Edexcel A-Level Physics Geometry and Trigonometry

Review geometry and trigonometry in Edexcel A-Level Physics through areas, volumes, right-angle checks, angular estimates and radian conversion.

Exam points

calculate physical areas or volumes using circles, cylinders and measured dimensions
use Pythagoras or trigonometry to check right angles, gradients or projected sizes
convert phase or angle values from degrees to radians using the correct 2π/360 factor

Covered syllabus points

C.4.1—Angles in regular structures C.4.2—Representing two- and three-dimensional forms C.4.3—Areas and volumes C.4.4—Pythagoras and triangle angles C.4.5—Trigonometry in physical problems C.4.6—Small-angle approximations C.4.7—Degrees and radians

[Maximum number: 4]

A student was given a collection of old coins.
She placed the coins alongside a ruler, as shown, to determine the diameter and thickness of the coins.

Figure for Question C.4 Geometry and trigonometry question 1 — Edexcel A-Level Physics AS

Determine the average volume of one of the coins.

Average volume =

[Maximum number: 1]

The luge is an event at the Winter Olympics. An athlete lies on a small sledge and races down an icy track, feet first.

Figure for Question C.4 Geometry and trigonometry question 2 — Edexcel A-Level Physics AS

After the finish line there is a straight, uphill section of track for the sledge to decelerate in. The maximum permitted gradient of this section is 20%.

Show that a track with a gradient of 20% is at an angle $\theta$ to the horizontal of about $11^{\circ}$ .

See $\theta=\tan^{-1}(0.2)$ and $\theta=11.3^{\circ}$ .

Or see $\tan\theta=0.2$ and $\theta=11.3^{\circ}$ .

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Covered syllabus points

C.4 Geometry and trigonometry question 1

C.4 Geometry and trigonometry question 2