A-level · Work, energy & power

Kinetic and potential energyExam-style questions

Kinetic energy ½mv² and gravitational potential energy mgh, the work–energy principle (the work done by the resultant force equals the change in kinetic energy), and conservation of mechanical energy — including motion along a smooth curved path, where only the overall energy change matters.

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15 questions · A Level level · mark scheme and worked solution on each · no sign-up to try

DifficultyAllLevel 1Level 3Level 4Level 5
  1. 1
    Find the kinetic energy of a particle of mass 4 kg4\text{ kg} moving at 6 m s−16\text{ m s}^{-1}. (2 marks)
    Level 1 · 2 marksTry it
  2. 2
    A ball of mass 0.5 kg0.5\text{ kg} is raised through a vertical height of 8 m8\text{ m}. Taking g=10 m s−2g = 10\text{ m s}^{-2}, find the gain in gravitational potential energy. (2 marks)
    Level 1 · 2 marksTry it
  3. 3
    Find the kinetic energy of a ball of mass 0.8 kg0.8\text{ kg} moving at 5 m s−15\text{ m s}^{-1}. (2 marks)
    Level 1 · 2 marksTry it
  4. 4
    A climber of mass 60 kg60\text{ kg} ascends a vertical height of 25 m25\text{ m}. Take g=10 m s−2g = 10\text{ m s}^{-2}.

    Find the gain in gravitational potential energy. (2 marks)
    Level 1 · 2 marksTry it
  5. 5
    A particle of mass 2 kg2\text{ kg} starts from rest on a smooth horizontal surface. A constant horizontal force of 6 N6\text{ N} acts on it over a distance of 6 m6\text{ m}. Using the work–energy principle, find the speed of the particle after it has moved 6 m6\text{ m}. (4 marks)
    Level 3 · 4 marksTry it

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