A specialized meteorological research probe of mass 16 kg16 \text{ kg}16 kg is launched vertically upwards from a research station using two stretched elastic cords that behave like ideal springs.
Before launch, each elastic cord is stretched by an extension of 5.5 m5.5 \text{ m}5.5 m. The spring constant of each cord is 800 N/m800 \text{ N/m}800 N/m. Calculate the total elastic potential energy stored in both cords combined before release. Use the equation: elastic potential energy=0.5×spring constant×(extension)2\text{elastic potential energy} = 0.5 \times \text{spring constant} \times (\text{extension})^2elastic potential energy=0.5×spring constant×(extension)2
At its maximum height, the probe has 18,816 J18,816 \text{ J}18,816 J of gravitational potential energy. Calculate the maximum height reached by the probe above its launch point. Use the equation: gravitational potential energy=mass×gravitational field strength×height\text{gravitational potential energy} = \text{mass} \times \text{gravitational field strength} \times \text{height}gravitational potential energy=mass×gravitational field strength×height Take the gravitational field strength as g=9.8 N/kgg = 9.8 \text{ N/kg}g=9.8 N/kg.
Explain why the maximum gravitational potential energy of the probe is significantly less than the total initial elastic potential energy stored in the cords. State two reasons.
Energy changes in a system, and the ways energy is stored before and after such changes Questions
Practise AQA GCSE Physics Energy changes in a system, and the ways energy is stored before and after such changes with exam-style questions for Foundation and Higher tier. 64 questions covering Energy stores and systems, Changes in energy, Energy changes in systems, and Power, matched to the AQA GCSE Physics (8463) specification and written in Paper 1 and Paper 2 style. Every question includes a full worked solution and mark scheme, so you can see where marks are awarded rather than just whether you got the answer right.