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IB Physics HL A.3.10 Gravitational Potential Energy Question Bank

Practise HL gravitational potential energy with rolling bodies, ratios, losses and real-system energy calculations in exam questions.

Syllabus
First assessment 2025
Course
Physics HL
Level
HL

Exam points

  • Combine gravitational potential and rotational kinetic energy to calculate speed for rolling bodies.
  • Use mass and height ratios to compare gravitational potential-energy changes and justify the scaling relationship.
  • Apply gravitational energy to estimate speed or travel distance, stating assumptions about losses and field.

A.3.10—Gravitational potential energy question 1

[Maximum number: 2]

A girl rides a bicycle that is powered by an electric motor. A battery transfers energy to the electric motor. The emf of the battery is 16 V and it can deliver a charge of 43 kC when discharging completely from a full charge.

On another journey up the slope, the girl carries an additional mass. Explain whether carrying this mass will change the maximum distance that the bicycle can travel along the slope.

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