Free fall through motion and energy
Motion equations and conservation of mechanical energy give the same speed for a freely falling object. One describes the acceleration; the other tracks energy transfer.
Follow the reasoning
- Define the initial and final heights and speeds.
- Use either the vertical motion equation or an energy balance.
- Check that the height change has the correct sign.
Try it in a past paper 5
Open the question, then use its mark scheme to check your work.
Question 11
Relate a falling object’s speed to its change in height.
Question 24(b)–(e)
Analyse falling motion, improve timing and sketch a bounce.
Question 3(a)–(d)
Resolve projectile velocity and connect its motion with energy and momentum.
Question 4
Connect free fall and projectile motion with energy and velocity components.
Show 1 more paper references
Question 1
Use a bouncing ball’s velocity graph to calculate energy, rebound speed and height.
A curated collection checked against the question papers and mark schemes; not a complete past-paper catalogue. Links open official OCR PDFs in a new tab.
Put the ideas to work
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Specification outcomes (5)
- 3.1.2(a)(i) Apply equations of motion for constant acceleration in a straight line, including motion in a uniform gravitational field without air resistance.
- 3.1.2(b)(i) Understand acceleration of free fall g.
- 3.3.2(a) Define and calculate kinetic energy, Ek = ½mv², and derive it from first principles.
- 3.3.2(b) Define and calculate gravitational potential energy, Ep = mgh, and derive it from first principles.
- 3.3.2(c) Explain the exchange between gravitational potential energy and kinetic energy.