Projectile Motion and Fluid Mechanics | AQA A-Level Physical Education (7582)
Projectile Motion and Fluid Mechanics
- 57 questions
- 4 subtopics
- Paper 2: Factors affecting optimal performance in physical activity and sport
- Paper 2
Projectile Motion and Fluid Mechanics is examined in Paper 2, Factors affecting optimal performance in physical activity and sport.
It covers factors affecting horizontal displacement, flight paths and vector components of projectiles, drag and dynamic fluid force and lift and the Bernoulli principle.
Sample questions from Projectile Motion and Fluid Mechanics
Answer each one closed book first, then open the answer.
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Factors affecting horizontal displacement
How can a javelin thrower increase the speed of release?
Show the answer
A faster run-up and a long pulling action apply force for longer, increasing the impulse on the javelin. Stronger, faster muscle contractions also raise release speed. -
Factors affecting horizontal displacement
When is the optimum angle of release greater than 45°?
Show the answer
The optimum angle is greater than 45° when the projectile lands higher than its release point. A basketball shot towards a raised hoop is an example. -
Flight paths and vector components of projectiles
Why does air resistance dominate a shuttle's flight?
Show the answer
The shuttle has a very small mass, so its weight is small. The feathered skirt gives a large cross-sectional area and high air resistance, especially at high speed. -
Flight paths and vector components of projectiles
Describe how the vertical component of velocity changes during a parabolic flight.
Show the answer
The vertical component decreases on the way up, because weight acts downwards. The vertical component is zero at the peak, then increases downwards until landing. -
Drag and dynamic fluid force
How do streamlining and shape affect drag?
Show the answer
A streamlined, aerofoil-like shape lets fluid flow smoothly around the body, reducing drag. A teardrop-shaped cycling helmet is designed this way. -
Drag and dynamic fluid force
Why does a swimmer hold a streamlined position underwater after a turn?
Show the answer
A streamlined position minimises drag, so less speed is lost from the push-off. The swimmer then carries more momentum into the first stroke. -
Lift and the Bernoulli principle
Why does too large an angle of attack reduce the distance a discus travels?
Show the answer
Beyond an optimum angle, the airflow breaks away from the upper surface and lift is lost. Drag rises sharply, so the discus stalls and falls. -
Lift and the Bernoulli principle
Why does downward lift allow a racing car to corner faster?
Show the answer
Downward lift increases the reaction force between the tyres and the track. Friction rises, so the car can take bends at higher speed without sliding.
The 4 subtopics
One subtopic is one session. Work down the list.
| Subtopic | What it covers | Questions |
|---|---|---|
| Factors affecting horizontal displacement | Speed, angle and height of release, the optimum angle for the shot and long jump, the hammer and javelin, and air resistance. | 13 |
| Flight paths and vector components of projectiles | Parabolic and non-parabolic flight paths, forces on a shot and a shuttle, free body diagrams, and the horizontal and vertical components of velocity. | 16 |
| Drag and dynamic fluid force | Dynamic fluid force, drag and the effect of velocity, frontal cross-sectional area, streamlining and surface, and how cyclists, swimmers and golf balls reduce drag. | 13 |
| Lift and the Bernoulli principle | Lift and the Bernoulli principle, the aerofoil and angle of attack for the discus, and downward lift for racing cars, speed skiers, track cyclists and ski jumpers. | 15 |
How the guide is worked
Answering a question from memory stores it far better than reading the answer again. The guide runs that as a fixed procedure on one subtopic at a time, about twenty minutes a session.
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Step 1 · Closed book
Cover the answers. Work through one subtopic and write down what you can. Leave blanks where you have nothing.
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Step 2 · Open book
Go back to the top. Read each printed answer and write it out in full, including the ones you had right.
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Step 3 · Closed book again
Same questions, same order, from memory. The gap between pass one and pass three is the session result.
Read the full method, the return schedule and the research behind it.
Nearby topics
AQA A-Level Physical Education Active Recall Guide
Every topic, not just this one. 2,084 questions with their answers.