physicsTopic 1 · EnergyPaper 1Grades 8–9
Which rollercoaster redesign is genuinely more efficient?
Starting scenario
Design A lifts a 5000 kg train by 32 m in 48 s using 2.1 MJ of electrical energy. Design B reaches the same height in 35 s using 2.4 MJ. On a test run, A reaches 21 m s⁻¹ and B reaches 23 m s⁻¹, but B is 4 dB louder and its brakes run hotter.
You will work through 8 staged questions that build up the science you need. Then you will answer one big-picture question from memory, with no checklist to help you — and only afterwards will the full connection map be revealed.