Educerie · IB Diploma · Physics
Theme A — Topic test
Paper 2 style · 20 marks · 30 minutes
The IB physics data booklet may be used. Take g = 9.81 m s⁻². Show all working and give units with every numerical answer.
1. A ball is launched from ground level at 20 m s⁻¹ at an angle of 30° above the horizontal.
(a) Calculate the vertical component of the initial velocity. [1]
(b) Calculate the total time of flight. [2]
(c) Calculate the horizontal range. [2]
(d) State one assumption you have made. [1]
2. A trolley of mass 2.0 kg moving at 3.0 m s⁻¹ collides with a stationary trolley of mass 3.0 kg. The two move off together.
(a) Calculate their common velocity after the collision. [2]
(b) Determine whether the collision is elastic, showing your reasoning. [3]
(c) State what happens to the kinetic energy that is not conserved. [1]
3. A block of mass 5.0 kg is released from rest on a frictionless plane inclined at 25° to the horizontal.
(a) Calculate the component of the block's weight acting down the slope. [2]
(b) Calculate the acceleration of the block. [2]
4. A car of mass 1200 kg accelerates from rest to 25 m s⁻¹ in 8.0 s.
(a) Calculate the gain in kinetic energy. [2]
(b) Calculate the average power developed. [2]
Total: 20 marks
Command terms in this test. Question 2(b) says determine, so the comparison you used must be shown, not just the verdict. Questions 1(d) and 2(c) say state — one short answer, no justification required.
Educerie · original questions written against the published IB syllabus structure for Physics Theme A, first assessment 2025. All values are our own. Last reviewed 5 September 2026.