IB Physics SL A.3.1 Conservation of Energy Question Bank

Practise tracing energy transfers in hydroelectric, thermal and wind systems, then using conservation of energy to explain stores, losses and useful output.

Exam points

Trace energy transfers in hydroelectric, thermal and wind systems, identifying stores and useful electrical output.
Use conservation of energy to explain changes between gravitational potential, kinetic and internal energy stores.
Explain why inefficiencies limit distance, power or total output by identifying transfers to the surroundings.

[Maximum number: 2]

This question is in two parts. Part 1 is about energy resources. Part 2 is about thermal physics.
Part 1 Energy resources
Electricity can be generated using nuclear fission, by burning fossil fuels or using pump storage hydroelectric schemes.

A mass of 0.22 kg of lead spheres is placed in a well-insulated tube. The tube is turned upside down several times so that the spheres fall through an average height of 0.45 m each time the tube is turned. The temperature of the spheres is found to increase by $8^{\circ} \mathrm{C}$ .

Figure for Question A.3.1—Conservation of energy question 1 — IB Physics SL

Discuss the changes to the energy of the lead spheres.

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A.3.1—Conservation of energy question 1