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AP Physics 1: Algebra-Based 3.3 Potential Energy Questions

Model potential energy as a scalar property of a system’s configuration, using spring and gravitational relationships, graphs, and reference choices.

Syllabus
Effective Fall 2024
Course
AP Physics 1: Algebra-Based

Exam points

  • calculate elastic potential energy and compare changes in spring constant or compression
  • calculate near-surface gravitational energy changes from mass and height
  • calculate universal gravitational energy and sum pair energies in a multi-object system
  • choose a zero reference and combine potential energies for a defined system configuration
  • predict maximum height, compression or speed as energy-system parameters change

Covered syllabus points

3.3.A—Describe the potential energy of a system

Question 1

[Maximum number: 2]

A block of mass M is released from rest at position x=0 near the top of a ramp. The ramp makes an angle of θ\theta with the horizontal. The block slides down the ramp with negligible friction. At x=8 D the block makes contact with an uncompressed spring with spring constant k. The spring is then compressed and the block momentarily comes to rest at x=12 D.

Figure 1 shows the instants when the block is at x=0, x=6 D, and x=10 D, respectively.

Figure for Question 1 — AP Physics 1: Algebra-Based

Figure 6 shows a graph of the energy of the system as a function of the position of the block from x=8 D to x=12 D. The spring potential energy UsU_{s} of the block-spring-Earth system is shown on the graph.

On the axes shown in Figure 6, do the following.

Sketch and label a line or curve that represents the gravitational potential energy UgU_{g} for the block-spring-Earth system as a function of the position of the block from x=8 D to x=12 D.

Figure 6

Figure 6

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