A-LevelPhysicsKinematics9702/12 · May/June 2020 · Q61 Mark
A car X is travelling at a constant speed u along a straight road. At time t = 0 a second car Y is a distance d₀ behind car X and travelling at a speed v in the same direction. Speed v is less than speed u. [Figure 6.1] At time t = 0 car Y begins to accelerate with a constant acceleration. Car Y overtakes car X at time t = T. Which graph could best show the variation with time t of the distance d between the cars? [Figure 6.2]
This question uses a diagram from the original paper, which isn't shown here. Open the full paper from the past papers archive to see it.
AGraph showing d decreasing with time t, with a concave down curve, reaching 0 at time T and then staying at 0.
BGraph showing d decreasing with time t, with a concave up curve, reaching 0 at time T and then increasing again.
CGraph showing d decreasing with time t, with a concave down curve, reaching 0 at time T and then continuing to decrease (negative d).
DGraph showing d decreasing linearly with time t, reaching 0 at time T and then continuing to decrease (negative d).
✓ Correct answer
B: Graph showing d decreasing with time t, with a concave up curve, reaching 0 at time T and then increasing again.
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