Gravitational potential energy and kinetic energy: past paper questions
Real questions on gravitational potential energy and kinetic energy
The newest 20 of 34 written questions. Open one to see it on the real paper.
- 9702/21 · October/November 2025 · Q1c(i)[2]
calculate the gain in gravitational potential energy ΔE P ΔE P = J
See it on the paper → - 9702/21 · October/November 2025 · Q1c(ii)[2]
calculate the gain in kinetic energy ΔE K ΔE K = J
See it on the paper → - 9702/21 · October/November 2025 · Q1c(iii)[2]
determine the average power output of the rocket engines. Assume that resistive forces are negligible. power = W
See it on the paper → - 9702/23 · May/June 2025 · Q3c(ii)[1]
the power developed by the engine.
See it on the paper → - 9702/22 · October/November 2024 · Q2d(ii)[3]
On Fig. 2.3, sketch the variation of the kinetic energy of the child and scooter with distance travelled from point A to point C. Numerical values for kinetic energy are not required. (ii) kinetic energy 0 0 x x + 18 m distance from A
See it on the paper → - 9702/22 · May/June 2024 · Q4b(i)[3]
Calculate the increase in gravitational potential energy of the ball when the spring returns to its original length. increase in gravitational potential energy = J ,
See it on the paper → - 9702/22 · May/June 2024 · Q4b(ii)[3]
The ball leaves the spring when the spring reaches its original length. Assume that all the elastic potential energy of the spring is transferred to the ball. Calculate the speed of the ball as it leaves the spring. speed = m s –1
See it on the paper → - 9702/23 · May/June 2024 · Q2b(v)[3]
By considering energy, calculate the speed of the object just before it lands. speed = m s –1
See it on the paper → - 9702/22 · May/June 2023 · Q2c(i)[2]
Calculate the decrease in the gravitational potential energy of the block for its movement from X to Y. decrease in gravitational potential energy = J
See it on the paper → - 9702/22 · May/June 2023 · Q2c(ii)[3]
Use your answer to (c)(i) and conservation of energy to determine the kinetic energy of the block at Y. kinetic energy = J
See it on the paper → - 9702/22 · February/March 2023 · Q2a(ii)[3]
the increase in the gravitational potential energy of the block for the movement of its base from X to Y. increase in gravitational potential energy = J
See it on the paper → - 9702/22 · February/March 2023 · Q4a[3]
Block X has an initial kinetic energy of 0.30 J. Calculate the mass of block X. mass = kg
See it on the paper → - 9702/22 · October/November 2022 · Q4a[2]
Calculate the kinetic energy of the block as it leaves the spring. kinetic energy = J
See it on the paper → - 9702/22 · October/November 2022 · Q4d[1]
The maximum compression x of the spring is now varied in order to vary the kinetic energy E K of the block as it leaves the spring. Assume that all the elastic potential energy in the spring is always transferred to the kinetic energy of the block. On Fig. 4.3, sketch a graph to show the variation with x of E K . E K 0...
See it on the paper → - 9702/23 · May/June 2022 · Q4a[2]
A mass m moves a vertical distance Δh in a uniform gravitational field and gains gravitational potential energy ΔE P . The acceleration of free fall is g. Use the concept of work done to show that ΔE P = mgΔh.
See it on the paper → - 9702/23 · May/June 2022 · Q4b[1]
A 0.60 kg mass is attached to a string which is wrapped around the wheel of a generator, as shown in Fig. 4.1. generator wheel string resistor mass, 0.60 kg Fig. 4.1 The mass is held stationary above the floor. When released, the mass initially accelerates and then falls at a steady speed and spins the wheel. The gener...
See it on the paper → - 9702/21 · October/November 2021 · Q2b(i)[3]
Calculate the kinetic energy of ball X before the collision. kinetic energy = J
See it on the paper → - 9702/22 · October/November 2021 · Q3c(i)[2]
the increase in vertical height h of the car for its movement from A to B h = m
See it on the paper → - 9702/23 · October/November 2021 · Q4f(i)[3]
Calculate the kinetic energy, in J, of the β – particle at point A. kinetic energy = J
See it on the paper → - 9702/22 · May/June 2021 · Q1c(i)[2]
Calculate, to three significant figures, the upthrust acting on the cylinder due to the water. upthrust = N
See it on the paper →
What examiners said
The majority of the answers were correct. Some of the weakest candidates confused the mass of the block with its weight.
— Examiner report, May/June 2023, 9702/22 Q2(c)(i) (Cambridge)
Almost all of the candidates were able to calculate the kinetic energy of the block at point X. Many candidates were not able to correctly combine this with the change in gravitational potential energy calculated in (c)(i) in order to determine the kinetic energy of the block at point Y. Some of the weakest candidates were able to recall the correct symbol formula for kinetic energy, but then subs...
— Examiner report, May/June 2023, 9702/22 Q2(c)(ii) (Cambridge)
The general expression for the change in gravitational potential energy was well known. As in the previous question part, it was important to not prematurely round up any intermediate answers in the middle of the calculation and to leave any rounding until the final answer. Some of the weakest candidates inappropriately equated the gain in gravitational potential energy to the kinetic energy of th...
— Examiner report, February/March 2023, 9702/22 Q2(a)(ii) (Cambridge)
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