# A skateboarder pushes off from a standstill and accelerates along a flat, level surface. After a few seconds, the skateboarder stops pushing and travels at a constant speed. Eventually the skateboarder comes to rest. Describe and explain the forces acting on the skateboarder during each of the three stages of the journey.

> Eduqas GCSE Physics — 2.3 Forces and motion · Describe and explain · 4 marks

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. During acceleration, the push force (driving force) is greater than the friction/air resistance force, so there is a resultant force in the direction of motion.
2. At constant speed, the driving force equals the friction/air resistance force, so the resultant force is zero.
3. When the skateboarder stops pushing, friction/air resistance acts in the opposite direction to motion, creating a resultant force opposing motion.
4. The resultant backward force causes deceleration until the skateboarder comes to rest.

## Key terms

- [constant speed](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/constant-speed)

## Related

- [Revision notes for Eduqas GCSE Physics](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Describe and 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-skateboarder-pushes-off-from-a-5de5453b) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.