Synergy Energy Past Paper Questions

A student investigated how the distance travelled by a trolley from the end of a ramp varied with the total mass of the trolley.

This is the method used.

1. Put the trolley on the ramp at the start position.

2. Let the trolley roll down the ramp.

3. Measure the distance from the end of the ramp to the position where the trolley stops.

4. Repeat steps 1 to 3 with different masses on the trolley.

Give one variable the student should have kept the same in the investigation.

A student investigated how the distance travelled by a trolley from the end of a ramp varied with the total mass of the trolley.

When the trolley was in the start position, the vertical height between the centre of mass of the trolley and the floor was 0.600 m

gravitational field strength = 9.8 N/kg

Calculate the gravitational potential energy of the trolley when the total mass of the trolley and masses was 2.50 kg

Use the equation:

gravitational potential energy = mass × gravitational field strength × height

A student investigated how the distance travelled by a trolley from the end of a ramp varied with the total mass of the trolley.

Predict a value for X in the table.

When the trolley is released from the start position, energy is transferred in different ways. Complete the sentences. As the trolley moves down the ramp the trolley accelerates.

There is a decrease in the trolley’s​ (a)   ​ energy.

There is an increase in the trolley’s ​ (b)   energy.

• gravitational
• kinetic
• thermal

When the trolley is released from the start position, energy is transferred in different ways. Complete the sentences. After leaving the ramp the trolley slows down.

There is an increase in the ​ (a)   energy of the surroundings.

• kinetic
• thermal
• chemical

Ten-pin bowling is a game where a ball is rolled along the floor to knock over some wooden pins.

The figure shows a person ten-pin bowling.

The speed of the ball was 8.0 m/s just after leaving the person’s hand. The mass of the ball was 5.5 kg.

Calculate the kinetic energy of the ball. Use the equation:

kinetic energy = 0.5 × mass × (speed)²

A machine returns the ball to the person.

The machine takes 25.0 s to return the ball to the person.

The useful power output of the machine is 660 W.

Calculate the work done by the machine in returning the ball to the person. Use the equation:

work done = power × time

A machine returns the ball to the person.The machine has an efficiency of 0.60.

The useful power output of the machine is 660 W.

Calculate the total power input to the machine.

Use the equation:

total power input = useful power output/efficiency

When the ball collides with the pins, energy is conserved.

What is meant by ‘conservation of energy’ when the ball collides with the pins?

• The gravitational potential energy of the pins is the same

  before and after the collision.

• The kinetic energy of the ball is the same

  before and after the collision.

• The total energy of the ball and pins is the same before and after the collision.

The machine has several moving parts.

What is the name of the force caused by the moving parts rubbing together?