IB skill practice

Connect force, energy, and momentum in multi-step mechanics

Paper 1, Paper 2 5 marks Difficulty 4

Work energy theorem speed change

A \(7\,\text{kg}\) cart in a bike trailer investigation changes speed from \(5\,\text{m s}^{-1}\) to \(9\,\text{m s}^{-1}\). Calculate the change in kinetic energy. Identify the force, momentum, or energy relationship before entering the result. Enter the numerical result and choose the interpretation that matches the mechanics meaning.

Worked practice: physics data and result

Read the physical quantities first, then calculate the result and state what it means.