IB Physics HL A 3 11 Elastic Potential Energy Questions

Practise HL elastic-energy calculations for springs, equilibrium, parallel systems and deformation in quantitative exam questions.

Exam points

Calculate elastic potential energy using EH = ½k(Δx)² for a stretched or compressed spring.
Relate spring constant, extension and elastic-energy transfer using complete mark-scheme evidence and consistent units.

[Maximum number: 2]

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.

diagram not to scale

The unextended length of the rope is 60.0 m . From position A to position B, the block falls freely.

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.

$\mathrm{EPE}=\frac{1}{2}kx^2$ $\mathrm{GPE}\text{ at A}=\mathrm{EPE}\text{ at C}$

OR

$(\mathrm{GPE}+\mathrm{KE})\text{ at B}=\mathrm{EPE}\text{ at C}$

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IB Physics HL A 3 11 Elastic Potential Energy Questions question 1