Question Constellation Sign up for free AQA · GCSE · Physics · Higher
Spring Energy Transfer
The floor contains springs.
When the gymnast lands on the floor, a force compresses the springs in the floor.
Explain why compressing the springs in the floor helps the gymnast to jump higher. Use ideas about energy in your answer.
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Marking points
- 1 Identifies either that the spring's elastic potential energy decreases as it decompresses or that the decompressing spring exerts a force on the gymnast.
- 2 Links this to either an increase in the gymnast's kinetic/gravitational potential energy or work being done on the gymnast.
Full-mark answer
As the springs decompress, their elastic potential energy decreases. This transfers energy to the gymnast, increasing the gymnast's kinetic energy and then gravitational potential energy as the gymnast rises.
Why this answer loses marks
The springs push the gymnast upwards.
A force statement alone does not complete the required energy explanation; it must be linked to work done or to an increase in the gymnast's kinetic or gravitational potential energy.