and Noor's as 1620 ÷ 4.5 = 360 W.
- 3
Identifies Noor as producing the greatest average power.
c
Explain Explain why the fastest time alone is not a fair comparison of power for these students.
Read the data before explaining it. Quote the relevant values or trend, show the comparison or calculation, and then connect that numerical evidence to the physical conclusion—including uncertainty or anomalies when they matter.
- 1
Power depends on both energy transferred and time, and the students transfer different energies because their masses differ.
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