9702_s22_qp_12 Question 1

Which estimate is reasonable? 

A 1 x 10^–3 kg for the mass of a grain of sand 

B 1 x 10^–2 m³ for the volume of a tennis ball 

C 1 x 10⁰ J for the work done lifting an apple from waist height to head height 

D 1 x 10⁴ W for the power of a light bulb in a house 

ANSWER: C

The Physics Behind

• Imagine normal apples being sold in stores. The masses differ between 70 and 200 grams [estimate].
• The corresponding weights therefore ranges from 0.7 N to 2 N.
• For the distance between the waist and head is about a little less than 1 metre.
• Option C therefore is reasonable.