Date | May 2021 | Marks available | 1 | Reference code | 21M.1.AHL.TZ2.7 |
Level | Additional Higher Level | Paper | Paper 1 | Time zone | Time zone 2 |
Command term | Suggest | Question number | 7 | Adapted from | N/A |
Question
A meteorologist models the height of a hot air balloon launched from the ground. The model assumes the balloon travels vertically upwards and travels metres in the first minute.
Due to the decrease in temperature as the balloon rises, the balloon will continually slow down. The model suggests that each minute the balloon will travel only of the distance travelled in the previous minute.
Find how high the balloon will travel in the first minutes after it is launched.
The balloon is required to reach a height of at least metres.
Determine whether it will reach this height.
Suggest a limitation of the given model.
Markscheme
recognition of geometric sequence eg (M1)
(A1)
A1
[3 marks]
(M1)
so the balloon will not reach the required height. A1
[2 marks]
horizontal motion not taken into account,
rate of cooling will not likely be linear,
balloon is considered a point mass / size of balloon not considered,
effects of wind/weather unlikely to be consistent,
a discrete model has been used, whereas a continuous one may offer greater accuracy R1
Note: Accept any other sensible answer.
[1 mark]