Work Power & Efficiency HL&SL [75 marks]

1.
[Maximum mark: 17]
17M.2.SL.TZ2.1
A glider is an aircraft with no engine. To be launched, a glider is uniformly accelerated
from rest by a cable pulled by a motor that exerts a horizontal force on the glider
throughout the launch.

(a)
The glider reaches its launch speed of 27.0 m s–1 after accelerating for 11.0 s. Assume that
the glider moves horizontally until it leaves the ground. Calculate the total distance
travelled by the glider before it leaves the ground.
[2]
Markscheme
correct use of kinematic equation/equations
148.5 or 149 or 150 «m»

Substitution(s) must be correct.

(b)
The glider and pilot have a total mass of 492 kg. During the acceleration the glider is
subject to an average resistive force of 160 N. Determine the average tension in the cable as
the glider accelerates.
[3]
Markscheme
 27
a= or 2.45 «m s–2»
11
F – 160 = 492 × 2.45
1370 «N»

Could be seen in part (a).

Award [0] for solution that uses a = 9.81 m s–2
(c)
The cable is pulled by an electric motor. The motor has an overall efficiency of 23 %.
Determine the average power input to the motor.
[3]
Markscheme
ALTERNATIVE 1
«work done to launch glider» = 1370 x 149 «= 204 kJ»
204 ×100
«work done by motor» ¿
23
204 ×100 1
«power input to motor» ¿ × =80 or 80.4 or 81 k«W»
23 11

ALTERNATIVE 2
use of average speed 13.5 m s–1
«useful power output» = force x average speed «= 1370 x 13.5»
100
power input = «1370 ×13.5 × =¿» 80 or 80.4 or 81 k«W»
23

ALTERNATIVE 3
work required from motor = KE + work done against friction «¿ 0.5 × 492× 272 + ( 160 ×148.5 )
» = 204 «kJ»
work required from motor × 100
«energy input» ¿
23
 883000
power input ¿ =80.3 k«W»
11

Award [2 max] for an answer of 160 k«W».

(d)
The cable is wound onto a cylinder of diameter 1.2 m. Calculate the angular velocity of the
cylinder at the instant when the glider has a speed of 27 m s–1. Include an appropriate unit
for your answer.
[2]
Markscheme
v 27
ω=¿ « =¿» =45
r 0.6
rad s–1

Do not accept Hz.

Award [1 max] if unit is missing.
(e)
After takeoff the cable is released and the unpowered glider moves horizontally at constant
speed. The wings of the glider provide a lift force. The diagram shows the lift force acting
on the glider and the direction of motion of the glider.

Draw the forces acting on the glider to complete the free-body diagram. The dotted
lines show the horizontal and vertical directions.
[2]
Markscheme

drag correctly labelled and in correct direction

weight correctly labelled and in correct direction AND no other incorrect force shown

Award [1 max] if forces do not touch the dot, but are otherwise OK.
(f)
Explain, using appropriate laws of motion, how the forces acting on the glider maintain it in
level flight.
[2]
Markscheme
name Newton's first law
vertical/all forces are in equilibrium/balanced/add to zero
OR
vertical component of lift mentioned
as equal to weight
(g)
At a particular instant in the flight the glider is losing 1.00 m of vertical height for every
6.00 m that it goes forward horizontally. At this instant, the horizontal speed of the glider is
12.5 m s–1. Calculate the velocity of the glider. Give your answer to an appropriate number
of significant figures.
[3]
Markscheme
any speed and any direction quoted together as the answer
quotes their answer(s) to 3 significant figures
speed = 12.7 m s–1 or direction = 9.46º or 0.165 rad «below the horizontal» or gradient
1
of −
6

2.
[Maximum mark: 1]
17M.1.SL.TZ1.8
A car travelling at a constant velocity covers a distance of 100 m in 5.0 s. The thrust of the
engine is 1.5 kN. What is the power of the car?
A. 0.75 kW
B. 3.0 kW
C. 7.5 kW
D. 30 kW
[1]
Markscheme
D

3.
[Maximum mark: 1]
17M.1.SL.TZ2.7
The efficiency of an electric motor is 20 %. When lifting a body 500 J of energy are
wasted. What is the useful work done by the motor?
A. 100 J
B. 125 J
C. 250 J
D. 400 J
[1]
Markscheme
B

4.
[Maximum mark: 1]
18N.1.SL.TZ0.8
A compressed spring is used to launch an object along a horizontal frictionless surface.
When the spring is compressed through a distance x and released, the object leaves the
spring at speed v . What is the distance through which the spring must be compressed for
v
the object to leave the spring at ?
2

x
A.
4
x
B.
2
x
C.
√2
D. x √2
[1]
Markscheme
B
5.
[Maximum mark: 12]
18M.2.SL.TZ1.1
An elastic climbing rope is tested by fixing one end of the rope to the top of a crane. The
other end of the rope is connected to a block which is initially at position A. The block is
released from rest. The mass of the rope is negligible.

The unextended length of the rope is 60.0 m. From position A to position B, the block falls
freely.
(a)
At position B the rope starts to extend. Calculate the speed of the block at position B.
[2]
Markscheme
use of conservation of energy
OR
v2 = u2 + 2as

v = «√ 2× 60.0 ×9.81 » = 34.3 «ms–1»

[2 marks]
At position C the speed of the block reaches zero. The time taken for the block to fall
between B and C is 0.759 s. The mass of the block is 80.0 kg.
(b.i)
Determine the magnitude of the average resultant force acting on the block between B and
C.
[2]
Markscheme
use of impulse Fave × Δt = Δp
OR
use of F = ma with average acceleration
OR
80.0 ×34.3
F=
0.759

3620«N»

Allow ECF from (a).

[2 marks]
(b.ii)
Sketch on the diagram the average resultant force acting on the block between B and C. The
arrow on the diagram represents the weight of the block.

[2]
Markscheme
upwards
clearly longer than weight

For second marking point allow ECF from (b)(i) providing line is upwards.
[2 marks]
(b.iii)
Calculate the magnitude of the average force exerted by the rope on the block between B
and C.
[2]
Markscheme
3620 + 80.0 × 9.81
4400 «N»

Allow ECF from (b)(i).

[2 marks]
For the rope and block, describe the energy changes that take place
(c.i)
between A and B.
[1]
Markscheme
(loss in) gravitational potential energy (of block) into kinetic energy (of block)

Must see names of energy (gravitational potential energy and kinetic energy) – Allow for
reasonable variations of terminology (eg energy of motion for KE).
[1 mark]
(c.ii)
between B and C.
[1]
Markscheme
(loss in) gravitational potential and kinetic energy of block into elastic potential energy of
rope

See note for 1(c)(i) for naming convention.

Must see either the block or the rope (or both) mentioned in connection with the appropriate
energies.
[1 mark]
(d)
The length reached by the rope at C is 77.4 m. Suggest how energy considerations could be
used to determine the elastic constant of the rope.
[2]
Markscheme
1
k can be determined using EPE = kx2
2
correct statement or equation showing
GPE at A = EPE at C
OR
(GPE + KE) at B = EPE at C

Candidate must clearly indicate the energy associated with either position A or B for MP2.
[2 marks]

6.
[Maximum mark: 1]
18M.1.SL.TZ2.3
A motor of input power 160 W raises a mass of 8.0 kg vertically at a constant speed of 0.50
m s–1.
What is the efficiency of the system?
A. 0.63%
B. 25%
C. 50%
D. 100%
[1]
Markscheme
B

7.
[Maximum mark: 1]
18M.1.SL.TZ1.7
An increasing force acts on a metal wire and the wire extends from an initial length l0 to a
new length l. The graph shows the variation of force with length for the wire. The energy
required to extend the wire from l0 to l is E.

The wire then contracts to half its original extension.

What is the work done by the wire as it contracts?
A. 0.25E
B. 0.50E
C. 0.75E
D. E
[1]
Markscheme
C
Solution:
1. The energy needed (=work done) to extend it from Lo to L is E = 1/2 k (Lo-L)^2
2. When it contracts it goes from Lo to "half original extension" = (L-Lo)/2
3. So to calculate the work done we need to find the area covered from L to (L-Lo)/2
4. This area can be found by subtracting the area of the big triangle and the smaller
triangle
5. The area of the smaller triangle is 1/2k (L-Lo/2)^2 = E/4
6. So, work done on the smaller section of the triangle (the work done to extend it from
Lo to
7. (L-Lo)/2 ) is E - E/4 = 3E/4 = 0.75 E

8.
[Maximum mark: 1]
18M.1.SL.TZ1.5
An object falls from rest from a height h close to the surface of the Moon. The Moon has no
atmosphere.
h
When the object has fallen to height above the surface, what is
4
h
kinetic energy of the object at
4 ?
gravitational potential energy of the object at h
3
A.
4
4
B.
3
9
C.
16
16
D.
9
[1]
Markscheme
A

9.
[Maximum mark: 8]
18N.2.HL.TZ0.3
(a)
Define impulse.
[1]
Markscheme
force × time
OR
change in momentum ✔
A chicken’s egg of mass 58 g is dropped onto grass from a height of 1.1 m. Assume that air
resistance is negligible and that the egg does not bounce or break.
(b.i)
Show that the kinetic energy of the egg just before impact is about 0.6 J.
[1]
Markscheme
Ek = mgh = 0.058 × 9.81 ×1.1 = 0.63 J ✔
Allow use of g = 10 m s−2 (which gives 0.64 «J»)
Substitution and at least 2 SF must be shown
(b.ii)
The egg comes to rest in a time of 55 ms. Determine the magnitude of the average
decelerating force that the ground exerts on the egg.
[4]
Markscheme
ALTERNATIVE 1:
initial momentum = mv = √ 2× 0.058 ×0.63 «= 0.27 kg m s−1»
OR
mv = 0.058 × √ 2 ×9.81 ×1.1 «= 0.27 kg m s−1» ✔
change in momentum 0.27
force = « =» ✔
time 0.055
4.9 «N» ✔
F − mg = 4.9 so F = 5.5 «N» ✔
ALTERNATIVE 2:
1
«Ek = mv2 = 0.63 J» v = 4.7 m s−1 ✔
2
Δv 4.7
acceleration = « =» −3 = «85 m s » ✔
−2
Δt 55× 10
4.9 «N» ✔
F − mg = 4.9 so F= 5.5 «N» ✔

Accept negative acceleration and force.

(b.iii)
Explain why the egg is likely to break when dropped onto concrete from the same height.
[2]
Markscheme
ALTERNATIVE 1:
concrete reduces the stopping time/distance ✔
impulse/change in momentum same so force greater
OR
work done same so force greater ✔

ALTERNATIVE 2:
concrete reduces the stopping time ✔
deceleration is greater so force is greater ✔

Allow reverse argument for grass.

10.
[Maximum mark: 1]
18N.1.HL.TZ0.5
A mass m attached to a string of length R moves in a vertical circle with a constant
speed. The tension in the string at the top of the circle is T. What is the kinetic energy of the
mass at the top of the circle?

R (T +m g )
A.
2
R (T −m g )
B.
2
R mg
C.
2
R (2 T +m g )
D.
2
[1]
Markscheme
A

Solution:
N2L:
1. mg + T = mv^2/R
2. multiply all by R
3. Find mv^2/2

11.
[Maximum mark: 1]
18N.1.SL.TZ0.7
The mass at the end of a pendulum is made to move in a horizontal circle of radius r
at constant speed. The magnitude of the net force on the mass is F.
What is the direction of F and the work done by F during half a revolution?

[1]
Markscheme
A

12.
[Maximum mark: 1]
21M.1.HL.TZ1.7
A force acts on an object of mass 40 kg. The graph shows how the acceleration a of
the object varies with its displacement d.
What is the work done by the force on the object?
A. 50 J
B. 2000 J
C. 2400 J
D. 3200 J
[1]
Markscheme
B

13.
[Maximum mark: 14]
19M.2.SL.TZ2.1
A student strikes a tennis ball that is initially at rest so that it leaves the racquet at a speed
of 64 m s–1. The ball has a mass of 0.058 kg and the contact between the ball and the
racquet lasts for 25 ms.
(ai)
Calculate the average force exerted by the racquet on the ball.
[2]
Markscheme
Δv
/0.058 ×64.0
Δm v Δt ✔
F= /m
Δt 25 ×10
−3

F = 148«N »≈150«N » ✔
(aii)
Calculate the average power delivered to the ball during the impact.
[2]
Markscheme
ALTERNATIVE 1
1 2
mv
2 1
/ ×0.058 ×64.0 2 ✔
t 2
P=
25 ×10− 3
P=4700/ 4800« W » ✔

ALTERNATIVE 2
64.0
P=average F v /148 × ✔
2
P=4700/ 4800« W » ✔

The student strikes the tennis ball at point P. The tennis ball is initially directed at an angle
of 7.00° to the horizontal.

The following data are available.

Height of P = 2.80 m

Distance of student from net = 11.9 m

Height of net = 0.910 m

Initial speed of tennis ball = 64 m s-1

(bi)
Calculate the time it takes the tennis ball to reach the net.
[2]
Markscheme
horizontal component of velocity is 64.0 × cos7° = 63.52 «ms−1» ✔
11.9
t=« =»0.187 /0.19 « s» ✔
63.52
Do not award BCA. Check working.

Do not award ECF from using 64 m s-1.

(bii)
Show that the tennis ball passes over the net.
[3]
Markscheme
ALTERNATIVE 1

uy = 64 sin7/7.80 «ms−1»✔

1
decrease in height = 7.80 × 0.187 + × 9.81 × 0.1872/1.63 «m» ✔
2

final height = «2.80 − 1.63» = 1.1/1.2 «m» ✔

«higher than net so goes over»

ALTERNATIVE 2

vertical distance to fall to net «= 2.80 − 0.91» = 1.89 «m»✔

 1
time to fall this distance found using «=1.89 = 7.8t + × 9.81 ×t2»
2

t = 0.21 «s»✔

0.21 «s» > 0.187 «s» ✔

«reaches the net before it has fallen far enough so goes over»

Other alternatives are possible

(biii)
Determine the speed of the tennis ball as it strikes the ground.
[2]
Markscheme
ALTERNATIVE 1

Initial KE + PE = final KE /
1 1
× 0.058 × 642 + 0.058 × 9.81 × 2.80 = × 0.058 × v2 ✔
2 2

v = 64.4 «ms−1» ✔

ALTERNATIVE 2

v v =« √ 7.82 +2 ×9.81 ×2.8 »=10.8 « m s−1 » ✔

« v=√ 63.52 +10.82 »

v=64.4 « m s » ✔
−1

(c)
The student models the bounce of the tennis ball to predict the angle θ at which the ball
leaves a surface of clay and a surface of grass.
The model assumes

• during contact with the surface the ball slides.

• the sliding time is the same for both surfaces.
• the sliding frictional force is greater for clay than grass.
• the normal reaction force is the same for both surfaces.

Predict for the student’s model, without calculation, whether θ is greater for a clay surface
or for a grass surface.
[3]
Markscheme
1. so horizontal velocity component at lift off for clay is smaller ✔

2. because horizontally now there is a resistive force acting (which is greater for clay)
3. normal force is the same so vertical component of velocity is the same ✔

4. Draw a triangle for the ball leaving the surface. Define the new angle (which we are
asked to find) alpha. Tangent of alpha is vertical component divided by
horizontal component. Since the denominator (horizontal component) is decreasing,
and the vertical component stays the same, the tangent alpha and therefore alpha
increases.
5. so bounce angle on clay is greater ✔

14.
[Maximum mark: 1]
19M.1.SL.TZ2.6
A boat with an output engine power of 15 kW moves through water at a speed of 10 m s-1.
What is the resistive force acting on the boat?

A. 0.15 kN

B. 0.75 kN

C. 1.5 kN

D. 150 kN
[1]
Markscheme
C

15.
[Maximum mark: 1]
19M.1.SL.TZ2.5
An object has a weight of 6.10 × 102 N. What is the change in gravitational potential energy
of the object when it moves through 8.0 m vertically?

A. 5 kJ

B. 4.9 kJ

C. 4.88 kJ

D. 4.880 kJ
[1]
Markscheme
B

16.
[Maximum mark: 1]
19N.1.SL.TZ0.22
An object of mass m makes n revolutions per second around a circle of radius r at a
constant speed. What is the kinetic energy of the object?
A. 0

1 2 2 2
B. π mn r
2

C. 2 π 2 m n2 r 2

D. 4 π 2 m n2 r 2

[1]
Markscheme
C

17.
[Maximum mark: 1]
19N.1.SL.TZ0.8
The tension in a horizontal spring is directly proportional to the extension of the spring.
The energy stored in the spring at extension x is E . What is the work done by the spring
x
when its extension changes from x to ?
4
E
A.
16
E
B.
4
3E
C.
4
15 E
D.
16
[1]
Markscheme
D
18.
[Maximum mark: 1]
20N.1.SL.TZ0.4
An object of mass 1 k g is thrown downwards from a height of 20 m. The initial speed of the
object is 6 m s −1.
The object hits the ground at a speed of 20 m s −1. Assume g=10 ms −2. What is the best
estimate of the energy transferred from the object to the air as it falls?
A. 6 J
B. 18 J
C. 182 J
D. 200 J
[1]
Markscheme
B

19.
[Maximum mark: 1]
21M.1.HL.TZ1.6
Masses X and Y rest on a smooth horizontal surface and are connected by a massless spring.
The mass of X is 3.0 kg and the mass of Y is 6.0 kg. The masses are pushed toward each
other until the elastic potential energy stored in the spring is 1.0 J.

The masses are released. What is the maximum speed reached by mass Y?
A. 0.11 m s−1
B. 0.33 m s−1
C. 0.45 m s−1
D. 0.66 m s−1
[1]
Markscheme
B

Write conservation of momentum

And then conservation of energy (KE)

20.
[Maximum mark: 1]
21M.1.SL.TZ1.5
A car takes 20 minutes to climb a hill at constant speed. The mass of the car is 1200 kg and
the car gains gravitational potential energy at a rate of 6.0 kW. Take the acceleration
of gravity to be 10 m s−2. What is the height of the hill?
A. 0.6 m
B. 10 m
C. 600 m
D. 6000 m

[1]
Markscheme
C

21.
[Maximum mark: 1]
21M.1.HL.TZ1.5
A mass is released from the top of a smooth ramp of height h. After leaving the ramp,
the mass slides on a rough horizontal surface.
The mass comes to rest in a distance d. What is the coefficient of dynamic friction
between the mass and the horizontal surface?
gd
A.
h

B.
√ d
2g h
d
C.
h
h
D.
d
[1]
Markscheme
D

22.
[Maximum mark: 1]
21M.1.SL.TZ2.8
A projectile is launched upwards at an angle θ to the horizontal with an initial
momentum p0 and an initial energy E0. Air resistance is negligible. What are the momentum
and total energy of the projectile at the highest point of the motion?
[1]
Markscheme
A

23.
[Maximum mark: 1]
22N.1.SL.TZ0.6
A person lifts a total mass of 20 kg through a vertical distance of 0.60 m. The person
repeats the lift n times to transfer a total energy of 6.0 × 104 J.
What is n?

A. 5
B. 50
C. 500
D. 5000
[1]
Markscheme
C

24.
[Maximum mark: 1]
21N.1.HL.TZ0.5
A cyclist rides up a hill of vertical height 100 m in 500 s at a constant speed. The combined
mass of the cyclist and the bicycle is 80 kg. The power developed by the cyclist is 200 W.
What is the efficiency of the energy transfer in this system?

A. 8 %
B. 20 %
C. 60 %
D. 80 %
[1]
Markscheme
D

25.
[Maximum mark: 1]
21N.1.SL.TZ0.8
A net force F acts on an object of mass m that is initially at rest. The object moves in
a straight line. The variation of F with the distance s is shown.

What is the speed of the object at the distance s1?

A.
√ F 1 s1
2m

B.
√ F 1 s1
m
C.
√ 2 F 1 s1
m

D.
√ 4 F 1 s1
m
[1]
Markscheme
B

26.
[Maximum mark: 1]
21N.1.SL.TZ0.7
An object of mass 1.0 kg hangs at rest from a spring. The spring has a negligible mass and
the spring constant k is 20 N m−1

What is the elastic potential energy stored in the spring?

A. 1.0 J
B. 2.5 J
C. 5.0 J
D. 10 J
[1]
Markscheme
B
27.
[Maximum mark: 1]
22M.1.SL.TZ2.9
Two blocks of different masses are released from identical springs of elastic constant k =
100 Nm−1, initially compressed a distance Δx = 0.1 m. Block X has a mass of 1 kg and block Y
has a mass of 0.25 kg.
What are the velocities of the blocks when they leave the springs?

[1]
Markscheme
C

28.
[Maximum mark: 1]
22N.1.HL.TZ0.8
An engine is exerting a horizontal force F on an object that is moving along a horizontal
surface at a constant velocity v . The mass of the object is m and the coefficient of dynamic
friction between the object and the surface is μ.
What is the power of the engine?

Fv
A.
μ
B. μ F v
mgv
C.
μ
D. μ m g v
[1]
Markscheme
D

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