Skip to content

Conservation of energy test with answers for AP Physics 1 (free PDF download)

  • by

Quick answer: Conservation of energy says the total energy of an isolated system stays constant: energy changes form, such as gravitational or spring potential energy becoming kinetic energy, but is never created or destroyed. This AP Physics 1 test on conservation of energy has 8 questions worth 20 marks, to do in 45 minutes: power and energy, book on a shelf and playground swing. The mark scheme is on a separate page; free printable PDF.

Conservation of energy test with answers for AP Physics 1 (free PDF download)

Also, this test covers potential energy, conservation of energy with and without friction, and power. Then, show all working and give units. A calculator is allowed.

Level: AP Physics 1 (algebra-based) · Curriculum: AP P1 Unit 3

Time: 45 minutes · 8 questions · Total: 20 marks · Calculator allowed

Question 1 Power and energy (2 marks)

  1. Also, state what is meant by power. (1 mark)
  2. A 60 W lamp is left on for 2.0 hours. In addition, calculate the energy it transfers, in joules. (1 mark)

Question 2 Book on a shelf (2 marks)

Emma lifts a 2.4 kg book from the floor to a shelf 1.6 m high.
  1. In addition, calculate the gain in gravitational potential energy. (1 mark)
  2. Afterwards, the book falls off the shelf. Calculate its speed just before it hits the floor, ignoring air resistance. (1 mark)

Question 3 Playground swing (3 marks)

A 40 kg child on a swing is released from rest at a point 0.80 m above the lowest point of the swing.
  1. Moreover, calculate the child’s speed at the lowest point. (2 marks)
  2. Calculate the kinetic energy there. (1 mark)

Question 4 Dart gun (2 marks)

A spring (k = 300 N/m) in a toy gun is compressed by 0.040 m and launches a 0.015 kg dart horizontally.
  1. Also, calculate the energy stored in the spring. (1 mark)
  2. Then, calculate the launch speed of the dart. (1 mark)

Question 5 Sliding crate (3 marks)

Then, an 8.0 kg crate slides from rest down a rough ramp, dropping a vertical height of 1.5 m, and reaches 3.0 m/s at the bottom.
  1. In addition, calculate the loss of gravitational potential energy. (1 mark)
  2. Calculate the gain in kinetic energy. (1 mark)
  3. Afterwards, calculate the thermal energy produced. (1 mark)

Question 6 Pump power (2 marks)

A pump raises 200 kg of water to a tank 15 m higher in 120 s.
  1. Moreover, calculate the gain in gravitational potential energy. (1 mark)
  2. Moreover, calculate the average useful power. (1 mark)

Question 7 Two ramps (3 marks)

Also, two identical blocks are released from rest at the tops of the smooth ramps shown.
  1. Compare their speeds at the bottom and justify your answer using energy. (2 marks)
  2. Then, state which block takes longer to reach the bottom and explain why. (1 mark)
Two smooth ramps of equal height one metre: ramp A is steep with a short base, ramp B is gentle with a long base; identical blocks rest at the top of each1.0 m1.0 mRamp A (steep)Ramp B (gentle)
Two blocks of equal mass are released from rest at the tops of the ramps.

Question 8 Hoist with losses (3 marks)

A hoist lifts a 150 kg load at a constant 0.40 m/s. Afterwards, its motor is 60 % efficient.
  1. In addition, calculate the useful power delivered to the load. (2 marks)
  2. Calculate the electrical power the motor draws. (1 mark)

See the conservation of energy test answers and mark scheme

Physics and chemistry textbooks to download in PDF, from grade 6 to AP Physics and AP Chemistry

Follow us