# 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

## 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

- [energy transfer](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/energy-transfer)

## Related

- [Revision notes for AQA GCSE Physics (8463)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Explain" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
- [Practice this with AI marking (free)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/start)

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Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/a-gymnast-lands-on-a-foam-9495fec4) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.