A gymnast lands on a foam crash mat after a jump. The mat compresses as the gymnast comes to rest. Explain why work is done on the mat and describe the energy transfer that takes place.

AQA GCSE Physics (8463) — 4.5.2 Work done and energy transfer · Explain · 4 marks · View as Markdown

Written & reviewed by James Millett — Biology (Imperial College London), PGCE Science (University of Cambridge).

Model answer (4 marks)

A force is applied to the mat by the gymnast, causing the mat to compress in the direction of that force.
The gymnast’s kinetic energy is transferred to the mat as work is done against the mat’s resistance.
The energy is stored as elastic potential energy in the compressed mat and is also dissipated as heat (thermal energy) in the mat’s material.

Examiner tips

  • Use the phrase ‘force applied by the gymnast’ and ‘mat is compressed’ to show understanding of work. Show that work = force × distance. Mention both elastic potential and thermal energy to cover all parts of the mark scheme.

Common mistakes

  • Forgetting to state that the gymnast exerts a force on the mat. Failing to recognise that the mat moves (compresses) in the direction of the force. Only mentioning one form of energy transfer (e.g., only elastic potential) and omitting heat.

Mark scheme (4 marks)

  1. A force is applied to the mat (by the gymnast) / the gymnast exerts a force on the mat
  2. The mat moves / is displaced / is compressed in the direction of the force
  3. The gymnast / the system does work against the mat (work done = force × distance)
  4. Kinetic energy of the gymnast is transferred to (elastic potential / thermal / heat / internal) energy of the mat

Key terms in this question

energy transfer

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