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Energy Calculations Worksheet

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Energy Calculations Worksheet

Nikau and Kahu are checking energy transfers during a fire-station training day. Use g = 9.8 m/s². Use Ep = mgh for gravitational potential energy and Ek = ½mv² for kinetic energy. Show calculations and include units. Unless a question says otherwise, ignore air resistance and friction.

Energy changes during training

Energy can be transferred between stores. In an ideal system, total energy is conserved; in real situations, some energy is often dissipated to the surroundings as heat or sound.

1.A rescue dummy of mass 20 kg is lifted 4.0 m vertically onto the training platform. Calculate the increase in its gravitational potential energy.

2.A 0.80 kg training hose nozzle moves at 5.0 m/s during a controlled drill. Calculate its kinetic energy.

3.Two equipment carts move through the station. Cart A has a mass of 200 kg and travels at 3.0 m/s. Cart B has a mass of 100 kg and travels at 6.0 m/s. Calculate each cart’s kinetic energy, then identify which has more.

4.A 60 kg firefighter climbs a 6.0 m training tower. Calculate the increase in gravitational potential energy. Then, if all of this energy were converted to kinetic energy on a frictionless descent, calculate the speed at the bottom.

5.A 0.50 kg practice ball is thrown straight upwards at 8.0 m/s. Assuming no air resistance, calculate its initial kinetic energy and the maximum height it reaches above its release point.

6.A 1,200 kg fire engine travels along a level road at 15 m/s, then brakes to a stop. Calculate its kinetic energy before braking. Name one energy store or form that receives much of this energy during braking.

7.A 70 kg firefighter descends a training slide from a height of 5.0 m. At the bottom, their measured speed is 8.0 m/s. Calculate the starting gravitational potential energy and the kinetic energy at the bottom. How much energy was transferred to other stores?

8.A training lift raises a 40 kg equipment pack by 3.0 m. The motor uses 1,500 J of electrical energy. Calculate the useful increase in gravitational potential energy and the lift’s efficiency as a percentage.

9.Kahu says, “The equipment pack in the lift gained energy, so energy must have been created.” Is Kahu’s statement scientifically correct? Explain the energy transfer involved.

Choose either the training lift or the braking fire engine. Draw a simple labelled energy-transfer diagram showing the starting energy store or form, the useful transfer, and at least one transfer to the surroundings.