CAIE A-Level Mathematics 4.5.2 Kinetic and Gravitational Potential Energy

CAIE A-Level Mathematics 4.5.2 Kinetic and Gravitational Potential Energy
Cambridge International AS & A Level Mathematics 9709 syllabus for exams in 2028, 2029 and 20302028–2030

Practise calculating ½mv² and mgh with vertical height, comparing energy states and accounting for transferred or dissipated energy in motion and collision problems.

How this is tested

  • calculate gravitational potential-energy change from vertical height rather than slope distance
  • evaluate kinetic energy as one half mv squared using the speed at the stated instant
  • compare initial and final energy totals to find energy transferred, lost or gained

Question 5(a)

[Maximum number: 3]

A car of mass 1600 kg travels at constant speed 20 m s−120 \mathrm{~m} \mathrm{~s}^{-1} up a straight road inclined at an angle of sin⁡−10.12\sin ^{-1} 0.12 to the horizontal.

Find the change in potential energy of the car in 30 s .