IB Physics SL A 3 11 Elastic Potential Energy Questions
Practise calculating elastic potential energy from spring constant, extension and force–extension graphs in practical exam scenarios.
- Syllabus
- First assessment 2025
- Course
- Physics SL
- Level
- SL
Exam points
- Use E = ½kx² and the force–extension graph area to calculate elastic energy or the spring constant.
- Relate spring energy to speed, gravitational energy and extension when a spring launches or supports a load.
- Compare energy changes when springs are arranged in parallel or when compression, extension and deformation change.
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IB Physics SL A 3 11 Elastic Potential Energy Questions question 1
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.
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.
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