IB Physics A3

IB Physics
First Assessment 2025
Topical Question Bank

A.3: Work, Energy and Power
(SL & HL)
Name: _______________
School: ________________
Multiple Choice Questions
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IB Physics 2025 A3 (SL&HL)
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21. A person of mass m stands on roller skates facing a wall. After pushing against the wall with a
constant force F, they move away, reaching speed v after a distance d. What is the work done by F?
A. 0
B. mv2
C. (mv2)/2
D. Fd
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22. A particle of weight W is attached to a solid rod of length L and moves in a vertical circle with
constant speed. The diagrams show two positions of the particle, X and Y.
The kinetic energy of the particle is K. What is the magnitude of the tension T in the rod at X, and
what is the direction of the tension force at Y?
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23. The power delivered by a car engine is constant. A car starts from rest. Resistance forces are
negligible. Which graph shows the variation with time of the speed of the car?
24. The diagram shows two identical containers, X and Y, that are connected by a thin tube of negligible
volume. Initially, container X is filled with water of mass m up to a height h and Y is empty.
The valve is then opened, and both containers contain equal quantities of water. What is the
reduction of gravitational potential energy of the water?
A. a
B. a
C. a
D. a
25. After a body has fallen vertically by a certain distance, the gravitational potential energy of the body
decreased by ΔEP and an amount of thermal energy Q was generated. What is the change in the
body’s kinetic energy during this time?
A. a
B. a
C. a
D. a
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26. A net force of 8.0 N accelerates a 4.0 kg body from rest to a speed of 5.0 m s-1.
What is the work done by the force?
A. 20 J
B. 32 J
C. 40 J
D. 50 J
27. Two blocks of mass M and m are connected by a string that goes over a pulley.
The heavier block is at a height h from the ground.
The blocks are held in place and then released. What is the speed with which the block of mass M
strikes the ground?
A. A
B. A
C. A
D. A
28. A constant net force of 6.0 N accelerates a body from rest to a speed of 8.0 m s-1
What is the average power developed by the force?
A. 12 W
B. 24 W
C. 48 W
D. Impossible to answer with the data given
11
29. A force F acts on a block. The initial velocity of the block is 5.0 m s-1 in a direction opposite to the
force. After a distance d the force stops the block, and after another distance d the block gets a
velocity of −5.0 m s-1.
What is the total work done by F and what is the reasoning for your answer?
30. The graph shows the variation of the net force on a body with the distance travelled.
What is the change in kinetic energy of the body after 7 cm?
A. 98 J
B. 49 J
C. 0.98 J
D. 0.49 J
12
31. A body hangs at the end of a spring. The elastic potential energy stored in the spring is E.
The body is now attached to two springs identical to the first.
What is the total elastic potential energy stored in the two springs?
A. A
B. A
C. A
D. A
32. Water is being raised from a well of depth d at a rate of µ kg per second by a pump.
What is the power developed by the pump?
A. A
B. A
C. A
D. A
33. A motor of efficiency 60% is used to raise a weight of 300 N vertically at constant speed 0.80 m s-1.
What is the input power to the motor?
A. 144 W
B. 225 W
C. 240 W
D. 400 W
34. A power plant produces 500 MW of electrical power with an overall efficiency of 20%. How much
power is lost?
A. 250 MW
B. 1000 MW
C. 2000 MW
D. 2500 MW
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35. A racing car is moving along a straight line at constant speed 30 m s−1. The power of the engine is
40 kW. The air resistance force on the car is proportional to the square of the speed. What power
must the engine deliver for the car to move at 60 m s-1?
A. 40 kW
B. 80 kW
C. 160 kW
D. 320 kW
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40.
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Structured Questions
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5. (a)
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(b)
(c)
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8.
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23
9.
(a)
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10.
(a)
(b)
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11.
12.
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13.
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15.
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19.
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20.
21.
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22.
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23.
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24.
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25. A box of mass 5.8 kg with initial speed 7.2 m s-1 begins to move up a smooth incline.
The box is momentarily brought to rest after colliding with a spring of spring constant
210 N m-1. It stops a vertical distance of 0.65 m above its initial position.
(a) (i) Calculate the initial energy of the box [2]
(ii) Determine an equation for the final energy of the box when it collides with the [2]
spring
(b) Hence, or otherwise, calculate the amount by which the spring is compressed. [3]
(c) There is now a constant frictional force of 16 N opposing the motion of the box as it
moves along the slope uphill part of its path. The incline is at an angle of 22o from the
horizontal.
Calculate the magnitude of the work done on the box as it travels uphill. [3]
(d) Hence, or otherwise, calculate the new amount by which the spring is compressed. [3]
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26. Some cargo ships use kites working together with the ship’s engines to move the vessel.
The tension in the cable that connects the kite to the ship is 350 kN. The kite is pulling the
ship at an angle of θ to the horizontal. The ship travels at a steady speed of 3.9 m s-1 when
the ship’s engines operate with a power output of 5.7 MW.
(a) Calculate the angle θ if the work done on the ship by the kite when the ship travels for [3]
5 minutes, before the engines are cut off, is 355 MJ.
(b) When the ship is travelling at 3.9 m s-1, calculate the power that the kite provides. [3]
(c) Hence calculate the percentage of the total power required by the ship that the kite [3]
provides.
(d) The kite is taken down and no longer produces a force on the ship. The resistive force
F that opposes the motion of the ship is related to the speed v of the ship by
F = kv
where k is a constant.
Show that, if the power output of the engines remains at 5.7 MW, the speed of the ship [3]
will decrease to about 3.5 m s-1. Assume that k is independent of whether the kite is in
use or not.
27. (a) A motor is used to lift a 50 kg mass from rest up a vertical distance of 18 m in 0.3 [3]
minutes. Calculate the minimum power requires to the lift the mass.
(b) Explain why the power of the motor is only a minimum. [2]
(c) A different motor is used to lift an identical mass through the same distance in the
same amount of time with an overall efficiency of 38 %. The mass experiences a
resistive force of 170 N.
Calculate the work required from the motor. [3]
(d) Hence, determine the average power input to the motor. [3]
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28. (a) The top speed of a car with a mass of 1400 kg whose engine is delivering 490kW of
power is 530 km h-1.
Calculate the force from the engine on the car. Assume that air resistance is [3]
negligible.
(b) The car now travels at a new constant velocity up a hill of incline 25°.
Determine the decrease in velocity from the previous motion of the car as it travels up [4]
the hill with the same power.
(c) The car engine cuts off whilst travelling up the incline.
Assuming there are no resistive forces, calculate the distance travelled by the car from [3]
when the engine cuts off to when it has a gravitational potential energy of 110 kJ.
(d) A spring in the car’s suspension system has the following force–displacement graph.
Using the area under the graph, show that the spring constant of the spring is about [3]
49 kN m-1.
29. An object is at rest at the top of a straight slope that makes a fixed angle with the horizontal
at a distance h above the ground.
The object is released and slides down the slope from A to B with negligible friction. Assume
that the potential energy is zero at B.
(a) Sketch and explain a graph showing:
(i) The variation of gravitational potential energy of the object along the slope, label [2]
P.
(ii) The variation of kinetic energy of the object along the slope, label K. [3]
(iii) The variation of kinetic energy of the object along the slope when there is a [3]
frictional force between the object and the surface, label F.
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(b) In a theme park ride, a cage containing passengers falls freely a distance of x m from A
to B and travels in a circular arc of radius 25 m. from B to C. The force required for
circular motion on a passenger of mass 63.25 kg is 0.064 × 102 kN. The equation for
calculating centripetal force on an object moving in an arc is:
Brakes are applied at C after which the cage with its passengers travels 70 m along an
upward sloping ramp and comes to rest at D. The track, together with relevant distances,
is shown in the diagram. CD and makes an angle θ with the horizontal.
The total mass of the cage and passengers is 3.556 × 102 kg. The average resistive
force exerted by the brakes between C and D is 4.4 × 103 N.
Calculate the angle of the ramp to the horizontal, θ. [5]
30. The diagram below shows a projectile launcher with a spring in both a compressed and
uncompressed position. When the spring is compressed, in preparation for launching the
projectile, the plate is held in place by a pin at three different positions, P, Q and R. When
the pin is released, the sphere is launched.
A student hypothesises that the spring constant of the spring inside the launcher has the
same value for different compression distances.
(a) The student plans to test the hypothesis by launching the sphere using the launcher.
(i) State a physics principle or law that can be used in designing and conducting an [1]
experiment to test this hypothesis.
(ii) Hence, or otherwise, show that [3]
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MCQ Mark Scheme:
1. B 11. D 21. A 31. B
2. C 12. B 22. D 32. B
3. B 13. A 23. A 33. D
4. A 14. B 24. C 34. C
5. B 15. B 25. C 35. D
6. C 16. B 26. D 36. D
7. B 17. C 27. B 37. A
8. A 18. D 28. B 38. B
9. C 19. C 29. B 39. B
10. C 20. D 30. D 40. A
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Structured Question Mark Scheme:
1. a i
1. a ii
1. b
1. c i
1. c ii
1. c iii
2. a i
2. a ii zero;
2. b
2. c
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2. d
2. e i
2. e ii
3. a
3. b i
3. b ii
3. c
4. a
4. b
4. c i
4. c ii
4. d
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4. e
5. a i
5. a ii
5. b
5. c
6. a
6. b
6. c i
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6. c ii
6. c iii
6. d i
6. d ii
6. e
7. a force × distance (moved);

in the direction of the force;
7. b i force = weight = mg;
work done = mgh;
7. b ii
7. c kinetic energy is constant;

gravitational potential energy → thermal energy;
as a result of air resistance;
8. a i the acceleration = gradient of first section of graph;
Accept bald correct answer for full marks.

8. a ii the total distance travelled by the lift = area under graph;
8. a iii the work done = PE gained (= force × distance);
8. a iv
8. a v
8. b graphs should show curving or “shoulders” at the changes;

since acceleration must be finite / speed cannot change instantaneously / OWTTE; 2 max
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8. c i magnitude of tension (size of arrow) equal to weight in (i);
8. c ii magnitude of tension (size of arrow) less than weight in (ii);
8. d a constant value greater than W from 0.00 to 0.50 s;
8. e [1] for each appropriate and valid point. Essentially [2] for journey
9. a i
9. a ii 18 J;
9. a iii loss in PE = mgh = 40 J;
9. a iv total KE = 58 J;
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10. a i momentum before = 800 × 5 = 4 000 N s;
momentum after = 2 000v;
10. a ii KE before = 400 × 25 = 10 000 J KE after = 1 000 × 4 = 4 000 J;

loss in KE = 6 000 J;
10. b transformed / changed into;
heat (internal energy) (and sound);
Do not accept “deformation of trucks”.
11. a i Note: for part (i) and (ii) the answers in brackets are those arrived at if 19.3 is
used as the value for the height.
height raised = 30 sin 40 = 19 m;
11. a ii
11. a iii the people stand still / don’t walk up the escalator
their average weight is 700 N / ignore any gain in KE of the people;
11. b
12. a i
12. a ii
12. b i sensible use of grid and suitable P scale;

(at least half of grid used)
labelled P axis with correct units;
data point (200, 0.65);
data point (250, 0.95);
data points (300, 1.9), (350, 3.1);
line of best fit;
12. b ii
13. a
13. b
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13. c
14. a appropriate statement of principle of conservation of energy;

eg “Energy can not be created or destroyed, it just changes form.”
14. b • knowledge that the aircraft starts with chemical energy (in the fuel) and ends with kinetic energy;
• realization (seen or implied) that kinetic energy at end is less than chemical energy used up;
• appropriate use of the principle of conservation of energy to explain where the energy “difference”
goes;
eg Some energy is lost as thermal energy and sound - escapes with exhaust gases / doing work against
friction / OWTTE.
Look for precision in the answers “energy goes into friction” does not gain full credit. Answers that consider
other parts of the aircraft’s journey should be ignored.
14. c i
Watch for ecf. Accept 321 m but remove significant digit mark if more quoted.
14. c ii
14. d i
14. d ii
15. a i
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15. a ii
15. b i measure the time it takes the object to go successive distances of say
10 cm / any realistic length given or implied;
if the times are equal then speed is constant / OWTTE;
15. b ii
15. b iii
16. a
16. b
16. c i
16. c ii
16. c iii
16. d i
16. d ii
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16. e
17. a i Award [2] if all three directions are correct.

Award [1] for showing that the weight arrow is longer than the other two.
17. a ii taking components to find the component of the weight as mg sin𝜃;
and hence tensions = mg sin𝜃 = 11N;
Accept 3 s.f. as 10.8 N
17. b i since the velocity is constant the acceleration is zero / body is in equilibrium as before;
and hence the net force is zero leading to the same tension;
Award [2] for answers where it is clear that the candidate understands that this is an equilibrium situation.
17. b ii P = Fv
17. b iii it will be equal to 9.4 W (ecf from (ii));

because the net force is zero and so power by tension equals rate of change of potential energy / rate of
change of potential energy is
18. a i F = Mg sin θ
18. a ii
18. b KE = Fs;
19. a
Ratio or rate must be clear.

19. b
19. c i friction;
19. c ii recognize that F = rate of change of momentum;
19. c iii (P = 120 × 2.0) = 240 W;
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19. c iv
19. c v the sand on the conveyor belt must slip to be accelerated;

in slipping kinetic energy is dissipated / lost as internal energy /
heat in the sand and conveyor belt;
or
there is friction between the sand and conveyor belt;
therefore kinetic energy is dissipated / lost as internal energy /
heat in the sand and conveyor belt;
Award zero for bald statement “energy is lost as heat”.
19. d
= 600 W ;
Award full marks for bald correct answer.
20. a
20. b
20. c
21. a
21. b i
Allow ECF from (a).

21. b ii
For second marking point allow ECF from (b)(i) providing line is upwards.
21. b iii
Allow ECF from (b)(i).
21. c i
21. c ii
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21. d
Candidate must clearly indicate the energy associated with either position A or B for MP2.
22. a i
22. a ii
Award [1 max] if there is no mention of molecules/particles/atoms.

22. b i
Do not allow gravity.

Do not award MP1 if additional ‘centripetal’ force arrow is added.
Arrows must connect to dot.
Ignore any horizontal arrow labelled friction.
Judge by eye for MP2.
Arrows do not have to be correctly labelled or connect to dot for MP2.
22. b ii
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Do not award a mark for the bald statement that the skier does not lose contact with the ground.
22. c
Allow ECF from MP1.

22. d i
22. d ii
23. a
Substitution(s) must be correct.

23. b
Could be seen in part (a).

Award [0] for solution that uses a = 9.81 m s-2
23. c
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Award [2 max] for an answer of 160 k«W».
23. d
23. e
Award [1 max] if forces do not touch the dot, but are

otherwise OK.
23. f
23. g
24. a i
Award [1 max] for use of g = 10 N kg-1, gives 682 J.
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24. a ii
If 682 J used, answer is 5.0 m s-1.

24. b i no force/friction on the block, hence constant motion/velocity/speed ;
24. b ii force acts on block OR gravity/component of weight pulls down slope ;

velocity/speed decreases OR it is slowing down OR it decelerates ;
Do not allow a bald statement of “N2” or “F = ma” for MP1.

Treat references to energy as neutral.
24. c straight line through origin for at least one-third of the
total length of time axis covered by
candidate line ;
followed by curve with decreasing positive gradient ;
Ignore any attempt to include motion before A.

Gradient of curve must always be less than that of
straight line.
24. d
24. e
25. a i
25. a ii
25. b
25. c
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25. d
26. a
26. b
26. c
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26. d
27. a
27. b
27. c
27. d
28. a
28. b
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28. c
28. d
29. a i
a ii
58
a iii
Graph should look like:

b
θ = 35.5°
59
30. a i
30. a ii
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IB Physics

First Assessment 2025

Topical Question Bank

D. Impossible to answer with the data given

What is the change in kinetic energy of the body after 7 cm?

(a) (i) Calculate the initial energy of the box [2]

Calculate the work required from the motor. [3]

(a) Sketch and explain a graph showing:

Calculate the angle of the ramp to the horizontal, θ. [5]

(ii) Hence, or otherwise, show that [3]

2. C 12. B 22. D 32. B

3. B 13. A 23. A 33. D

4. A 14. B 24. C 34. C

5. B 15. B 25. C 35. D

6. C 16. B 26. D 36. D

7. B 17. C 27. B 37. A

8. A 18. D 28. B 38. B

9. C 19. C 29. B 39. B

10. C 20. D 30. D 40. A

7. a force × distance (moved);

7. c kinetic energy is constant;

Accept bald correct answer for full marks.

8. a iii the work done = PE gained (= force × distance);

8. b graphs should show curving or “shoulders” at the changes;

8. c ii magnitude of tension (size of arrow) less than weight in (ii);

8. d a constant value greater than W from 0.00 to 0.50 s;

9. a iii loss in PE = mgh = 40 J;

10. a ii KE before = 400 × 25 = 10 000 J KE after = 1 000 × 4 = 4 000 J;

height raised = 30 sin 40 = 19 m;

12. b i sensible use of grid and suitable P scale;

labelled P axis with correct units;

data point (200, 0.65);

data point (250, 0.95);

data points (300, 1.9), (350, 3.1);

line of best fit;

14. a appropriate statement of principle of conservation of energy;

17. a i Award [2] if all three directions are correct.

17. b iii it will be equal to 9.4 W (ecf from (ii));

Ratio or rate must be clear.

19. c ii recognize that F = rate of change of momentum;

19. c iii (P = 120 × 2.0) = 240 W;

19. c v the sand on the conveyor belt must slip to be accelerated;

Allow ECF from (a).

Award [1 max] if there is no mention of molecules/particles/atoms.

Do not allow gravity.

Allow ECF from MP1.

Substitution(s) must be correct.

Could be seen in part (a).

Award [1 max] if forces do not touch the dot, but are

Award [1 max] for use of g = 10 N kg-1, gives 682 J.

If 682 J used, answer is 5.0 m s-1.

24. b ii force acts on block OR gravity/component of weight pulls down slope ;

Do not allow a bald statement of “N2” or “F = ma” for MP1.

Ignore any attempt to include motion before A.

Graph should look like:

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