EduNinja

Edexcel A-Level Physics AS Trigonometry in Physical Problems

Edexcel A-Level Physics AS Trigonometry in Physical Problems
Pearson Edexcel International Advanced Subsidiary/Advanced Level in Physics, Issue 3, July 2021Physics XPH11/YPH11

Review trigonometry in physical problems in Edexcel A-Level Physics through track gradients, angular measurements and distance-based size estimates.

How this is tested

  • use tan θ from a percentage gradient to show the angle a track makes with the horizontal
  • combine an estimated distance with an observed angle to determine a physical size such as diameter

Question 18(c)(i)

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 18(c)(i) — 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%.

Figure for Question 18(c)(i) — Edexcel A-Level Physics AS

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

DO NOT WRITE IN THIS AREA DO NOT WRITE IN THIS AREA : - - - - - —O NOT WRITE INVIHIS AREA