New Senior Secondary Physics

CE+DSE Sorted Questions

MECHANICS 03: WORK, ENERGY AND POWER

[Instructions for 2 statements problem]
1st statement 2nd
statement
A. True True 2nd statement is a correct explanation of the 1st statement
B. True True 2nd statement is NOT a correct explanation of the 1st statement
C. True False
D. False True
E. False False

Q1 [CE 80 Q2]
A ball is dropped from a height h above the ground. Each time it hits the ground, one-half of the original kinetic energy is lost. How
high will the ball rise above the ground after the second impact?
! ! !
A. " B. # C. $
!
D. E. h
√$

Q2 [CE 80 Q5]
An object is thrown vertically upwards with initial speed u. Which of the graphs below represents the variation of its kinetic energy
Ek with time t.

A B. C. D. E.
.

Q3 [CE 81 Q2]
Two masses m1 and m2 (m1 > m2) are hung over a smooth pulley as shown. If the system is released from rest, what is the kinetic
energy of the system after the mass m1 has descended through a distance h?

A. zero B. 𝑚& 𝑔ℎ C. 𝑚$ 𝑔ℎ
D. (𝑚& − 𝑚$ )𝑔ℎ E. (𝑚& + 𝑚$ )𝑔ℎ

Q4 [CE 81 Q7]
A vehicle moves up a road inclined at an angle q to the horizontal with a constant velocity of 10 m/s. If the forces resisting the
movement of the vehicle are uniform, the power developed by the vehicle engine is

A. constant B. increasing uniformly C. decreasing uniformly

D. increasing, but not uniformly E. decreasing, but not uniformly

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CE+DSE Sorted Questions

Q5 [CE 81 Q10]
The diagram below shows a model of a hydro-electric power station. It is known that the system has an efficiency of 75 % and the
power flows through the generator at a rate of 0.2 kg/s. In order to operate the 1.5 W lamp at full power, what should be the height
of the water level in the tank above the generator?

A. 0.50 m B. 0.75 m C. 1.00 m

D. 1.50 m E. 2.00 m

Q6 [CE 82 Q3]
A vehicle moving with uniform speed travels up a road of constant gradient. The power developed by the vehicle's engine is

A. uniformly increasing B. increasing, but not uniformly C. constant

D. uniformly decreasing E. decreasing, but not uniformly

Q7 [CE 82 Q6]
Which of the following statements concerning the energy of a body falling freely under the action of gravity is/are correct?

(1) It gains kinetic energy while falling.

(2) Its total energy at any point in the flight is equal to the work done in raising it from ground level to that point.
(3) Its kinetic energy at the end of the flight is all converted into potential energy.

A. (1) only B. (3) only C. (1) and (2) only D. (2) and (3) only E. (1), (2) and (3)

Q8 [CE 83 Q2]
Two balls X and Y, of the same mass, are released from rest simultaneously at A. X falls vertically downwards while Y runs
downwards along the smooth plane AC as shown in the figure below. Which of the following statements is/are correct?

(1) X reaches B at the same time as Y reaches C.

(2) The speed of X at B is the same as that of Y at C.
(3) The kinetic energy possessed by X at B is the same as that of Y at C.

A. (1) only B. (2) only C. (2) and (3) only

D. (1) and (3) only E. (1), (2) and (3)

Q9 [CE 83 Q3]
A bullet of mass 0.01 kg travelling horizontally at 100 m/s is stopped by 0.1 m of concrete. What retarding force is applied to the
bullet by the concrete?

A. 0.1 N B. 10 N C. 500 N D. 1000 N E. 50000 N

Q10 [CE 83 Q6]

A student of mass 50 kg runs up a flight of stairs 15 m high in 20 seconds. The power developed by the student is

A. 37.5 W B. 375 W C. 750 W D. 7500 W E. 15000 W

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New Senior Secondary Physics
CE+DSE Sorted Questions

Q11 [CE 83 Q14]

When 40 kg of water falls through a certain distance, its temperature is found to increase by 0.2°C. What is the height through
-1 -1
which it has fallen (Specific heat capacity of water = 4200 J kg K )
A. 4.2 m B. 20 m C. 22 m D. 42 m E. 84 m

Q12 [CE 84 Q7]

&
A basketball falls freely from rest and hits the ground. It then rebounds to # of its original height. Neglecting air resistance, which of
the following statements about the basketball is/are correct?

(1) Its kinetic energy just before collision is four times its kinetic energy just after collision.
(2) Its potential energy just before collision is four times its potential energy just after collision.
(3) The speed just before collision is two times the speed just after collision.

A. (1) only B. (2) only C. (2) and (3) only D. (1) and (3) only E. (1), (2) and (3)

Q13 [CE 84 Q8]

A cannon ball is fired so that it hits the wall at the top of a 10 m tower. If the energy needed to destroy the wall is 49000 J and the
mass of the cannon ball is 10 kg, the minimum initial velocity of the cannon ball required to break the tower wall is
A. 100 m/s B. 200 m/s C. 300 m/s D. 400 m/s E. 500 m/s

Q14 [CE 84 Q9]

A bullet hits a target at a speed of 200 m/s. If 50% of the kinetic energy has been converted into heat energy, what is the rise in
-1 -1
temperature of the bullet? (specific heat capacity of the bullet = 100 J kg K )

A. 10 K B. 20 K C. 100 K D. 200 K E. 400 K

Q15 [CE 85 Q5]

A windmill can produce electric energy at the rate of 20 kW when the wind speed is 10 m/s. If the efficiency is 50 %, what force, in
103 N, is exerted by the wind on the windmill?

A. 2 B. 4 C. 6 D. 8 E. 10
Q16 [CE 85 Q6]
An object is projected vertically upwards. Which of the following graphs correctly describes the variation of the kinetic energy E of
the object with height h?

A. B. C.

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New Senior Secondary Physics
CE+DSE Sorted Questions

D. E.

Q17 [CE 85 Q8]

A block is moving with uniform velocity along a rough horizontal plane. Which of the following statements is/are true?

(1) The kinetic energy of the block is increasing.

(2) The potential energy of the block is increasing.
(3) The resultant force acting on the block is zero.

A. (1) only B. (3) only C. (1) and (2) only D. (2) and (3) only E. (1), (2) and (3)

Q18 [CE 85 Q9]

A diver jumps from a high platform into water at the point B as shown. The diver descends to C and then floats up to the water
surface. Assume that the potential energy at point B is taken to be zero. At point C, which of the following statements is/are true?

(1) the kinetic energy of the diver is at a maximum.

(2) the kinetic energy of the diver is at a minimum.
(3) the sum of the kinetic energy and potential energy of the diver is zero.

A. (1) only B. (2) only C. (3) only

D. (1) and (3) only E. (2) and (3) only

Q19 [CE 85 Q14]

The difference in water temperature between the top and the bottom of a waterfall is 0.15°C. Assuming no heat is lost from the
water to the surroundings, what is the height of the waterfall? (The specific heat capacity of water is 4200 J/kg/K)

A. 3.6 m B. 28 m C. 63 m D. 360 m E. 540 m

Q20 [CE 87 Q04]

An escalator is said to be able to carry 120 passengers to a height of 10 m in one minute. Assuming each passenger has a weight of
500 N, the possible power output by the escalator must be at least

A. 1000 W B. 5000 W C. 10 000 W D. 50 000 W E. 600 000 W

Q21 [CE 87 Q05]

An object is projected vertically upwards. Which of the following graphs correctly describes the variation of its kinetic energy (KE)
with height (h)?

A. B. C.

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CE+DSE Sorted Questions

D. E.

Q22 [CE 90 Q2]

A block of mass 5 kg is moving horizontally on a smooth surface in a straight line at 6 ms-1. In order to change its speed to 10 ms-1,
the work done would need to be

A. 40 J B. 90 J C. 160 J D. 400 J E. 550 J

Q23 [CE 90 Q6]

Two objects P and Q of mass 0.1 kg and 0.5 kg respectively, are thrown vertically upwards with the same speed from the same
level. Neglecting air resistance, which of the following is true?

A. P will reach a point higher than that of Q

B. Q will take a shorter time to reach its highest point.
C. Both will have the same potential energy at the highest point.
D. Both will have the same kinetic energy on returning to the starting point.
E. Both rise with the same deceleration.

Q24 [CE 91 Q3]

For a body falling freely under gravity, Y has a linear relationship with the displacement of the body as shown above. Y may
represent

A. the potential energy of the body. B. the kinetic energy of the body.

C. the acceleration of the body. D. the velocity of the body.

E. the speed of the body.

Q25 [CE 91 Q6]

A block is pulled along a horizontal bench at a constant velocity of 10 ms-1 by a force of 5 N. What is the work done against friction
in 4 s?
A. 200 J B. 50 J C. 20 J D. 12.5J E. 8 J

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New Senior Secondary Physics
CE+DSE Sorted Questions

Q26 [CE 92 Q6]

A ball is released from rest from one end of a smooth curved rail as shown in the above diagram. Neglecting air resistance and
friction, which of the following statements about the motion of the ball is/are
correct?

(1) The ball has maximum kinetic energy at point B.

(2) The speed of the ball at point C is the same as that in point A
(3) The ball would not rise to a level higher than point D.

A. (1) only B. (2) only C. (1) and (3) only

D. (2) and (3) only E. (1), (2) and (3)

Q27 [CE 92 Q7]

Which of the following involve(s) an energy transfer of 100J?

(1) A mass of 10kg is raised vertically by 10 m.

(2) A mass of 2 kg gains a speed of 10 ms-1 form rest.
(3) A 10 W heater is switched on for 10 seconds.

A. (1) only B. (3) only C. (1) and (2) only D. (2) and (3) only E. (1), (2) and (3)

Q28 [CE 93 Q4]

The figure above shows the variation of the force acting on an object. What physical quantity does the area of the shaded portion
represent?

A. Velocity B. Acceleration C. Momentum

D. Work E. Power

Q29 [CE 93 Q6]

A pendulum bob is released from rest from a point P 0.8 m above its lowest position Q, as shown in the above diagram. Neglecting
air resistance, find the speed of the bob when it reaches Q.

A. 2.8 ms-1 B. 4 ms-1 C. 8 ms-1

D. 16 ms-1 E. It cannot be determined since the mass of the ball is not given

Q30 [CE 94 Q9]

A stone is projected vertically upwards. Neglecting air resistance, which of the following graphs shows the variation of the kinetic
energy of the stone with the distance travelled during its upward motion?

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New Senior Secondary Physics
CE+DSE Sorted Questions

A. B. C.

D. E.

Q31 [CE 94 Q10]

Two blocks X and Y are connected by a light string passing over a smooth pulley as shown above. The mass of X is greater than that
of Y. The two blocks are released from rest. Which of the following statements is/are correct?

(1) The potential energy lost by X is equal to the potential energy gained by Y.
(2) The kinetic energy gained by X is greater than the kinetic energy gained by Y.
(3) The potential energy lost by X is equal to the sum of kinetic energies gained by X and Y.

A. (2) only B. (3) only C. (1) and (2) only

D. (1) and (3) only E. (1), (2) and (3)

Q32 [CE 95 Q9]

A bullet of mass 0.02 kg traveling at 450 ms-1 enters a wooden block as shown in Figure (a) and leaves it with a speed 400 ms-1. In
Figure (b), What is the maximum number of identical blocks that the same bullet can pass through?

A. 3 B. 4 C. 5
D. 9 E. 10

Q33 [CE 95 Q10]

A trolley runs down a friction-compensated runway as shown above. Which of the following statements is true?

A. The kinetic energy of the trolley increases with time.

B. The potential energy of the trolley increases with time.
C. The sum of kinetic and potential energies of the trolley remains unchanged.
D. The frictional force acting on the trolley is zero.
E. The resultant force acting on the trolley is zero.

Q34 [CE 96 Q7]

A motor car of mass 2500 kg accelerates from rest to a speed of 20 ms-1 in 5 s on a level road .Find the average power of the car.

A. 10 kW B. 50 kW C. 100 kW D. 200 kW E. 250 kW

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New Senior Secondary Physics
CE+DSE Sorted Questions

Q35 [CE 97 Q7]

A pendulum bob is suspended by a light inextensible string. The bob is released from rest at a point A as shown above. When the
bob reaches the lowest point B, the string hits a fixed pin. Which of the following statements is/are correct?

(1) The bob has maximum kinetic energy at B.

(2) The highest level that the bob can reach is the level of the pin.
(3) The work done by the tension of the string is zero throughout the motion.

A. (2) only B. (3) only C. (1) and (2) only D. (1) and (3) only E. (1), (2) and (3)

Q36 [CE 97 Q8]

A machine lifts up a load of 1200 N to a height of 1.5 m in 2 s. Find the average output power of the machine.

A. 400W B. 900W C. 1800W D. 3600W E. 9000W

Q37 [CE 98 Q1]

Which of the following units does not represent energy?

A. J B. Nm C. Ws D. Pa m3 E. kgms-2

Q38 [CE 98 Q10]

A man pulls a 50 kg block up a smooth inclined plane making an angle 30° with the horizontal as shown above. The inclined plane
is 6 m long and the block is pulled from the bottom of the inclined plane to the top in 30 s. Find the average useful output power of
the man.

A. 5W B. 10W C. 50W
D. 87W E. 100W

Q39 [CE 99 Q7]

A motor car of mass 2000 kg accelerates from rest at 3 ms-2 for 4 s on a straight road. Find the average useful output power of the
engine of the car.

A. 24 kW B. 36 kW C. 72 kW D. 144 kW E. 240 kW

Q40 [CE 00 Q11]

A 2 kg block is initially at rest on the ground. A machine is used to pull up the block as shown above. If the tension in the string is
kept at 24 N and the block reaches a height of 4 m in 2 s, which of the following statements is/are correct?

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New Senior Secondary Physics
CE+DSE Sorted Questions

(1) The potential energy of the block is increasing when the block is rising.
(2) The kinetic energy of the block is increasing when the block is rising.
(3) The average power developed by the machine during the two seconds is 40 W.

A. (1) only B. (3) only C. (1) and (2) only

D. (2) and (3) only E. (1), (2) and (3)

Q41 [CE 01 Q3]

A stone is thrown vertically upwards. Assuming air resistance is negligible, which of the following statements is/are correct?

(1) The acceleration of the stone decreases throughout the upward motion.
(2) The net force acting on the stone becomes zero when the stone reaches the highest point.
(3) The total energy of the stone remains unchanged throughout the motion.

A. (1) only B. (3) only C. (1) and (2) only

D. (2) and (3) only E. (1), (2) and (3)

Q42 [CE 01 Q10]

If the rope is inclined at an angle θ to the horizontal and the tension in the rope is 100 N, find the work done by the man in pulling
the suitcase for a distance of 5 m along the ground.

A. 500 J B. 500 sin θ J C. 500 cos θ J

'(( '((
D.)*+ - J E. ./) - J

Q43 [CE 02 Q8]

A block is projected up a smooth inclined plane. Which of the following graphs shows the variation of the kinetic energy (K.E.) of
the block with its potential energy (P.E.) during the upward motion?

A. B. C. D.

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CE+DSE Sorted Questions

Q44 [CE 02 Q10]

The figure above shows a flying wheel in an amusement park. The wheel is of diameter 18 m and carries eight cages. There is only
one passenger of mass 60 kg inside one of the cages. The wheel rotates with uniform speed and it takes 80 s for the passenger to
travel from the bottom to the top of the wheel. Find the average useful power output of the motor of the
wheel.
0(×&(×&" 0(×&(×2×3
A. (60×10×18) W B. ( )W C.( )W D. (60×10×π×9×80)W
"( "(

Q45 [CE 04 Q12]

The photograph shows a baby sitting on a push-chair and her mother Amy is pushing the push-chair with a uniform velocity v along
the horizontal ground

Let F = horizontal force exerted by Amy on the push-chair, and

m = total mass of the baby and the push-chair.

Which of the following expressions denotes the average output power of Amy in pushing the push-chair?

A. Fv B. mgv C.(F – mg)v D.(F + mg)v

Q46 [CE 05 Q5]

The diagram shows a weight-lifter lifting a weight of mass 80 kg from the floor to a height of 2 m. Find the work done by the
weight-lifter.
A. 160J B. 800J C. 1600J D. 3200J

Q47 [CE 05 Q6]

The diagram shows Edmund riding the ‘Ferris Wheel’ in an amusement park. If the wheel is
rotating at a uniform speed, which of the following physical quantities of Edmund would remain
unchanged?

A .velocity B. kinetic energy

C. potential energy D. total mechanical energy

Q48 [CE 06 Q3]

John releases a marble from the top of a smooth rail A placed at the edge of a table as shown above. He repeats the same process by

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New Senior Secondary Physics
CE+DSE Sorted Questions

placed at the edge of a table as shown above. He repeats the same process by using another smooth rail B. Which of the following
statements about the marble is/are correct?

(1) The marble has the same velocity when it reaches the ends of both rails
(2) The marble has the same kinetic energy when it reaches the end of both rails
(3) It takes the same time for the marble to travel through both rails

A. (1) only B. (2) only C. (3) only D. (1),(2) and (3)

Q49 [CE 06 Q4]

A car stopped after emergency braking. The skid mark left by the car was 22.3 m long. Assume that the friction between the road
and tyres was 0.65 times that of the weight of the car. Estimate the speed of the car when it began to skid.

!! !! !! !!
A. "#$%&'( B. !"#$%&' C. !"#$%&' D. !"#$%&'

Q50 [CE 06 Q5]

A high-diver jumps up into the air from a spring board and then falls into a swimming pool. Which of the following graphs best
shows the variation of her kinetic energy K with time t from the time she just leaves the board up to the moment just before she
enters the water?(Neglect air resistance.)

A B C D
. . . .

Q51 [CE 07 Q4]

A skier slides down a slope as shown in the diagram below. Assume constant friction along the slope, which of the following graphs
best describes the change of energy of the skier with distance down the slope?

A B C D
. . . .

Q52 [CE 07 Q31]

An electrical toy car of mass m goes up an inclined plane of inclination 30° with constant speed v. The friction acting on the car is
half of the weight of the car. What is the average power of the car?

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New Senior Secondary Physics
CE+DSE Sorted Questions

& 4
A.$ 𝑚𝑔𝑣 B. mgv C.$ 𝑚𝑔𝑣 D. 2mgv

Q53 [CE 07 Q32]

A block of mass 1 kg is sliding down with constant speed along an inclined plane of inclination 30° to the horizontal. What are the
gain in kinetic energy and the work done against friction by the block after travelling a distance of 2 m along the plane?

Gain in kinetic energy / J Work done against friction J

A. 0 10
B. 10 10
C. 0 20
D. 10 30

Q54 [CE 08 Q3]

A car is travelling at a constant speed of 15 ms-1 along a horizontal straight road. The total resisting force acting on the car is 500 N.
Which of the following statements are correct?

(1) The car travels a distance 120 m in 8 s.

(2) The work done by the car in overcoming the resisting force in 8 s is 60 kJ.
(3) The output power of the car is 7.5 kW.

A. (1) and (2) only B. (1) and (3) only C. (2) and (3) only D. (1), (2) and (3)

Q55 [CE 08 Q4]

The figure above shows the velocity-time graph of a car travelling on a horizontal straight road. Which of the following statements
is/are correct?

(1) Area under the graph is equal to the total displacement of the car.
(2) The acceleration of the car is maximum at time t.
(3) The kinetic energy of the car remains unchanged throughout the whole journey.

A. (1) only B. (2) only C. (1) and (3) only D. (2) and (3) only

Q56 [CE 08 Q8]

An object is released from rest. Which of the following graphs best described the variation of the kinetic energy of the object with
time during falling? (Neglect air resistance.)

A B C D
. . . .

Q57 [CE 08 Q28]

When a skydiver falls steadily in air under no net force, which of the following descriptions about his gravitational potential energy,

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New Senior Secondary Physics
CE+DSE Sorted Questions

kinetic energy and power in overcoming air resistance is correct?

Gravitational potential energy Kinetic energy Power in overcoming air resistance

A. decreases increases increases
B. decreases increases Remains unchanged
C. decreases Remains unchanged Remains unchanged
D. Remains unchanged increases increases

Q58 [CE 08 Q32]

John performs a bungee jump from a bridge above a river. He (assumed to be a particle) is tied to the bridge at A with an elastic
cord. He falls from rest at A. When he reaches B, the elastic cord starts to stretch. John is momentarily at rest at C and then bounces
up. Which of the following descriptions about the motion of John is/are correct? (Neglect the air resistance.)

(1) From A to B, John is under free falling.

(2) From B to C, the gravitational potential energy of John increases.
(3) At C, there is no net force acting on John.

A. (1) only B. (3) only C. (1) and (2) only D. (2) and (3) only

Q59 [CE 09 Q6]

A constant force F is applied to an object which is initially at rest on a horizontal smooth surface. Which of the graphs below best
represents the variation of the power P developed by the force F with time t?

A. B. C. D.

Q60 [CE 09 Q31]

A tram of mass 1500 kg is being pulled by a steel cable. It goes up a 30° slope with uniform speed. The average resistive force
acting on the tram is 200 N. What is the energy required for the tram to move 100 m up along the slope?

A. 20 KJ B. 750 KJ
C. 770 KJ D. 1500 KJ

Q61 [CE 09 Q32]

An object is released from rest at the top of a building of height h. At time t1, the object is at the half of the height of the building as
shown in the figure. At time t2, the object just reaches the ground. Which of the following is/are correct? (Neglect the air resistance.)

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New Senior Secondary Physics
CE+DSE Sorted Questions

(1) velocity of the object at t2 = 2 × velocity of the object at t1

(2) t2 = 2 × t1
(3) K.E. of the object at t2 = 2 × K.E. of the object at t1

A. (2) only B. (3) only C. (1) and (2) only

D. (1) and (3) only

Q62 [CE 10 Q5]

Horizontal force F is applied to a block of mass 4 kg which is initially at rest on a horizontal smooth surface. The variation of the
magnitude of F with displacement s is shown in the graph. The direction of F remains unchanged throughout the motion. What is
the work done on the block by F from s = 2 m to 5 m?

A. 16 J B. 24 J

C. 32 J D. 40 J

Q63 [CE 10 Q7]

!!
A car is travelling along a straight horizontal path at !"#$% initially. The driver sees an obstacle and applies the brake. The
velocity-time graph of his car is shown below.

Which of the following graphs best represents the variation of the kinetic energy (K.E.) of the car with distance s travelled
A B C D
. . . .

Q64 [CE 10 Q29]

A block of mass 5 kg is projected up along a smooth inclined plane of inclination θ shown in the figure below.

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New Senior Secondary Physics
CE+DSE Sorted Questions

The graph above shows the variation of kinetic energy of the block with the distance travelled up along the plane. Find angle θ.

A. 5.7˚ B. 11.5˚ C. 23.6˚ D. 26.7˚

Q65 [CE 11 Q2]

A ball moves along a smooth curved rail and passed P at a certain speed as shown in the figure above. Neglecting air resistance and
friction, which of the following statements about the motion of the ball are correct?

(1) The ball has maximum kinetic energy at R.

(2) The speed of the ball at S is the same as that at Q.
(3) The ball can never reach T.

A. (1) and (2) only B. (1) and (3) only

C. (2) and (3) only D. (1), (2) and (3)

Q66 [CE 11 Q7]

A car of mass 1500 kg is accelerating from rest along a straight road. The figure below shows the variation of its kinetic energy
(K.E.) with the square of time t. What is the acceleration of the car?

A. 0.89 ms-1 B. 1.41 ms-1

C. 2.00 ms-1 D. 4.00 ms-1

Q67 [CE 11 Q31]

In the figure below, a mass is released from rest at P from a high platform into a swimming pool. After a while, the mass reaches the
water surface at Q and enters the water. Finally, it reaches a maximum depth at R. Which of the following descriptions about the
motion of the mass is/are correct?

(1) From P to Q, the acceleration of the mass is increasing.

(2) From Q to R, the net force acting on the mass is pointing upward.
(3) From P to R, the gravitational potential energy loss of the mass equals to its
kinetic energy gain.

A. (1) only B. (2) only

C. (1) and (3) only D. (2) and (3) only

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New Senior Secondary Physics
CE+DSE Sorted Questions

Answer

[CE 80 Q2] B [CE 84 Q7] D [CE 90 Q6] E [CE 96 Q7] C [CE 04 Q12] A [CE 08 Q8] B [CE 11 Q31] B
[CE 80 Q5] B [CE 84 Q8] A [CE 91 Q3] A [CE 97 Q7] D [CE 05 Q5] C [CE 08 Q28] C
[CE 81 Q2] D [CE 84 Q9] C [CE 91 Q6] A [CE 97 Q8] B [CE 05 Q6] B [CE 08 Q32] A
[CE 81 Q7] A [CE 85 Q5] B [CE 92 Q6] E [CE 98 Q1] E [CE 06 Q3] B [CE 09 Q6] B
[CE 81 Q10] C [CE 85 Q6] D [CE 92 Q7] D [CE 98 Q10] C [CE 06 Q4] D [CE 09 Q31] C
[CE 82 Q3] C [CE 85 Q8] B [CE 93 Q4] D [CE 99 Q7] B [CE 06 Q5] C [CE 09 Q32] B
[CE 82 Q6] A [CE 85 Q9] B [CE 93 Q6] B [CE 00 Q11] C [CE 07 Q4] D [CE 10 Q5] B
[CE 83 Q2] C [CE 85 Q14] C [CE 94 Q9] B [CE 01 Q3] B [CE 07 Q31] B [CE 10 Q7] A
[CE 83 Q3] C [CE 87 Q4] C [CE 94 Q10] A [CE 01 Q10] C [CE 07 Q32] A [CE 10 Q29] B
[CE 83 Q6] B [CE 87 Q5] B [CE 95 Q9] B [CE 02 Q8] C [CE 08 Q3] D [CE 11 Q2] A
[CE 83 Q14] E [CE 90 Q2] C [CE 95 Q10] E [CE 02 Q10] B [CE 08 Q4] A [CE 11 Q7] C

MECHANICS 03: WORK, ENERGY AND POWER

[HKDSE Questions]

Q68 [DSE 12 Q9]

An object of mass 0.5 kg is raised vertically from the ground by a motor. The object is raised 2.5 m in 1.5 s with uniform speed.
Estimate the output power of the motor. Neglect air resistance. (g = 9.81 m s-2)

A. 5.5 W B. 8.2 W C. 11.0 W D. 16.4 W

Q69 [DSE 13 Q12]

A bullet of mass 50 g is fired from a gun with a speed of 400 m s-1 and passes right through a fixed wooden block of 6 cm thickness
as shown. Find the average resistive force acting on the bullet due to the block if it emerges with a speed of 250 m s-1. Neglect air
resistance and the effects of gravity.
wooden block
4 4
A. 4.06 ´ 10 N B. 1.02 ´ 10 N C. 125 N
D. Answer cannot be found as the time of travel of the bullet within the block is not
known.

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Q70 [DSE 15 Q8]

An object falls from P to Q as shown below. Throughout the motion, air resistance increases with the speed of the object. Which of
the following descriptions is/are correct?
P
(1) The net force acting on the object is constant throughout the motion.
(2) The magnitude of the object’s acceleration decreases from P to Q.
(3) The kinetic energy gained by the object from P to Q is equal to its loss in gravitational potential energy.

A. (1) only B. (2) only C. (1) and (3) only D. (2) and (3) only
Q

Q71 [DSE 16 Q8]

An object at a certain height falls freely from rest under gravity. Which graph correctly shows the variation of its gravitational
potential energy U with time t? Neglect air resistance and take U = 0 at the ground.

A. B. C. D.

Q72 [DSE 16 Q9]

A crane moves a load of weight W steadily from point P to point Q as shown. The work done on the load by the crane is

A. Wy. B. W(x + y). C. Wz. D. Wz cos θ.

Q73 [DSE 17 Q11]

A machine is fixed at the top of a smooth inclined plane. Two methods, (I) and (II), are used to lift a block from the ground to the
top of the inclined plane by the machine.

(I) Pull the block vertically upward at a uniform speed v.

(II) Pull the block up along the inclined plane at the same uniform speed v.

machine machine
light light string
string v
v

(I) (II)

Which of the following statements correctly compare(s) the two methods?

(1) The tension in the string is the same.

(2) The average output power of the machine is the same.

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(3) The work done by the machine on the block is the same.

A. (1) only B. (3) only C. (1) and (2) only D. (2) and (3) only

Q74 [DSE 19 Q12]

Two blocks of respective masses 2 kg and 5 kg are connected by a light inextensible string which passes over a smooth fixed light
pulley as shown. The system is released from rest when the 5-kg block is 3 m above the ground. What is the speed of the 5-kg block
just when reaching the ground? Neglect air resistance ( ! = "#$%&'( !! )

!! !! !! !!
A. "#$%&' B. "#$%&' C. "#$%&' D. "#"$%&

Q75 [DSE 21 Q6]

Which statement below about a raindrop falling at a constant terminal velocity is correct?

A. No work is done on the raindrop by the gravitational force.

B. As the raindrop falls, all its gravitational potential energy loss is converted into kinetic energy gain.
C. The only force acting on the raindrop is its weight.
D. No net force is acting on the raindrop.

Q76 [DSE 22 Q10]

On a horizontal ground there is a block attached with a smooth light pulley as shown. A light and inextensible horizontal string,
with one end fixed to a wall, passes the pulley. A man exerts a horizontal force of 30 N at the other end of the string and pulls a
distance of 4 m. Find the work done by the man if the ground exerts a frictional force of 10 N on the block.

A. 20 J
B. 80 J
C. 100 J
D. 120 J

Q77 [DSE 22 Q11]

In the figure below, the straight path (1) and the curved path (2) in a vertical plane are smooth. A small block slides from rest at X
along the respective paths to Y. Which of the following about the speed of the block at Y and the time taken to reach Y is correct ?
Neglect air resistance.

Speed at Y Time taken to reach Y

A. The same Different

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B. The same The same

C. Different The same
D. Different Different

[DSE 12 Q9] B
[DSE 13 Q12] A
[DSE 15 Q8] B
[DSE 16 Q8] C
[DSE 16 Q9] A
[DSE 17 Q11] B
[DSE 19 Q12] A
[DSE 21 Q6] D
[DSE 22 Q10] D
[DSE 22 Q11] A

MECHANICS 03: WORK, ENERGY AND POWER

Q78 [CE 90 Q2]
Figure 3 shows part of the route of a roller-coaster in an amusement park. A cart full of passengers with total mass 1200 kg runs
down from rest at the starting point H to the terminal platform. H is 30 m above the terminal platform. The track provides an
average frictional force of 300 N throughout the journey.

(a) The cart travels a distance of 150 m to reach the highest point A of the vertical loop, which is 20 m above the terminal
platform.
(i) In moving from H to A, calculate
(1) the loss in potential energy,
(2) the work done against friction, and
(3) the gain in kinetic energy of the cart.

(ii) Find the speed of the cart at A.

(7 marks)
(b) The cart reaches the terminal platform at a speed of 10 ms-1. A braking device at the platform stops the cart in 2 seconds.
Find the average force on the cart exerted by the device.
(3 marks)
(c) Suggest one safety device for passengers riding on the roller-coaster and briefly explain its function.
(2 marks)
(d) In the design of the roller-coaster do you think the summit B can be higher than point A? Explain briefly.
(3 marks)

Q79 [CE 91 Q2]

Figure 3 shows a simplified lift system. The lift consists of a car connected to a counterweight over a drum. The weights of the car
and the counterweight are 6500 N and 6000 N respectively. A motor connected to the drum is used to drive the car up with a
uniform speed of 2 m s–1. A passenger of weight 750 N is inside the car.

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(a) (i) Find the tension !! , in the part of the cable connected to the car.
(ii) Find the tension !! , in the part of the cable connected to the counterweight.
(iii) Explain why the two tensions are different.
(3 marks)
(b) Calculate
(i) The useful output power to raise the passenger,
(ii) The power lost in increasing the potential energy of the car and counterweight,
(iii) The efficiency of the lift, assuming the power losses other than that in (b) (ii) is 2500 W.
(8 marks)
(c) What is the function of the counterweight?
(2 marks)
(d) Explain why a frictionless drum cannot be used. (2 marks)
Q80 [CE 92 Q2]
(a) Figure 2 shows an inclined plane of length 5 m. A block of weight 800 N is pushed up the plane slowly from the ground to
a height of 2 m by a force parallel to the inclined plane. The frictional force between the block and the inclined planed is 80
N.

(i) Find the potential energy gained by the block.

(ii) Find the work done against friction.

(iii) Find total energy supplied by the force; assuming that there is no energy loss other than that in (ii)

(iv) Find the efficiency of the inclined plane. [Out of syllabus]

(8 marks)

(b) The process in (a) is repeated by using a longer inclined plane. (See Figure 3.) Assume that the frictional force between the
block and the inclined plane remains unchanged. How would the efficiency of the inclined plane be affected? Explain your
answer briefly. [Out of syllabus]
(4 marks)

(c) A student says that the force required to push the block in (b) is smaller than that in (a).
State whether he is right or wrong and explain briefly.

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(3 marks)

Q81 [CE 95 Q1]

Figure 1 shows a rough track. The highest point C of the circular loop is 0.5 m above its lowest point D and DE is horizontal. A
small object of mass 0.1 kg slides down from rest at A, completes the circular loop and finally stops at E. The speed of the object at
C is
3 m s-1. When it comes down to D after completing the loop, its speed becomes 4 m s–1.

(a) Describe the energy changes when the object travels from A to C.
(4 marks)

(b) Find
(i) The kinetic energy of the object at C,
(1 mark)
(ii) The potential energy of the object at C (taking the potential energy at D as zero),
(1 mark)
(iii) The work done against friction as the object travels from C to D.
(3 marks)

(c) The object travels with uniform deceleration along DE.

(i) Sketch the displacement-time graph of the object as it travels from D to E, starting from the moment it passes
through
D.
(2 marks)
(ii) Figure 2 shows a strobe photograph of the object as it travels along DE. The stroboscopic lamp is flashing at a
frequency of 5 Hz.

Find the deceleration of the object.

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(4 marks)

Q82 [CE 97 Q3]

Figure 4 shows a trolley running down a friction compensated runway. The trolley is connected to a hanging weight by means of a
light inelastic string. A card of width 0.03 m is attached to the trolley. Light sources S and light detectors D are fixed at two
positions A and B along the runway. Each light detector is connected to a timer, which can measure the time taken by the card to
pass the light detector.

(a) The timers record that it takes 0.050 s and 0.025 s for the 0.03 m card to pass the light detectors at A and B respectively.

(i) Calculate the average speed of the trolley as it passes

(1) Position A, and

(2) Position B.
(3 marks)
(ii) If the mass of the trolley is 1.5 kg and the distance between A and B is 0.4 m, Calculate:

(1) The acceleration of the trolley,

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(2) The tension in the string, and

(3) The gain in kinetic energy of the trolley as it travels from A to B. Where does this gain in kinetic energy
come
from?
(7 marks)

(b) Describe how you can use a ticker-tape timer to check whether the runway is friction compensated.
(4 marks)

(c) If the string suddenly breaks, describe the subsequent motion of the trolley along the runway.
(1 mark)

Q83 [CE 98 Q1]

Figure 1 shows the layout of a runway ABC in an amusement park. AB is an icy smooth inclined plane and BC is a rough horizontal
surface. At time t = 0, a boy sitting on a sledge slides down from rest at A along the runway. At t = 5 s, the sledge reaches B with a
speed of 8 m s–1. The sledge then decelerates uniformly along BC and finally stops at point D at t = 15 s.

(a) Sketch the graph of the speed of the sledge against time from t = 0 to 15 s.
(3 marks)
(b) Consider the sledge and the boy as one body. Draw a labeled diagram to show all the forces acting on the body as it slides
along AB.
(2 marks)
(c) Find
(i) the acceleration of the sledge as it slides along AB;
(ii) The stopping distance BD;
(iii) The frictional force acting on the sledge as the sledge travels along BC.
(Given: Total mass of the sledge and the boy = 60 kg.)
(6 marks)
(d) Suppose the angle of inclination of the smooth plane is increased. (See Figure 2.)

Then the boy sitting on the sledge slides down from rest at a point P on this runway, where P is at the same height as point
A in the original runway. Would there be any change in the stopping distance along BC when compared with (c) (ii)?
Explain your answer.

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(4 marks)

Q84 [CE 00 Q3]

Figure 3 shows a water chute in a swimming pool. A boy of mass 50 kg slides down from rest at point A and reaches point B with
speed 12 m s–1, where A is 10 m above B.

(a) Find
(i) the potential energy of the boy at A (taking the potential energy at B as zero),
(ii) the kinetic energy of the boy at B.
(2 marks)
(b) Describe the energy change as the boy slides from A to B.
(2 marks)

Q85 [CE 04 Q7]

In a road test, John drives his car along a straight horizontal road (see Figure 9). The car takes 9.3 s to accelerate from rest to 100
km h–1. The total mass of John and his car is 1400 kg.

(a) Show that a speed of 100 km h–1 is approximately equal to 27.8 m s–1.
(1 mark)

(b) Find the total kinetic energy of John and his car when traveling at 100 km h–1. Hence estimate the average output power of
the car when it is accelerating to 100 km h–1.
(3 marks)

(c) A similar road test is conducted on an inclined road. The car now takes 16.2 s to accelerate from rest to 100 km h–1 along
the road (see Figure 10). Assume the output power of the car remains unchanged.

(i) Explain why it takes a longer time for the car to accelerate up an inclined road than along a horizontal road.
(2 marks)
(ii) Find the increase in height of the car after accelerating for 16.2 s along the inclined road.
(3 marks)

(d) On a certain day, the car was involved in a traffic accident. John braked hand to stop the car and skid marks were left on a
horizontal road (see Figure11).

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Investigation by the police revealed the following information:

length of the skid marks = 30.5 m

average frictional force between the tyres of the car and the road surface = 11200 N.

(i) Describe energy change involved when the car was braking.
(2 marks)
(ii) John claimed that he was driving at a speed below 70 km h–1 before the accident. Explain whether John was telling
the truth or not.
(4 marks)

Q86 [CE 05 Q2]

Kenneth of mass 60 kg falls vertically from rest from a 10 m platform into a swimming pool (see. Figure 2). In the following
calculations, you may neglect the size of Kenneth.

(a) Find the potential energy of Kenneth when he stands on the platform, taking potential energy at the water surface as zero.
(1 mark)
(b) Find the speed of Kenneth at the instant he reaches the water surface.
(2 marks)
(c) If Kenneth reaches a maximum depth of 3 m in the water, estimate the average resistive force exerted by the water on
Kenneth.
(3 marks)

Q87 [CE 06 Q3]

A student releases a book of mass 0.154 kg from rest under a motion sensor as shown in Figure 5. The velocity-time graph is
recorded in Figure 6.

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(a) From the graph, estimate the distance traveled by the block.
(2 marks)
(b) Find the loss in potential energy of the book during the journey in (a).
(1 mark)
(c) From the graph, find the maximum kinetic energy of the book.
(2 marks)
(d) Account for the difference in the values obtained in (b) and (c).
(1 mark)

Q88 [CE 07 Q2]

Figure 3 shows Player X trying to block the ball from Player Y in a volleyball game. Standing on the ground with his arms fully
stretched upwards, Player X’s hands are 2.25 m above ground. In order to block the ball, Player X has to jump up such that his hands
reach a height of 3 m.

(a) Using Newton’s laws of motion, explain why Player X in Figure 3 can gain an initial speed to leave the ground vertically.
(4 marks)
(b) Player X jumps up vertically and his hands can just reach at 3 m. Estimate the initial speed of Player X at the instant he
leaves the ground. Assume that air resistance is negligible.
(2 marks)
(c) Player Z is a teammate of Player X. His hands can also reach a height of 2.25 m when his arms are fully stretched upwards,
but he is heavier than Player X. If he jumps up such that his hands just reach a height of 3 m, explain whether the initial
vertical speed of Player Z will be the same as Player X.
(2 marks)

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Q89 [CE 08 Q1]

Figure 1 shows an athlete lifting a barbell of mass 115 kg by a vertical distance of 1.8 m from the ground.

(a) Find the potential energy gained by the barbell after it is lifted up.
(2 marks)
(b) The mass of the athlete is 70 kg. Find the normal reaction acting by the ground on the athlete when she has lifted the
barbell and stands still.
(2 marks)
(c) After finishing the lifting, the athlete releases the barbell. It falls from rest to the ground freely. Find the time required for
the barbell to reach the ground.
(2 marks)

Q90 [CE 08 Q2]

An electric toy boat (see Figure 2) of mass 1.2 kg is moving horizontally in still water with a constant velocity of 1.5m s–1. The
water resistance on the boat is 0.45 N.

(a) (i) Find the magnitude of the propelling force acting on the boat.
(1 mark)
(ii) Find the power developed by this force.
(2 marks)
(b) (i) Find the kinetic energy of the boat.
(1 mark)
(ii) Using the result in (b) (i), find the distance travelled by the boat before it comes to rest after the propeller is turned
off. Assume the water resistance on the boat remains constant throughout the motion.
(2 marks)

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Q91 [CE 09 Q1]

Read the following passage about hybrid cars and answer the questions that follow.

How do hybrid cars work?

A hybrid car (see figure l) is a vehicle driven by a hybrid machine which combines a gasoline engine and
an electric motor. This is different from a standard gasoline car which is driven by a gasoline engine
only.

The gasoline engines of hybrid cars are smaller than those of standard gasoline cars, and thus they
produce less pollution However, they produce smaller pushing force.

To overcome this disadvantage, hybrid cars are constructed with ultra lightweight materials such as carbon fibre or aluminium.
When the car needs to speed up quickly, the gasoline engine and the motor will work together to produce a larger pushing force.

In the braking process of a hybrid car, the electric motor acts as a generator in which the kinetic energy of the vehicle is used to
generate electricity and charge the batteries of the car. When the car starts up from rest. the batteries power the electric motor to
accelerate the car. This is more environmental friendly than the braking-by-friction process of standard gasoline cars.

(a) State one advantage of using smaller gasoline engine in hybrid car.
(1 mark)
(b) Using Newton's laws of motion, explain how a hybrid car can achieve similar acceleration as a standard gasoline car
although the pushing force of a hybrid car's gasoline engine is smaller.
(3 marks)
(c) In terms of energy conversion, compare the braking process of a hybrid car with that of a standard gasoline car.
(2 marks)

Q92 [CE 09 Q2]

A fire breaks out in a building. A 60 kg man in the building falls vertically from rest from a height of 15 m. He is rescued by a
cushion of thickness 3.5 m (see Figure 2). Neglect the size of the man.

(a) Find the kinetic energy of the man just before reaching the cushion.
(2 marks)
(b) The man is stopped by the cushion when he is 0.5 m above the ground. Find the average resistive force acting on the man
by the cushion.
(3 marks)
(c) If a thicker cushion is used and the man is again stopped when he is 0.5 m above the ground, explain why the thick cushion
is better for rescuing the man.
(4 marks)

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Q93 [CE 10 Q2]

Figure 4 shows an experimental setup. The setup is used to find the gravitational acceleration.

A heavy ball is hung from a fixed point O by a long inextensible light string. It is released from rest at a height h above the ground
(see Figure 4). The speed v of the ball is measured when it passes the lowest position, which is at a height ℎ( above the ground. The
experiment is repeated with different values of h and the results obtained are shown in Table 1.

(a) Plot a graph of 𝑣 $ against h in Figure 5. Use a scale of 1 cm representing 1 m2s-2 and 0.1 m.
(4 marks)

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(b) (i) By the law of conservation of energy, show that 𝑣 $ = 2𝑔(ℎ − ℎ( ).

(1 mark)
(ii) From the slope of the graph plotted in (a), find the value of gravitational acceleration.
(2 marks)
(c) Give one reason why the ball used should be heavy.
(1 mark)

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Q94 [CE 11 Q11]

Figure 26 shows an experimental setup, which is used to find the friction between a block and a table. A weight is connected to the
block through a frictionless pulley with a light inextensible string. The masses of the weight and the block are 0.02 kg and 1 kg
respectively. The weight and the block are initially at rest.

The weight is released at P and falls with uniform acceleration. The time taken for the weight to fall a certain distance h (from P to
Q) is measured. When h = 0.7 m, the time taken is 2.95 s. Neglect air resistance.

(a) Determine the acceleration of the weight.

(2 marks)

(b) Find the speed of the weight at Q.

(2 marks)

(c) By the law of conservation of energy, or otherwise, find the friction acting on the block.
(4 marks)

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MECHANICS 03: WORK, ENERGY AND POWER

Q95 [DSE PP Q2]
A parcel of mass 4 kg is being raised from the ground by a light string connected to a motor at the rooftop of a building as shown in
Figure 2.1. The speed-time graph of the parcel for the first 5 s is shown in Figure 2.2. Neglect air resistance.

(a) Find the tension in the string at time t = 1 s.

(3 marks)
(b) Calculate the output power of the motor between t= 2 s and 5 s.
(2 marks)
(c) At t = 5 s, the string suddenly breaks. Describe the subsequent motion of the parcel.
(2 marks)

Q96 [DSE SP Q2]

In a road test, John drives his car along a straight horizontal road (see Figure 2.1). The car takes 9.3 s to accelerate from rest to
!""#$%#& !! . The total mass of John and his car is 1400 kg. (Note: 100 km h-1 = 27.8 m s-1)

(a) Find the total kinetic energy of John and his car when travelling at 100 km h-1. Hence estimate the average output power of
the car during this acceleration.
(3 marks)

(b) A similar road test is conducted on an inclined road. The car now takes more than 9.3 s to accelerate from rest to 100 km h-
1
along the road (see Figure 2.2). Assume the output power of the car remains unchanged. Explain why it takes a longer
time for the car to accelerate up an inclined road than along a horizontal road.
(2 marks)

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Q97 [DSE 13 Q3]

A lift car of weight 8000 N is going up with constant speed 2 m s-1 as shown in Figure 3.1. The upward force raising the lift car is
provided by the cable wound on a drum which is driven by a motor. The other end of the cable is firmly attached to the drum at P.
Neglect air resistance and the mass of the cable.

(a) (i) Calculate the mechanical power delivered to the rising lift car by the motor.
(2 marks)
(ii) The total mechanical power output of the motor is 20 kW. How much power is lost due to overcoming friction
between the movable parts?
(1 mark)
(b) Now a 7000 N counterweight is installed at the other end of the cable as shown in Figure 3.2. The counterweight always
moves in the opposite direction to the lift car which again moves up at 2 m s-1. Assume that there is no slipping between
the cable and the drum.

(i) Calculate the total mechanical power output of the motor required in this case, assume the same power loss in
overcoming friction between movable parts as found in (a).
(2 marks)
(ii) State the advantage of having the counterweight installed.
(1 mark)
(iii) A claim is made that as power is lost due to friction, a drum with frictionless surface can further reduce the power
required from the motor. Comment on this claim.
(2 marks)

Q98 [DSE 13 Q5]

Figure 5.1 shows a smooth sloping track ABC firmly fixed in a vertical plane with its horizontal part BC resting on a bench surface.
You are given a toy skier, a metre rule and a long rough paper strip with adhesive tape on the bottom surface.

Using the apparatus provided, describe an experiment to study how the stopping distance of the toy skier depends on its height of
release. Your description should include the physical quantities to be measured and the result expected.
(5 marks)

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Q99 [DSE 13 Q6]

Read the following description about ‘Bungee jumping’ and answer the questions that follow.

Bungee jumping is an activity that involves jumping from a tall structure while the person is connected to it via a thick elastic
cord. When the bungee jumper jumps, the cord stretches after falling a certain distance. The bungee jumper is momentarily at rest
at the lowest point but then bounces back up into the air. The bungee jumper continues to oscillate up and down a few times
before he comes to a complete stop.

A simple ‘ankle attachment’ (as shown in the above photo) can be used to secure the player to the cord. However, due to
accidents where the ankle attachment became detached from the bungee jumper, many operators now use a ‘full body harness’.

When answering the following questions, neglect the effects of air resistance.

(a) (i) Describe the acceleration of the bungee jumper during the first downward fall to the lowest point.
(3 marks)
(ii) State the energy change during the period from the beginning of the jump to the moment when the bungee jumper
is at the lowest point of his first downward fall.
(2 marks)

(b) In terms of the net force acting on the bungee jumper, explain why the cord has to be elastic.
(2 marks)

(c) In terms of contact area, explain why a ‘full body harness’ is less likely to cause injuries to or detach from the bungee
jumper than a simple ‘ankle attachment’ during a fall.
(2 marks)

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Q100 [DSE 14 Q3]

Two cars A and B initially at the same position, start to travel along the same straight horizontal road. The graph below shows how
their velocities vary with time.

(a) Describe the motion of car A along the whole journey from t = 0 to t = 80 s.
(2 marks)
(b) (i) Which car attained the greatest acceleration throughout the journey? Find this acceleration.
(2 marks)
(ii) Sketch the acceleration-time (a-t) graph of car B from t = 0 to t = 80 s.
(2 marks)

(c) (i) At t= 20 s, what is the separation between cars A and B?

(2 marks)
(ii) Deduce the time at which car B catches up with car A.
(2 marks)
(d) Both cars are of similar size and shape. It is known that the total resistive force experienced by each car is proportional to
the square of its velocity. Determine the ratio of power output of the engine of car A to that of car B within the period
t = 20 s to 60 s.
(2 marks)

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Q101 [DSE 18 Q3]

Read the following passage about braking in vehicles and answer the questions that follow.

Mechanical braking is the most common braking method in vehicles. In this method, wheels of vehicles are fitted with brake pads
which apply frictional forces that inhibit the motion of the wheels. Frictional braking results in a conversion of the vehicle’s kinetic
energy to thermal energy which then dissipates to the atmosphere in the form of waste heat.

The thermal energy (in J) generated during braking is approximately given by :

thermal energy generated = Fr × d

where "! is the frictional forces (in N), and

! is the braking distance (in m).

Applying the principle of energy conservation :

kinetic energy dissipated = thermal energy generated

# !
!" = #" ! $
!

From this equation it can be seen that increasing the velocity v or mass m of an object means the applied frictional forces must be
increased in order to bring the object to a stop within the same distance.

(a) Referring to the passage, explain why there should be a maximum load limit for a vehicle (see the vehicle label example
below).
(2 marks)

(b) (i) It is known that the brake pads would provide much smaller frictional forces or even brake failure would occur
(i.e.
without any friction provided) when reaching a temperature of over a few hundred degrees Celsius. Explain why
it is not recommended for a vehicle driver to apply the brakes continuously during a long downhill trip.
(1 mark)
(ii) The figure shows an emergency escape ramp (slanting upwards) built for stopping vehicles with brake failure
resulting from the situation described in (b)(i). If such a ramp makes an angle of 30° with the horizontal and a
vehicle with brake failure enters the bottom end of the ramp at a speed of 25 m s-1, estimate how far it will travel
along the ramp before it stops. Neglect air resistance and mechanical resistances within the vehicle. (g = 9.81 m
s-2)
(2 marks)

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Q102 [DSE 22 Q4]

Figure 4.1 shows a trampoline gymnast of mass 50 kg performing a straight jump. Her feet are 1.5 m above the trampoline at the
maximum height. Neglect air resistance and assume that the gymnast maintains this posture throughout the jump. (g = 9.81 m s-2)

(a) Find the kinetic energy of the gymnast just as her feet touch the trampoline on the way down from her jump.
(2 marks)

(b) After touching the trampoline, the gymnast keeps on moving downward for 0.40 m further before she stops.

(i) Describe the energy transfer to the trampoline by the gymnast after touching the trampoline.
(2 marks)
(ii) Estimate the average force exerted by the gymnast on the trampoline.
(2 marks)

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Answers:

CE 90 Q2

(a) (i) loss in p.e. =12 000 J, work done against friction =45 000 J, gain in k.e. =75 000 J
(ii) 𝑣 = 11.2 m s5&

(b) 5 700 N

(c) Fasten the body with a safety belt. To prevent from being thrown out of the cart.

(d) Yes, the cart can move up a summit higher than 𝐴 with a smaller speed, provided loss in p.e. > work done against friction

CE 90 Q2

(a) (i) 𝑇& = 7250 N

(ii) 𝑇$ = 6000 N
(iii) There are friction between the drum and the cable.

(b) (i) 1500 W

(ii) 1000 W
(iii) 30%

(c) Any one:

To reduce the power/energy required to raise the car.
To reduce the load acting on the motor.
To improve the efficiency of the lift.

(d) The lift cannot work. / The car cannot be raised.

CE 92 Q2

(a) (i) 1600 J

(ii) 400 J
(iii) 2000 J
(iv) 80%

(b) Since the output energy remains unchanged and work done against friction increases,
Total input energy increases. Efficiency decreases.

(c) Correct. The downward component of the weight along the inclined plane in (b) is smaller.

CE 95 Q1

(a) When the object travels from 𝐴 to 𝐵 (or 𝐴 to 𝐷), some of its potential energy is converted into kinetic energy and some is
used to do work against friction. When the object travels from 𝐵 to 𝐶, some of its kinetic energy is converted back into
potential energy and some is used to do work against friction.

(b) (i) 0.45 J

(ii) 0.5 J
(iii) 0.15 J

(c) (i)

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(ii) Time between two dots = 0.2 s

Deceleration = 2 m s5$ (or 𝑎 = −2 m s5$ )

CE 97 Q3

(a) (i) Speed at 𝐴 = 0.6 m s5& , Speed at 𝐵 = 1.2 m s5&

(ii) 𝑎 = 1.35 m s5$ , Tension = 2.025 N, gain in k.e. = 0.81 J
The gain in k.e. comes from the loss in potential energy of the hanging weight and the trolley.

(b) Ticker tape experiment not required in HKDSE

A motion sensor can be used instead.

(c) The trolley will travel along the runway with a uniform/constant speed.

CE 98 Q1

(a)

(b)

(c) (i) 1.6 m s5$

(ii) 40 m
(iii) 48 N

(d) The sledge is released from the same height in both cases.
The sledge acquires equal speeds at 𝐵 in both cases.
So the stopping distance along 𝐵𝐶 would remain unchanged.

CE 00 Q3

(a) (i) 5000 J

(ii) 3600 J

(b) As the boy slides from 𝐴 to 𝐵, some potential energy is converted into kinetic energy of the boy, and some is converted
into internal energy/heat.

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CE 04 Q7

(a) 27.8 m s5&

(b) Total k.e. of John and his car = 540 kJ

Average output power of the car = 58.1 kW

(c) (i) As the car is accelerating up an inclined road, potential energy of the car is increasing.
As the power of the car remains unchanged, it takes a longer time for the car to accelerate up an inclined road.
OR
When the car is travelling up an inclined road, a component of its weight acts along the road.
The net accelerating force/acceleration is reduced. So it takes a longer time for the car to accelerate up an inclined
road.

(ii) ℎ = 28.6 m

(d) (i) kinetic energy of the car is converted into internal energy.
(ii) 𝑣 = 79.5 km h5& > 70 km h5& , so John was not telling the truth.

CE 05 Q2

(a) 6000 J

(b) 14.1 m s5&

(c) 2600 N

CE 06 Q3

(a) 0.516 m

(b) 0.795 J

(c) 0.670 J

(d) The maximum kinetic energy gained is less than the loss in potential energy because there is energy loss due to air
resistance.

CE 07 Q2

(a) Player 𝑋 exerts a force onto the ground when he is about to jump.
This results an equal normal force from the ground according to Newton’s 3rd law of motion.
The normal force is greater than the weight, so the player will be forced to accelerate up according to Newton’s 2nd law of
motion.

(b) 3.87 m s5&

(c) The only force acting on player 𝑍 is the gravity which leads to the same acceleration according to Newton’s 2nd law of
motion.
As a result, the initial vertical speed of player 𝑍 will be the same as player 𝑋 in order to reach a height of 3 m.

CE 08 Q1

(a) 2070 J

(b) 1850 N

(c) 0.6 s

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CE 08 Q2

(a) (i) 0.45 N

(ii) 0.675 W

(b) (i) 1.35 J

(ii) 3 m

CE 09 Q1

(a) Hybrid cars produce less pollution.

(b) Using ultra lightweight material to reduce the mass of the hybrid car.
The gasoline engine and the electric motor can work together to produce a larger accelerating force.
By Newton’s 2nd law, the acceleration of the car can be raised.

(c) In a hybrid car, the kinetic energy is partly converted into electrical energy.
In standard gasoline car, the kinetic energy is mostly converted into heat and sound.

CE 09 Q2

(a) 6900 J

(b) 2900 N

(c) P.E. loss is the same.

The distance travelled by the man in the cushion is larger.
The average resistive force by the cushion is smaller.

CE 10 Q2

(a)

(b) (i) 𝑣 $ = 2𝑔(ℎ − ℎ( )

(ii) slope = 19.7 , g = 9.85 m s5$

(c) The effect of air resistance becomes smaller.

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CE 11 Q11

(a) 0.161 m s$

(b) 0.475 m s5&

(c) 𝑓 = 0.0359 N

DSE PP Q2

(a) 45.24 N

(b) 117.72 W

(c) The parcel first rises and comes to rest momentarily. It then falls freely under gravity.

DSE 13 Q3

(a) (i) 16 kW
(ii) 4 kW

(b) (i) 6 kW
(ii) Output power required from motor is smaller. Or Force exerted by motor is smaller.
(iii) No, the lift system could not work/ the lift will fall as slipping would occur / the cable cannot be fixed on the drum /
the drum cannot exert a force on the cable.

DSE 13 Q5

Stick the paper strip onto the horizontal part BC of the track.
Release the toy from a certain height h from the bench surface and measure the corresponding stopping distance d.
Stopping distance should be measured from the beginning of the horizontal part BC or on the paper strip.
Release the toy from different heights and measure the corresponding stopping distances.

Plot a graph of d against h,

a straight line passing through origin should be obtained

or

since 𝑚𝑔ℎ = 𝐹𝑑
so 𝑑/ℎ = constant

DSE 13 Q6

(a) (i) Accelerates at g before the elastic cord stretches/ at the beginning.
Acceleration decreases as the cord stretches.
Decelerates until momentarily at rest
(after the tension in the cord is greater than mg).
(ii) Gravitational potential energy changed to kinetic energy and then elastic potential energy in elastic cord

(b) Elastic cord lengthens the stopping time and hence reduces the (net) force acting on the player.

(c) Contact area is larger and

hence pressure is smaller during the fall, the structure is less likely to break/detach

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DSE 14 Q3

(a) 0 – 10 s: constant/uniform acceleration

10 – 18 s: constant velocity / uniform motion
(b) (i) car 𝐵 , 𝑎 = 2 m s5$
(ii)

(c) (i) separation = 125 m (ii) 45 s

(d) Let 𝐹6 and 𝐹7 be the driving forces developed by the engines of 𝐴 and 𝐵 respectively.
Ratio of power delivered by cars 𝐴 and 𝐵
𝑃6 : 𝑃7 = 𝐹6 × 𝑣6 : 𝐹7 × 𝑣7
= 𝑣6$ × 𝑣6 ∶ 𝑣7$ × 𝑣7
= 34 : 44 = 27: 64

DSE 18 Q3

(a) If the maximum load is exceeded and the friction remains the same, the braking distance will increase.
Vehicles would not be able to stop quick enough in case of emergency.

(b) (i) If the brakes are applied continuously, thermal energy generated will heat up the brake pads / brakes to too high a
temperature that the brakes may fail.
(ii) 63.7 m

DSE 22 Q4

(a) 736 J

(b) (i) K.E. and P.E. (of the athlete) change to elastic P.E. (of the trampoline
(ii) 2330 N

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