Skip to main content
A-LevelPhysicsWork, energy and power9702/21 · May/June 2019 · Q37 Marks

The variation with extension x of the force Facting on a spring is shown in Fig. 3.1. [Figure 3.1] The spring of unstretched length 0.40 m has one end attached to a fixed point, as shown in Fig. 3.2. [Figure 3.2] A block of weight 2.5 N is then attached to the spring. The block is then released and begins to move downwards. At one instant, as the block is continuing to move downwards, the spring has a length of 0.72 m, as shown in Fig. 3.3. [Figure 3.3] Assume that the air resistance and the mass of the spring are both negligible.

  1. (a)For the change in length of the spring from 0.40 m to 0.72 m:
  2. (a)(i)use Fig. 3.1 to show that the increase in elastic potential energy of the spring is 0.64 J[2]
  3. (a)(ii)calculate the decrease in gravitational potential energy of the block of weight 2.5 N.[2]
  4. (b)Use the information in (a)(i) and your answer in (a)(ii) to determine, for the instant when the length of the spring is 0.72 m:
  5. (b)(i)the kinetic energy of the block[1]
  6. (b)(ii)the speed of the block.[2]

This question uses a diagram from the original paper, which isn't shown here. Open the full paper from the past papers archive to see it.

Mark scheme

Marking points from the official mark scheme (May/June 2019). The mark or mark type is shown in brackets.

  1. [1] E = ½Fx or E = ½kx² or E = area under graph
  2. [1] E = ½ × 4.0 × 0.32 = 0.64 J or E = ½ × 12.5 × (0.32)² = 0.64 J
  3. [1] E = mgh or E = Wh
  4. [1] = 2.5 × 0.32 = 0.80 J
  5. [1] kinetic energy = 0.80 - 0.64 = 0.16 J
  6. [1] E = ½mv²
  7. [1] 0.16 = ½ × (2.5/9.81) × v²
  8. [1] v = 1.1 m s⁻¹

Write your answer and get it marked

On Oracle Prep you can write or photograph your own answer and have it marked by AI against this mark scheme, with feedback on what you missed.

Sign up free →

About this question

Topic
Work, energy and power, A-Level Physics (syllabus 9702). Structured question, 7 marks.
Source
A-Level Physics, May/June 2019 Paper 2 Variant 1, question 3.

Questions and mark schemes are from past examination papers and remain the copyright of the exam board. How Oracle Prep builds its content

Related Physics questions

© 2026 Oracle Prep