Three- and four-mark questions
These are similar to one- and two-mark questions but you will be expected to write in more depth for three- and four-mark questions.
Edexcel questions courtesy of Pearson Education Ltd.
Sample question 1 - Foundation and Higher
Question
In a science lesson, some children float an apple on some water. One of the children says:
"The apple is not moving. That means that there cannot be any forces acting on it."
Do you agree? Explain your answer as fully as you can. [3 marks]
The force of weight always acts downwards [1]. There is an upwards force from the water [1]. The forces are balanced so the apple doesn't move [1].
Sample question 2 - Foundation and Higher
Question
A shuttlecock, which is used to play badminton, weighs very little. When it is dropped from a height of a few metres, it accelerates at first but soon reaches a steady speed.
Explain as fully as you can why the shuttlecock reaches a steady speed. [4 marks]
Initially the only force is weight downwards [1]. As speed increases, drag increases [1]. Eventually weight = drag and the acceleration is zero [1]. It travels at a constant speed called terminal velocity [1].
Try to go through the stages of the shuttle cock falling and describe the forces at the beginning, after a little while and at its steady speed.
Sample question 3 - Foundation and Higher
Question
The graph shows the distance a person walked on a short journey.
In as much detail as you can describe the journey of the person. [3 marks]
Between A and B the person is travelling at a constant speed [1]. Between B and C they are stationary [1]. Between C and D they are travelling at a constant speed which is slower than between A and B [1].
Take each stage of the journey separately. Be specific about whether the speed is constant and remember to compare the speed of different sections.