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IB Physics SL A 2 8 Tension Questions

Practise resolving tension and friction in ropes, slopes and connected blocks moving together.

Syllabus
First assessment 2025
Course
Physics SL
Level
SL

Exam points

  • Calculate tensions in vertically suspended bodies connected by light ropes.
  • Determine tension in an inclined system by resolving the component parallel to the slope and accounting for friction.
  • Infer how string angle controls the tension needed to provide a fixed vertical component, especially for nearly horizontal supports.
  • Apply Newton’s second law to find tension between connected blocks moving with friction or a shared acceleration.

Learn this topic

Study A.2.8—Tension conceptsOpen the corresponding Concept lesson for explanations, examples and exam connections.

IB Physics SL A 2 8 Tension Questions question 1

[Maximum number: 2]

This question is about the forces on a skier.

A skier is pulled up a hill by a rope at a steady velocity. The hill makes an angle of 12∘12^{\circ} with the horizontal. The mass of the skier and skis is 73 kg . The diagram below shows three of the forces acting on the skier.

Figure for Question IB Physics SL A 2 8 Tension Questions question 1 — IB Physics SL

The total frictional force acting is 65 N . Determine the tension in the rope.

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