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A.3 Work, energy and power

Practice exam-style IB Physics questions for Work, energy and power, aligned with the syllabus and grouped by topic.

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Question 1
SL • Paper 1A
Easy
Calculator Permitted
SL • Paper 1A
Easy
Calculator Permitted

A trolley moves 4.0 m4.0\ \text{m} along a horizontal track. A constant force of 25 N25\ \text{N} acts at 37∘37^\circ above the horizontal in the direction of motion.

What is the work done by the force? Use cos⁡37∘=0.80\cos 37^\circ=0.80.

A.

125 J125\ \text{J}

B.

60 J60\ \text{J}

C.

100 J100\ \text{J}

D.

80 J80\ \text{J}

Question 2
SL • Paper 1A
Easy
Calculator Permitted
SL • Paper 1A
Easy
Calculator Permitted

An electric motor has an input power of 1.2 kW1.2\ \text{kW} and an efficiency of 75%75\%.

What is the useful output power of the motor?

A.

1.2 kW1.2\ \text{kW}

B.

0.90 kW0.90\ \text{kW}

C.

1.6 kW1.6\ \text{kW}

D.

0.30 kW0.30\ \text{kW}

Question 3
SL • Paper 1A
Easy
Calculator Permitted
SL • Paper 1A
Easy
Calculator Permitted

An electric motor receives 200 J200\ \text{J} of energy. It transfers 120 J120\ \text{J} as useful mechanical work and the remainder is transferred to the surroundings.

The Sankey diagram that correctly represents these transfers is shown in

A.
A Sankey diagram with an input arrow from the left splitting into two output arrows. The useful output arrow to the right is noticeably narrower than the wasted output branch, while the two output widths together equal the input width. Labels identify input, useful output and wasted output.
B.
A Sankey diagram with one input arrow from the left splitting into two output arrows of equal width, one useful output to the right and one wasted output downward. The combined output widths match the input width. Labels identify input, useful output and wasted output.
C.
A Sankey diagram with one input arrow from the left splitting into a useful output arrow to the right and a wasted output branch downward. The two output arrows together are visibly narrower than the input arrow. Labels identify input, useful output and wasted output.
D.
A Sankey diagram with one input arrow from the left splitting into a useful output arrow continuing to the right and a wasted output branch downward. The useful arrow is wider than the wasted branch, and the combined output widths match the input width. Labels identify input, useful output and wasted output.
Question 4
SL • Paper 1A
Easy
Calculator Permitted
SL • Paper 1A
Easy
Calculator Permitted

A box moves horizontally through a displacement ss. A constant force of magnitude FF acts on the box. The work done by the force is one half of the maximum positive work that could be done by a force of the same magnitude over the same displacement.

The diagram that shows the correct direction of the force is

A.
A simple diagram of a box with a horizontal displacement arrow pointing to the right. A force arrow on the box also points horizontally to the right, parallel to the displacement. The angle between the arrows is shown as zero.
B.
A simple diagram of a box with a horizontal displacement arrow pointing to the right. A force arrow on the box points up and to the left, making an obtuse angle with the displacement. The angle shown is greater than ninety degrees.
C.
A simple diagram of a box with a horizontal displacement arrow pointing to the right. A force arrow on the box points up and to the right, making an acute angle with the displacement. The angle is labelled as sixty degrees.
D.
A simple diagram of a box with a horizontal displacement arrow pointing to the right. A force arrow on the box points vertically upward, perpendicular to the displacement. The right angle between the arrows is indicated.

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Question 5
SL • Paper 1A
Easy
Calculator Permitted
SL • Paper 1A
Easy
Calculator Permitted

A cart of mass 0.50 kg0.50\ \text{kg} increases its speed from 2.0 m s−12.0\ \text{m s}^{-1} to 6.0 m s−16.0\ \text{m s}^{-1}.

What is the resultant work done on the cart?

A.

8.0 J8.0\ \text{J}

B.

16 J16\ \text{J}

C.

9.0 J9.0\ \text{J}

D.

4.0 J4.0\ \text{J}

Question 6
HL • Paper 1A
Easy
Calculator Permitted
HL • Paper 1A
Easy
Calculator Permitted

Two objects have the same magnitude of linear momentum. Object X has mass 2m2m and object Y has mass mm.

What is the ratio Ek,XEk,Y\frac{E_{k,X}}{E_{k,Y}} of their translational kinetic energies?

A.

14\frac{1}{4}

B.

44

C.

12\frac{1}{2}

D.

22

Question 7
HL • Paper 1A
Easy
Calculator Permitted
HL • Paper 1A
Easy
Calculator Permitted

A spring obeys Hooke's law. The elastic potential energy stored when its extension is xx is EE.

What is the additional work required to increase the extension from xx to 3x3x?

A.

3E3E

B.

2E2E

C.

8E8E

D.

9E9E

Question 8
SL • Paper 2
Easy
Calculator Permitted
SL • Paper 2
Easy
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A ball is dropped vertically and rebounds to a smaller height than its release height.

A

State the principle of conservation of energy.

[1]
B

Explain why the smaller rebound height does not contradict this principle.

[2]

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Question 9
SL • Paper 2
Easy
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SL • Paper 2
Easy
Calculator Permitted

A student pulls a crate along a horizontal floor through a distance of 12 m12\ \text{m} using a constant force of 65 N65\ \text{N}. The force is directed at 30∘30^\circ above the horizontal.

Side-view diagram of a crate on a horizontal floor. A displacement arrow is horizontal along the floor and labelled $s$. A pulling force arrow acts on the crate at an upward angle to the horizontal and is labelled $F$. The angle between the force arrow and the horizontal displacement is shown. Weight and normal reaction arrows may be shown vertically.
A

Calculate the work done on the crate by the pulling force.

[2]
B

State the work done by the weight of the crate during this displacement.

[1]
Question 10
SL • Paper 2
Easy
Calculator Permitted
SL • Paper 2
Easy
Calculator Permitted

An electric motor has an input power of 240 W240\ \text{W}. The useful mechanical output power of the motor is 156 W156\ \text{W}.

A Sankey diagram for an electric motor. A single input arrow enters from the left. A useful output arrow continues to the right and a wasted output arrow branches downward. The widths should be proportional to the input, useful output and wasted output powers, without displaying numerical values in the placeholder.
A

Calculate the efficiency of the motor.

[2]
B

Identify the wasted power and a likely energy store to which it is transferred.

[1]
Question 11
SL • Paper 1A
Medium
Calculator Permitted
SL • Paper 1A
Medium
Calculator Permitted

A skier of mass 60 kg60\ \text{kg} starts from rest and descends a vertical height of 20 m20\ \text{m}. At the bottom the speed of the skier is 16 m s−116\ \text{m s}^{-1}.

What is the work done on the skier by resistive forces? Use g=10 N kg−1g=10\ \text{N kg}^{-1}.

A.

−7.7 kJ-7.7\ \text{kJ}

B.

+4.3 kJ+4.3\ \text{kJ}

C.

−4.3 kJ-4.3\ \text{kJ}

D.

+12 kJ+12\ \text{kJ}

Question 12
HL • Paper 1A
Medium
Calculator Permitted
HL • Paper 1A
Medium
Calculator Permitted

The graph shows the variation with displacement ss of the resultant force FF on an object moving in one dimension. The force increases linearly from 00 to 12 N12\ \text{N} during the first 4.0 m4.0\ \text{m} of motion. It then decreases linearly, crossing F=0F=0 at s=6.0 ms=6.0\ \text{m} and reaching −6.0 N-6.0\ \text{N} at s=7.0 ms=7.0\ \text{m}.

What is the change in kinetic energy of the object?

Resultant force as a function of displacement for one-dimensional motion.
A.

21 J21\ \text{J}

B.

27 J27\ \text{J}

C.

45 J45\ \text{J}

D.

33 J33\ \text{J}

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Question 13
HL • Paper 1A
Medium
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HL • Paper 1A
Medium
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A vehicle requires 1.8×108 J1.8\times10^8\ \text{J} of useful mechanical work from its engine. The efficiency of the engine is 30%30\%. The energy density of the fuel is 3.0×1010 J m−33.0\times10^{10}\ \text{J m}^{-3}.

What volume of fuel is required?

A.

5.4×10−1 m35.4\times10^{-1}\ \text{m}^3

B.

1.8×10−1 m31.8\times10^{-1}\ \text{m}^3

C.

2.0×10−2 m32.0\times10^{-2}\ \text{m}^3

D.

6.0×10−3 m36.0\times10^{-3}\ \text{m}^3

Question 14
HL • Paper 1A
Medium
Calculator Permitted
HL • Paper 1A
Medium
Calculator Permitted

A vehicle moves on a horizontal road. Its engine delivers a constant useful power PP. The resistive force on the vehicle is kv2kv^2, where vv is the speed and kk is a constant.

What is the maximum speed of the vehicle?

A.

(Pk)12\left(\frac{P}{k}\right)^{\frac{1}{2}}

B.

(Pk)13\left(\frac{P}{k}\right)^{\frac{1}{3}}

C.

Pk\frac{P}{k}

D.

kP\frac{k}{P}

Question 15
HL • Paper 1A
Medium
Calculator Permitted
HL • Paper 1A
Medium
Calculator Permitted

In an experiment, a falling mass has an initial gravitational potential energy of 1.20±0.03 J1.20\pm0.03\ \text{J}. Just before impact, its measured kinetic energy is 1.05±0.03 J1.05\pm0.03\ \text{J}.

The most appropriate conclusion from these measurements is that

A.

the kinetic energy must equal 1.20 J1.20\ \text{J} exactly

B.

the mass had zero air resistance during its fall

C.

some energy was probably transferred to unmeasured stores

D.

energy conservation is disproved by this experiment

Question 16
SL • Paper 2
Medium
Calculator Permitted
SL • Paper 2
Medium
Calculator Permitted

A spring obeys Hooke's law. The graph shows the force applied to the spring against its extension.

Force-extension data for a Hookean spring.
A

Determine the spring constant from the graph.

[1]
B

Calculate the elastic potential energy stored when the extension is 0.15 m0.15\ \text{m}.

[2]
C

Explain why the elastic potential energy is equal to the area under the graph.

[1]

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Question 17
HL • Paper 2
Medium
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HL • Paper 2
Medium
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A small object moves at constant speed in a horizontal circular path. The tension in the string provides the centripetal force.

Top-view diagram of an object moving in a circle attached to a string fixed at the centre. At one point on the circular path, the velocity is shown tangential to the circle and the tension is shown radially inward along the string.
A

Explain why the tension does no work on the object.

[2]
B

State the effect of the tension on the velocity of the object.

[1]
Question 18
SL • Paper 1B
Medium
Calculator Permitted
SL • Paper 1B
Medium
Calculator Permitted

A student pulls a dynamics cart along a straight track. The graph shows the component of the resultant force on the cart in the direction of displacement.

Resultant force acting on a cart along a straight track.
A

State what the area under the graph represents.

[1]
B

Determine the net work done on the cart over the displacement shown.

[2]
C

The cart has a mass of 0.80 kg0.80\ \text{kg} and is initially at rest. Calculate its final speed.

[1]
Question 19
SL • Paper 1B
Medium
Calculator Permitted
SL • Paper 1B
Medium
Calculator Permitted

The Sankey diagram represents energy transfers in an electric kettle used to heat water.

A Sankey diagram for an electric kettle. A single input power arrow enters from the left and splits into a useful output arrow to the right labelled heating water and a waste transfer arrow labelled heating surroundings and sound. Arrow widths are proportional to the power transfers, and numerical labels are included on the arrows.
A

Calculate the efficiency of the kettle.

[2]
B

Explain why the wasted energy transfer shown does not contradict the principle of conservation of energy.

[1]
Question 20
SL • Paper 1B
Medium
Calculator Permitted
SL • Paper 1B
Medium
Calculator Permitted

A small generator can use either liquid fuel A or compressed gas fuel B. The table gives data for the two fuels and the generator efficiencies.

Fuel

Energy density / 10310^3 MJ m−3m^{-3}

Generator efficiency / %

Fuel A

34

28

Fuel B

12

45

A

Calculate the useful energy available from 1.0 m31.0\ \text{m}^3 of fuel A.

[1]
B

Calculate the volume of fuel B needed to provide the same useful energy.

[2]
C

State one factor, other than energy density and efficiency, that may affect the choice of fuel.

[1]

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Question 21
SL • Paper 2
Medium
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SL • Paper 2
Medium
Calculator Permitted

A skier of mass 62 kg62\ \text{kg} starts from rest and descends a slope. The vertical drop is 18 m18\ \text{m} and the distance travelled along the slope is 75 m75\ \text{m}. At the bottom of the slope the skier has a speed of 16 m s−116\ \text{m s}^{-1}. Take g=9.8 m s−2g = 9.8\ \text{m s}^{-2}.

Side-view diagram of a skier descending an inclined slope from an upper point to a lower point. The vertical height drop and the distance along the slope are indicated with labels, and an arrow at the bottom indicates the skier's final velocity. No force values are shown.
A

Calculate the decrease in gravitational potential energy of the skier.

[1]
B

Calculate the kinetic energy of the skier at the bottom of the slope.

[1]
C

Determine the average resistive force acting on the skier along the slope.

[2]
Question 22
SL • Paper 2
Medium
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SL • Paper 2
Medium
Calculator Permitted

A small fuel-powered pump delivers useful output power of 900 W900\ \text{W} for 30 min30\ \text{min}. The overall efficiency of the pump is 0.300.30. The fuel has an energy density of 34 GJ m−334\ \text{GJ m}^{-3}.

A

Calculate the useful energy output of the pump.

[1]
B

Calculate the volume of fuel used.

[3]
Question 23
HL • Paper 2
Medium
Calculator Permitted
HL • Paper 2
Medium
Calculator Permitted

A car of mass 1200 kg1200\ \text{kg} travels along a level road at 20 m s−120\ \text{m s}^{-1}. At this instant the useful output power of the engine is 48 kW48\ \text{kW} and the resistive force on the car is 1500 N1500\ \text{N}.

A

Calculate the driving force provided by the engine at this instant.

[1]
B

Calculate the acceleration of the car at this instant.

[2]
C

Explain why, if the engine power remains constant, the acceleration is expected to decrease as the speed increases.

[1]
Question 24
HL • Paper 2
Medium
Calculator Permitted
HL • Paper 2
Medium
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An object of mass 0.80 kg0.80\ \text{kg} moves in a straight line. Its momentum increases from 2.4 kg m s−12.4\ \text{kg m s}^{-1} to 4.0 kg m s−14.0\ \text{kg m s}^{-1} while it moves through 1.6 m1.6\ \text{m}.

A

Determine the resultant work done on the object.

[2]
B

Determine the average resultant force on the object during this displacement.

[1]

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Question 25
HL • Paper 2
Medium
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HL • Paper 2
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A cart of mass 0.50 kg0.50\ \text{kg} is released from rest at the top of a track. The top of the track is 0.80 m0.80\ \text{m} above the bottom. The length of the track is 2.5 m2.5\ \text{m}. At the bottom, the speed of the cart is 3.2 m s−13.2\ \text{m s}^{-1}. Take g=9.8 m s−2g = 9.8\ \text{m s}^{-2}.

A cart moves down a curved track from an upper point to a lower point. The vertical height difference and the path length along the track are indicated. A velocity arrow is shown at the lower point. No forces are labelled.
A

Calculate the work done on the cart by non-conservative forces.

[2]
B

Calculate the average resistive force acting on the cart along the track.

[1]
C

State the main energy transfer caused by the resistive force.

[1]
Question 26
HL • Paper 2
Medium
Calculator Permitted
HL • Paper 2
Medium
Calculator Permitted

A vertical spring launcher fires a small ball of mass 0.065 kg0.065\ \text{kg}. The spring constant is 95 N m−195\ \text{N m}^{-1} and the spring is compressed by 0.12 m0.12\ \text{m} before release. Take g=9.8 m s−2g = 9.8\ \text{m s}^{-2}.

Diagram of a vertical spring launcher. A ball sits on top of a compressed spring inside a guide tube. The compression from the natural length is labelled, and an upward arrow indicates the launch direction. The maximum height above the release point is indicated by a vertical bracket.
A

Calculate the elastic potential energy stored in the spring before release.

[1]
B

Assuming all the elastic potential energy becomes gravitational potential energy of the ball, calculate the maximum height reached above the release point.

[2]
C

Suggest one reason why the measured maximum height may be smaller than this value.

[1]
Question 27
SL • Paper 1B
Medium
Calculator Permitted
SL • Paper 1B
Medium
Calculator Permitted

A falling mass pulls a cart along a horizontal track. The table shows measurements taken when the falling mass has descended through a fixed height. The string and pulley are assumed to be light.

Measurement / unit

Value

Mass of falling mass / kg

0.050

Vertical drop height / m

0.600

Mass of cart + falling mass / kg

0.350

Final speed, trial 1 / m s−1^{-1}

1.20

Final speed, trial 2 / m s−1^{-1}

1.22

Final speed, trial 3 / m s−1^{-1}

1.24

A

Calculate the gravitational potential energy lost by the falling mass.

[1]
B

Use the mean final speed to calculate the total kinetic energy gained by the cart and falling mass.

[2]
C

Calculate the percentage of the lost gravitational potential energy that appears as kinetic energy.

[1]
D

Suggest one reason why the percentage is less than 100%100\%.

[1]
Question 28
SL • Paper 1B
Medium
Calculator Permitted
SL • Paper 1B
Medium
Calculator Permitted

A vertical spring launcher is used to project a small mass upward. The graph shows the maximum height reached above the release point for different values of the square of the spring compression.

Maximum height vs spring compression squared.
A

Explain why a straight-line graph supports the use of elastic potential energy for the spring.

[1]
B

Determine the gradient of the best-fit line.

[1]
C

The launched mass is 45 g45\ \text{g}. Calculate the spring constant.

[2]
D

Suggest why the calculated value might be smaller than the value obtained from a force--extension graph.

[1]

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Question 29
SL • Paper 1B
Medium
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SL • Paper 1B
Medium
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A cyclist rides along a level road. The graph shows the useful driving force supplied at the wheel and the resistive force on the cyclist as functions of speed.

Useful driving and resistive forces of a cyclist vs speed.
A

State the condition for the cyclist to be travelling at constant speed.

[1]
B

Determine the maximum speed shown by the graph.

[1]
C

Calculate the useful power output of the cyclist at this speed.

[1]
D

Explain why the acceleration decreases as the cyclist approaches this speed.

[1]
Question 30
HL • Paper 2
Medium
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HL • Paper 2
Medium
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A ball is dropped from a height of 1.20±0.02 m1.20\pm 0.02\ \text{m} and rebounds to a height of 0.86±0.03 m0.86\pm 0.03\ \text{m}. The efficiency of the bounce is defined as the ratio of rebound gravitational potential energy to initial gravitational potential energy.

A

Calculate the efficiency of the bounce.

[2]
B

Estimate the absolute uncertainty in the efficiency.

[1]
C

A manufacturer claims that the bounce efficiency is 75%75\%. Evaluate whether these measurements support the claim.

[1]
Question 31
HL • Paper 1B
Hard
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HL • Paper 1B
Hard
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A rider of mass 70 kg70\ \text{kg} moves down a roller-coaster track. The graph shows the height of the rider and the total mechanical energy of the rider--Earth system at different positions along the track.

Position

Height / m

Total mechanical energy / kJ

A

15.0

12.0

B

8.0

8.6

A

State how the graph shows that mechanical energy is not conserved between A and B.

[1]
B

Determine the work done by non-conservative forces between A and B.

[1]
C

The distance along the track from A to B is 28 m28\ \text{m}. Calculate the average resistive force acting on the rider.

[1]
D

Determine the speed of the rider at B.

[2]
Question 32
HL • Paper 1B
Hard
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HL • Paper 1B
Hard
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A sled is pulled across snow using a rope. During the motion the tension and the angle of the rope to the horizontal change. The table gives the data for three equal displacement intervals.

Interval

Tension / N

Angle to horizontal / ∘^\circ

Displacement / m

1

120

25

5.0

2

110

30

5.0

3

95

35

5.0

A

Explain why the full tension in the rope should not be multiplied by the horizontal displacement to find the work done.

[1]
B

Calculate the total work done by the tension over the three intervals.

[2]
C

The kinetic energy of the sled increases by 1.10 kJ1.10\ \text{kJ}. Determine the work done by friction.

[1]
D

Interpret the sign of the work done by friction.

[1]

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Question 33
HL • Paper 1B
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HL • Paper 1B
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A ball is dropped and allowed to bounce repeatedly on a hard surface. The graph shows the maximum height reached after each bounce. The mass of the ball is 0.145 kg0.145\ \text{kg}.

Stage

Maximum height / m

Uncertainty / m

Initial release

1.50

±0.02\pm 0.02

1st rebound

0.96

±0.02\pm 0.02

2nd rebound

0.61

±0.02\pm 0.02

3rd rebound

0.39

±0.02\pm 0.02

A

Use the first two heights to calculate the energy efficiency of the first bounce.

[1]
B

Calculate the gravitational potential energy of the ball at the top of the third rebound.

[1]
C

Determine the energy transferred to non-useful stores from the initial release to the top of the third rebound.

[1]
D

Evaluate whether the graph supports the assumption that the bounce efficiency is constant.

[1]
Question 34
HL • Paper 1B
Hard
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HL • Paper 1B
Hard
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A prototype drone may use one of two energy stores. The table gives the volume carried, the energy density of the store and the efficiency of converting stored energy into useful mechanical energy at the propellers.

Store

Volume carried / m3^{3}

Energy density / MJ m−3^{-3}

Efficiency / %

X

0.0040

900

32

Y

0.015

120

55

A

Calculate the useful energy available from store X.

[1]
B

Calculate the maximum flight time using store Y if the drone requires 180 W180\ \text{W} of useful mechanical power.

[2]
C

Compare the two stores and state why energy density alone is not sufficient to choose between them.

[1]
Question 35
SL • Paper 2
Hard
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SL • Paper 2
Hard
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A small electric winch is used to lift bricks vertically at a construction site. The winch receives electrical power from a generator. During one lift, a load of mass 85 kg85\ \text{kg} is raised through a vertical height of 12 m12\ \text{m} in 18 s18\ \text{s}. The electrical energy supplied to the winch during the lift is 1.35×104 J1.35\times 10^4\ \text{J}.

A Sankey diagram for an electric winch. A single input arrow enters from the left labelled electrical energy supplied to winch. One output arrow continues horizontally to the right labelled useful gravitational potential energy of load. A second arrow branches downward labelled energy transferred to internal energy and sound. The useful arrow is visibly narrower than the input arrow, and the two output widths together equal the input width. No numerical values are shown.
A

The winch is represented using a Sankey diagram.

I.

Explain what the widths of the arrows in a Sankey diagram represent.

[2]
II.

State why the downward arrow should not be described as energy that has been destroyed.

[1]
B

Evaluate the performance of the winch using energy and power considerations.

I.

Calculate the useful energy transferred to the load.

[2]
II.

Determine the efficiency of the winch.

[2]
III.

Suggest one reason why the useful output power is less than the electrical input power.

[1]
Question 36
SL • Paper 2
Hard
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SL • Paper 2
Hard
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A crate of mass 32 kg32\ \text{kg} is pulled up a rough ramp of length 5.0 m5.0\ \text{m} at constant speed. The ramp makes an angle of 25∘25^\circ to the horizontal. The pulling force has constant magnitude 210 N210\ \text{N} and acts parallel to the ramp.

Side-view diagram of a crate on an inclined ramp. The ramp is labelled with angle to the horizontal, the crate is on the ramp, an arrow parallel to the ramp points up the slope and is labelled pulling force. A displacement arrow along the ramp points up the slope. Weight is shown vertically downward from the crate. No resolved components are shown.
A

Consider the work done on the crate while it moves along the ramp.

I.

Calculate the work done by the pulling force.

[1]
II.

Calculate the increase in gravitational potential energy of the crate.

[2]
III.

Determine the work done by friction on the crate.

[1]
B

Discuss why the work done by the pulling force is not equal to the increase in gravitational potential energy.

[2]
C

The same crate is lifted vertically through the same height at constant speed. Compare the minimum work done against gravity with the work done against gravity on the ramp.

[2]

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Question 37
HL • Paper 1B
Hard
Calculator Permitted
HL • Paper 1B
Hard
Calculator Permitted

A lift carries passengers upward. The table gives the speed of the lift during one upward journey. The speed–time graph is formed by joining the data points with straight lines. The electrical input power to the motor is constant at 15 kW15\ \text{kW} over the same time interval. The total mass of the lift and passengers is 600 kg600\ \text{kg}.

Time / s

Lift speed / m s−1^{-1}

Electrical input power / kW

0

0

15

6

3

15

12

0

15

A

Determine the vertical height through which the lift rises.

[1]
B

Calculate the useful increase in gravitational potential energy.

[1]
C

Determine the total electrical energy input during the journey.

[1]
D

Calculate the efficiency of the lift motor system for this journey.

[1]
E

Evaluate whether the kinetic energy change of the lift needs to be included when calculating the useful output energy for the whole journey.

[1]
Question 38
HL • Paper 1B
Hard
Calculator Permitted
HL • Paper 1B
Hard
Calculator Permitted

A test vehicle of mass 850 kg850\ \text{kg} collides with a crash barrier at 12.0 m s−112.0\ \text{m s}^{-1}. The graph shows the horizontal force exerted by the barrier on the vehicle as the barrier is compressed.

Horizontal barrier force against compression of the crash barrier.
A

Calculate the initial kinetic energy of the vehicle.

[1]
B

Estimate the magnitude of the work done by the barrier during the compression shown.

[2]
C

Discuss whether the graph is consistent with the vehicle being brought to rest.

[1]
D

Explain why the work done by the barrier on the vehicle is negative.

[1]
Question 39
SL • Paper 2
Hard
Calculator Permitted
SL • Paper 2
Hard
Calculator Permitted

A small ball slides from rest at point A along a smooth curved track to point B. Point B is 1.8 m1.8\ \text{m} lower than A. After B, the ball moves through a circular arc of radius 0.75 m0.75\ \text{m}. Friction and air resistance are negligible.

Diagram of a smooth curved track. Point A is labelled near the upper left, point B lower on the track, and a circular arc continues after B. A vertical double-headed arrow indicates the vertical drop from A to B. At one point on the circular arc, a radial arrow toward the centre is labelled centripetal force and a tangent arrow is labelled instantaneous displacement. The radial and tangent arrows are perpendicular.
A

Use an energy method for the motion from A to B.

I.

Explain why an energy method is suitable even though the acceleration of the ball is not constant.

[2]
II.

Calculate the speed of the ball at B.

[2]
B

At a later instant on the circular arc, the ball experiences a centripetal force directed toward the centre of the arc. Explain why this centripetal force does no work on the ball at that instant.

[2]
C

The track is replaced by a rough track of the same shape. Discuss how the speed at B would change.

[2]
Question 40
SL • Paper 2
Hard
Calculator Permitted
SL • Paper 2
Hard
Calculator Permitted

A student uses a spring launcher to project a small trolley of mass 0.42 kg0.42\ \text{kg} along a horizontal track. The spring obeys Hooke's law with spring constant 180 N m−1180\ \text{N m}^{-1}. The spring is compressed by 0.120 m0.120\ \text{m} before release. The trolley leaves the launcher and then moves along a rough section of track of length 1.5 m1.5\ \text{m}.

Side-view diagram of a trolley in contact with a compressed horizontal spring attached to a fixed wall. The compression of the spring is labelled. A rough section of track is shown after the launcher with a bracket indicating its length. A motion arrow points away from the spring along the track.
A

Consider the energy transfer while the spring expands.

I.

Calculate the elastic potential energy initially stored in the spring.

[2]
II.

Assuming no loss of energy in the launcher, calculate the speed of the trolley as it leaves the spring.

[2]
B

On the axes provided, sketch the variation of elastic potential energy EHE_H with compression xx for the spring.

[2]
C

Comment on whether the assumption that no energy is lost before the trolley enters the rough section is reasonable.

[2]

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Question 41
SL • Paper 2
Hard
Calculator Permitted
SL • Paper 2
Hard
Calculator Permitted

An electric bicycle and rider have a total mass of 92 kg92\ \text{kg}. The bicycle travels at a constant speed of 6.5 m s−16.5\ \text{m s}^{-1} up a road inclined at 4.0∘4.0^\circ to the horizontal. The useful mechanical power delivered to the wheels is 520 W520\ \text{W}.

Side-view diagram of an electric bicycle on an inclined road. The slope angle is labelled. A velocity arrow points up the slope. A weight arrow points vertically downward. A resistive force arrow points down the slope. The useful driving force at the wheel is shown up the slope.
A

Consider the energy transfers while the bicycle moves at constant speed.

I.

Calculate the rate of increase of gravitational potential energy of the bicycle and rider.

[2]
II.

Determine the power transferred to internal energy by resistive forces.

[2]
B

The battery supplies 690 W690\ \text{W} of electrical power to the motor. Determine the efficiency of the motor and drivetrain.

[2]
C

Discuss why increasing the speed while maintaining the same useful mechanical power may prevent the bicycle from climbing the same slope.

[2]
Question 42
HL • Paper 2
Hard
Calculator Permitted
HL • Paper 2
Hard
Calculator Permitted

A test vehicle of mass 1200 kg1200\ \text{kg} is accelerated along a straight horizontal track. The driving force decreases with displacement as shown in the graph. A constant resistive force of 550 N550\ \text{N} acts on the vehicle throughout the motion. The vehicle starts from rest.

Driving force decreases linearly with displacement.
A

The driving force decreases linearly from 3200 N3200\ \text{N} at s=0s=0 to 1800 N1800\ \text{N} at s=60 ms=60\ \text{m}.

I.

Calculate the work done by the driving force over the 60 m60\ \text{m} distance.

[2]
II.

Calculate the work done by the resistive force over the same distance.

[1]
III.

Determine the speed of the vehicle after 60 m60\ \text{m}.

[1]
B

Evaluate the statement: “The work done by the engine is equal to the final kinetic energy of the vehicle.”

[4]
Question 43
HL • Paper 2
Hard
Calculator Permitted
HL • Paper 2
Hard
Calculator Permitted

A pumped-storage power station pumps water from a lower reservoir to an upper reservoir during the night. During one interval, 4.8×105 kg4.8\times10^5\ \text{kg} of water is raised through a vertical height of 310 m310\ \text{m} in 12 min12\ \text{min}. The overall efficiency of the pumping process is 78%78\%.

Simplified diagram of a pumped-storage system with a lower reservoir and upper reservoir separated vertically. A pipe connects them through a pump-turbine unit. An upward arrow in the pipe indicates pumping. A vertical height difference is labelled. Electrical input to the pump is shown by an arrow entering the pump unit.
A

Analyse the energy and power transfers during pumping.

I.

Calculate the useful increase in gravitational potential energy of the water.

[2]
II.

Determine the useful power associated with raising the water.

[1]
III.

Calculate the electrical input power to the pump.

[2]
B

Discuss why a pumped-storage system does not violate conservation of energy even though it can later produce electrical energy.

[3]
Question 44
HL • Paper 2
Hard
Calculator Permitted
HL • Paper 2
Hard
Calculator Permitted

A remote research station requires a useful electrical energy output of 2.4×109 J2.4\times10^9\ \text{J} each day. A generator using liquid fuel has an efficiency of 32%32\%. The energy density of the fuel is 3.6×1010 J m−33.6\times10^{10}\ \text{J m}^{-3}.

A simple energy-flow diagram for a fuel generator. An input arrow labelled chemical energy in fuel enters a generator block. A useful output arrow labelled electrical energy leaves to the right. A waste arrow labelled internal energy and sound leaves downward. The useful output is smaller than the input. No numbers are printed on the diagram.
A

Analyse the fuel requirement for one day of operation.

I.

Calculate the total chemical energy input required each day.

[2]
II.

Determine the volume of fuel required each day.

[2]
III.

State one advantage of a fuel with a high energy density for this station.

[1]
B

Evaluate the claim that the fuel with the greatest energy density is always the best choice for the station.

[3]

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Question 45
HL • Paper 2
Hard
Calculator Permitted
HL • Paper 2
Hard
Calculator Permitted

A pendulum bob is released from rest at point A and swings along a circular arc to the lowest point B. The length of the pendulum is 0.90 m0.90\ \text{m} and the string makes an angle of 38∘38^\circ with the vertical at A. The mass of the bob is 0.16 kg0.16\ \text{kg}.

Diagram of a pendulum at two positions. The pivot is fixed above. The bob at point A is displaced to one side with the string making an angle to the vertical. The bob at point B is at the lowest point. The circular arc path from A to B is shown. At an intermediate position, tension is shown along the string toward the pivot and instantaneous displacement is shown tangential to the arc.
A

Assume air resistance is negligible.

I.

Show that the vertical drop of the bob from A to B is about 0.19 m0.19\ \text{m}.

[2]
II.

Calculate the speed of the bob at B.

[2]
B

Discuss the work done by the tension in the string during the motion from A to B.

[2]
C

Air resistance is now included. State how the maximum height reached on the opposite side compares with the height of A, and explain your answer.

[1]
Question 46
SL • Paper 2
Hard
Calculator Permitted
SL • Paper 2
Hard
Calculator Permitted

A student investigates conservation of energy using a cart of mass 0.65 kg0.65\ \text{kg} connected by a light string over a pulley to a hanging mass of 0.120 kg0.120\ \text{kg}. The cart starts from rest on a horizontal track. The hanging mass falls through 0.84 m0.84\ \text{m} and the speed of both masses is then measured to be 1.50 m s−11.50\ \text{m s}^{-1}.

Laboratory arrangement showing a cart on a horizontal track connected by a string over a pulley at the end of the track to a hanging mass. The falling distance of the hanging mass is indicated by a vertical bracket. A light gate near the end of the track is shown measuring the speed of the cart. Labels identify cart, string, pulley, hanging mass, and light gate.
A

Analyse the energy changes during the motion.

I.

Calculate the decrease in gravitational potential energy of the hanging mass.

[1]
II.

Calculate the total kinetic energy of the two masses at the measured speed.

[2]
III.

State the apparent energy difference between (a)(i) and (a)(ii).

[1]
B

Evaluate whether the result is evidence that energy is not conserved.

[4]
Question 47
HL • Paper 2
Hard
Calculator Permitted
HL • Paper 2
Hard
Calculator Permitted

A climber of mass 68 kg68\ \text{kg} falls from rest before a safety rope starts to stretch. The rope behaves approximately as a spring of spring constant 1.9×103 N m−11.9\times10^3\ \text{N m}^{-1} during the stretch. From the release point to the lowest point, the climber's centre of mass moves down a total distance of 5.6 m5.6\ \text{m}. The natural slack distance before the rope starts stretching is 3.2 m3.2\ \text{m}.

Vertical diagram showing a climber attached to an overhead fixed point by a rope. The initial position, point where the rope first becomes taut, and lowest position are labelled. A bracket indicates the slack distance and another bracket indicates the stretch distance. The rope is shown straight and stretched at the lowest position.
A

Assume that resistive energy transfers are negligible.

I.

Determine the extension of the rope at the lowest point.

[1]
II.

Calculate the elastic potential energy stored in the rope at the lowest point.

[2]
III.

Compare this value with the loss of gravitational potential energy of the climber.

[2]
B

Evaluate two possible reasons why the simple spring model may not predict the actual lowest point of the climber.

[3]
Question 48
HL • Paper 2
Hard
Calculator Permitted
HL • Paper 2
Hard
Calculator Permitted

A car of mass 1400 kg1400\ \text{kg} moves along a horizontal road. At a speed of 24 m s−124\ \text{m s}^{-1} the total resistive force is 820 N820\ \text{N}. The engine delivers a constant useful power of 30 kW30\ \text{kW} to the wheels.

Driving force decreases with speed for constant power, while resistive force increases.
A

Consider the car at 24 m s−124\ \text{m s}^{-1}.

I.

Calculate the driving force at this speed.

[1]
II.

Determine the acceleration of the car at this speed.

[2]
III.

State what happens to the driving force if the speed increases while the useful power remains constant.

[1]
B

Evaluate why the car reaches a maximum speed on a horizontal road even though the engine continues to deliver useful power.

[4]

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A.2 Forces and momentum

A.4 Rigid body mechanics