Image with a flat horizontal line with a curve on top (beg curve: X, top middle curve: Y, End bottom curve: Z)
Describe how the vertical component of the velocity of the water varies form point X to point Z?
Mark scheme Answer:
decreases from x to y
DON’T GET I thought it INCREASES
zero at y,x,z
I UNDERSTAND
increases from y to z
DON’T GET I THOUGHT IT DECREASES
positive from x to y and negative from y to z(or vice versa)
DON’T GET HOW IT COULD BE VICE VERSA
Please help and clearly explain the things I don’t understand and why.
To understand how the vertical component of the velocity of the water varies from point X to point Z, let's break it down step by step based on the given information.
First, let's analyze the image you described. It consists of a flat horizontal line with a curve on top. There are three points that define this curve: X at the beginning, Y at the top middle, and Z at the end bottom.
Now, let's address each point mentioned in the mark scheme answer and explain why you might be confused.
1. "Vertical component of velocity decreases from X to Y."
This statement means that as the water flows from point X to point Y along the curve, the vertical component of its velocity decreases. It indicates that the water is slowing down in the vertical direction as it moves from X to Y. This is likely to be because the curve is getting flatter or leveling off, causing a decrease in the upward motion of the water.
2. "Vertical component of velocity is zero at Y, X, and Z."
This statement means that at point Y, point X, and point Z, the vertical component of the velocity of the water is zero. This indicates that the water comes to a complete stop in the vertical direction at these points. It could be due to a point of inflection or a crest of the curve where the water momentarily stops moving upward or downward.
3. "Vertical component of velocity increases from Y to Z."
Here's where the confusion lies. The statement suggests that as the water flows from point Y to point Z, the vertical component of its velocity increases. This means that the water starts accelerating in the vertical direction, gaining upward motion or returning to a downward motion. It could be due to the curve becoming steeper or descending downwards, causing an increase in the upward or downward motion of the water.
4. "Vertical component of velocity is positive from X to Y and negative from Y to Z (or vice versa)."
This statement indicates that the vertical component of the velocity of the water is positive (upward) from X to Y and negative (downward) from Y to Z, or vice versa. This notion aligns with the explanation provided earlier. The water initially moves upward from X to Y, the velocity turns negative at Y, and the water starts moving downward from Y to Z.
Remember that the given mark scheme answers assume a specific direction for positive and negative values, such as upward and downward motion. Nevertheless, it's essential to consider the context and the shape of the curve described in the image to understand the variations in the vertical component of the water velocity accurately.
I hope this explanation clarifies your confusion!