Chapter 4 (1st Year Physics)

Work and Energy

WORK AND ENERGY

Q # 1. Define the term work. Also derive the expression of work done by a variable force.
The work done by a constant force is defined as:
The product of magnitude of displacement and
the component of the force in the direction of the displacement.
Consider an object which is being pulled by a constant force
angle

at an

to the direction of motion. The force displaces the object from one

point to another point through displacement . The work done

is described as:

cos

by the force

cos

Thus the work done by a force is the dot product of force and displacement. It is a scalar quantity and
its IS unit is joule (J = N m).

If

If

If

90 , work is said to be positive

90, no work is done

90, the work done is said to be negative

Work Done by a Variable Force

Consider a variable force act on a body which displaces it from one point to another point.
We want to find out the expression of work done by the variable force. For this we divide the path

followed by the object into n short intervals of displacements

are the forces acting during these intervals. If

displacement interval
work done

Now

, ,

, ,

, ,

are the work done during

by the variable force will be:

# #

------------- (1)

The work done during displacement interval

$ cos

$ cos

The work done during displacement interval

The work done during displacement interval

Putting value in equation (1), we get:

!

& ' $' cos

respectively, then the total

The work done during displacement interval

and

'(

$ cos

#
#

# #

$ cos

$ cos

# #

$ cos

$ cos
$ cos

'

This is the expression of work done by a variable force.

1
Written and composed by: Prof. Muhammad Ali Malik (M. Phil. Physics), Govt. Degree College, Naushera

Chapter 4 (1st Year Physics)

Work and Energy

Q # 2. Show that the work done in earths gravitational field is independent of path followed.
Consider an object of mass m being displaced with
constant velocity from point A to point C along various paths in
the presence of a gravitational force. In this case the gravitational
force is equal to the equal to weight mg of the object.
Work done along path 1
)*+

The work done

by the gravitational force along the

path ABC can be split into two parts i.e.,

)*+

The work

)*

)*

*+

)*

and

------------- (1)

*+ .

is zero because weight ,- is perpendicular to this path. The work

*+

.,-/; the

negative sign is due to the fact that ,- is opposite to that of displacement. Thus the equation (1) will become:
.,-/

)*+

------------- (2)

Work done along path 2

If we consider the path ADC, the work done along path AD is
0+

along path DC is
)0+

)0

(3)

0, therefore:

.,-/ # 0

0+

.,-/

)0

.,-/. Since the work done

-------------

Work done along path 3

To find out the work done along this curved path, we divide it into
series of horizontal and vertical steps as shown in the figure. There is
no work done along horizontal steps, because ,- is perpendicular to

the displacement for these steps. The work done by the force of gravity
along vertical displacements will be:
)+

.,1 2 # 2 # # 2

)+

.,1/

Therefore

2 # 2 # # 2

As

------------- (4)

Thus from equation (2), (3) and (4), it is proved that work done in the earths gravitational field is
independent of the path followed.
Q # 3. Show that work done in a close path is zero or Show that earths gravitational field is conservative
field.
Consider an object of mass m being displaced with constant velocity along the path ABCDA in the
presence of a gravitational force. In this case the gravitational force is equal to the equal to weight mg of the
object.
The work done along this close path ABCDA will be:
)*+0)

The work

The work

)*

)*

*+

displacement.

*+

and

+0

+0

0)

------------- (1)

is zero because weight ,- is perpendicular to displacements along these paths.

.,-/; the negative sign is due to the fact that ,- is opposite to that of

The work done along path DA is

Putting value in equation (1), we get:

0)

,-/

2
Written and composed by: Prof. Muhammad Ali Malik (M. Phil. Physics), Govt. Degree College, Naushera

Chapter 4 (1st Year Physics)

)*+0)
)*+0)
)*+0)

)*

*+

+0

Work and Energy

0)

0 ,- + 0 + ,-
=0

So the work done along close path is zero. Hence the earths gravitational field is conservative field.
Q # 4. Define the term power. Show that power is the dot product of force and velocity.
Power
The rate at which the work is being done is called power. It is a scalar quantity and its SI unit is watt
(W).
If the work

is done in time interval 3, then the average power 4 5 during this time interval is

described as:

3
If the work is expressed as function of time, then the instantaneous power 4 at any instant is defined as:
45 =

4 = lim
:
3
Relationship between Power and Velocity
If the work

is done in time interval 3, then the instantaneous power 4 at any instant is defined as:

4 = lim
:
3
.
4 = lim
:
3

Since work done

As lim

4 = lim . ;

= .

=;

Hence proved that the power is the dot product of force and velocity.
Q # 5. Show that 1 kWh = 3.6 MJ
In electrical measurements, the unit of work is expressed as watt second. However the commercial unit
of electrical energy is kilowatt-hour.
1 kWh = 1000 W 3600 s
= 3600000 J
= 3.6 10D J
1 kWh = 3.6 MJ
Hence proved.
Q # 6. Define the term energy. Describe the different types mechanical energy.
Energy
Energy of the body is its capacity to do work. It is a scalar quantity and its SI unit is joule (J). the
kinetic energy, gravitational potential energy and elastic potential energy are its different types.
Kinetic Energy
The kinetic energy (F. G) is possessed by a body due to its motion and is given by the formula:
F. G =

1
,;
2

Where , is the mass of the body moving with velocity ;.

3
Written and composed by: Prof. Muhammad Ali Malik (M. Phil. Physics), Govt. Degree College, Naushera

Chapter 4 (1st Year Physics)

Work and Energy

Gravitational Potential Energy

The gravitational potential energy (4. G) is possessed by a body due to its position in gravitational field.

The potential energy due to gravitational field near the surface of the earth at height h is given by the formula:
4. G

,1/

Elastic Potential Energy

The elastic potential energy is the energy stored in the spring due to its compressed or stretched state.
Q # 7. State the work energy principle. Also derive its mathematical form.
Statement
Work done on the body equals the change in its kinetic energy.

Consider a body of mass , is moving with velocity v' . A force

the velocity to vJ , then from the 3rd equation of motion:

2K

acting through a distance

increases

vJ . v'

MvJ . v' N

------------------- (1)

From the second law of motion:

,K

------------------- (2)

Multiplying equation (1) and (2), we have:

,MvJ . v' N

,vJ . ,v'

------------------- (3)

Where the left hand side of the above equation gives the work done on the body and the right hand side
gives the change in kinetic energy of the body. The equation (3) is the mathematical form of work energy
principle.

Q # 8. What do you know about absolute potential energy? Also derive its expression.
Absolute Potential Energy
The absolute potential energy of an object at a
certain point is the work done by the gravitational force in
displacing the object from that position to infinity (where
the force of gravity becomes zero).
The relation for the calculation for the potential

energy 4. G

,1/, is true only near the surface of the earth

where the gravitational force is nearly constant. But if the

object is displaced through the large distances, then the
gravitational force will not remains constant, since it varies
inversely to the square of the distance.
In order to overcome this difficulty, we divide the

whole distance into small steps each of length O so that the

value of the force remains constant for each small step.

Hence the total work done can be calculated by adding all the work done during all these steps.

4
Written and composed by: Prof. Muhammad Ali Malik (M. Phil. Physics), Govt. Degree College, Naushera

Chapter 4 (1st Year Physics)

Work and Energy

The gravitational force at the center of this step is

=P

QR

-------------------- (1)

ST

Where G is the gravitational constant, m is the mass of the object and M is the mass of the earth.
If O and O are the distances of points 1 and 2 respectively, from the center O
of earth. The distance between the center of 1st step and center of the earth
will be:
O=

O +O
2
If O = O O O = O + O

Hence
O=

O + O + O 2O + O
O
=
=O +
2
2
2

Squaring above equation we get:

O = UO +

O
O
O
V = O + 2O
+U V
2
2
2

As O O , so we can neglect the term X Y

Hence O = O + O O = O + O O O

=OO

Thus the equation (1) will become:

=P

Z,
OO

As the force is assumed to be constant during the interval O, so the work done in displacing the object
from point 1 to point 2 will be:

= . = O cos 180 = O = P

= PZ, U

1 1
V
O
O

QR

S] ST

O = P

QR

S] ST

O O

Similarly the work done during the second step in which the body is displaced from point 2 to point 3 is
= PZ, U

1 1
V
O
O

The work done during the last step is

^_

= PZ, U

O^_

1
V
O^

Hence, the total work done in displacing the body form point 1 to point N is calculated bt adding up the
work dome during all these steps.
!

= PZ, `U

+ +

^_ ^

1 1
1 1
1
1
V + U V + + U
Va
O
O
O
O
O^_
O^

On simplification, we get:
!

= PZ, U

1
1
V
O
O^

If the point N is situated at infinite distance from the earth, so O^ =

5
Written and composed by: Prof. Muhammad Ali Malik (M. Phil. Physics), Govt. Degree College, Naushera

Chapter 4 (1st Year Physics)

!

= PZ, U
.

PZ,
O

1 1
. V
O

.PZ, U

Work and Energy

1
. 0V
O

Therefore the general expression for the gravitational potential energy of a body situated at distance O form the

center of the earth is

PZ,
O
The negative sign shows that the earth gravitation field for mass m is attractive.
c

Q # 9. Define the term escape velocity. Also derive its expression.

Escape Velocity
The velocity given to the object on the surface of the earth so that it escapes the earth gravitational field
and reaches at an infinite distance from the surface of the earth is called the escape velocity.
Derivation of Mathematical Expression for Escape Velocity

Consider a object of mass m which is given the initial velocity defg to escape the earths gravitational

field. The K.E corresponding to the initial velocity is will be

1
, d efg
2
We know that the work done in lifting a body from the earth surface to infinite distance is equal to increase in its
hij3jKk F. G

potential energy.
hilOmKnm ji 4. G

0 . U.P

Z,
V
o

Z,

o

Where M and R are the mass and radius of the earth,

The body will escape out of gravitational field if the initial K.E. of the body is equal to the increase in
P.E. of the body in lifting it up to infinity. Then
1
, d efg
2

As 1

d efg

qQ
rT

Z,
o

2PZ
p
o

Hence d efg

s21o

The value of d efg comes out to be approximately 11 kms-1.

Q # 10. Describe the inter-conversion of potential energy into kinetic energy for a free falling object.
Consider a body of mass m a rest, at a height h above the surface of earth as shown in the figure. We
want to discuss the inter-conversion of potential energy into kinetic energy for a free falling object under the
action of gravity.
Energy of the body at point A
4. G)

The potential energy of the body at point A is

,1/ and the kinetic energy at this point is F. G)

Thus the total energy of the object at this position will be:
t. G)

t. G)

,1/ # 0

0.

4. G) # F. G)

,1/

6
Written and composed by: Prof. Muhammad Ali Malik (M. Phil. Physics), Govt. Degree College, Naushera

Chapter 4 (1st Year Physics)

Work and Energy

Energy of the body at point B

During downward motion, the object passes through point B. When the object is at point B, the body
has fallen through a distance x.
4. G* = ,1 $
And

F. G* = ,d*
The velocity at point B can be calculated using 3rd equation of motion.
dJ d' = 2Ku

Here dJ = d* , d' = 0, u = $, K = 1
d* 0 = 21$
d* = s21$

1
, 21$ = ,1$
2
The total energy at point is
F. G* =

t. G* = 4. G* + F. G*
t. G* = ,1 $ + ,1$ = ,1
Energy of the body at point C
At point C, just before the body strikes the earth, the potential energy and the kinetic energy will be:
4. G+ = 0
F. G+ =

1
,d+
2
The velocity at point C can be calculated using 3rd equation of motion.
dJ d' = 2Ku
Here dJ = d+ , d' = 0, u = , K = 1
d+ 0 = 21
d+ = s21

1
, 21 = ,1
2
The total energy at point is
F. G+ =

t. G+ = 4. G+ + F. G+
t. G+ = 0 + ,1 = ,1
Conclusion
From calculations of energies of falling objects on different points, it is clear that potential energy can
be transformed into kinetic energy and vice versa, but the total energy of the system remains the same.
Q # 11. State the law of conservation of energy.
Statement
GimO12 lKi imj3mO vm lOmK3m iwO mn3Ow2m vx3 j3 lKi vm 3OKinywO,m yOw,
wim zji ji3w Kiw3mO. tm 3w3Kk K,wxi3 wy mimO12 Om,Kjin lwin3Ki3.

7
Written and composed by: Prof. Muhammad Ali Malik (M. Phil. Physics), Govt. Degree College, Naushera

Chapter 4 (1st Year Physics)

Work and Energy

EXERCISE SHORT QUESTIONS

Q # 1. A person holds a bag of groceries while standing still, talking to a friend. A car is stationary with
the engine running. From the stand point of work, how are these two situations similar?
Ans. In both the above two cases, since there is no displacement, therefore the work done will be zero. Hence in
this respect, the two situations are similar.
Q # 2. Calculate the work done in kilo joules in lifting a mass of 10 kg (at steady velocity) through a
vertical height of 10 m.
Ans. The work done W on the object will be stored in the form of P.E. Therefore:

W = mgh
= (10)(9.8)(10)
= 980 J
= 0.98 kJ
Q # 3. A force F acts through a distance L. The force is them increased to 3F, and then acts through a
further distance of 2L. Draw the work diagram to scale.
Ans. The force-displacement graph is shown in the figure.
As the work done is equal to the area under the forcedisplacement curve. Hence

Work Done

W = ( F L) + (3F 2 L)
= FL + 6 FL
= 7 FL

Q # 4. In which case is more work done? When a 50 kg bag of books is

lifted through 50 cm, or when a 50 kg crate is pushed through 2m across the floor with a force of 50 N.
Case 1.
Mass

m = 50 kg

Height

h = 50 cm = 0.5 m

Work

W =?

Work

W = mgh
= ( 50 )( 9.8 )( 0.5 )
= 245 J

Case 2.

Mass

m = 50 kg

Distance S = 50 cm = 0.5 m
Force
Work

F = 50 N
W =?

Work

W = FS
= ( 50 )( 2 )
= 100 J

Hence in 1st case, more work is done.

Q # 5. An object has 1 J of potential energy. Explain what does it mean?
Ans. It means that work has been dome on the body by the force of 1 N which has lifted the body through a
distance of 1 m. This work has been stored in the body in the form of P.E. which is 1J.

8
Written and composed by: Prof. Muhammad Ali Malik (M. Phil. Physics), Govt. Degree College, Naushera

Chapter 4 (1st Year Physics)

Work and Energy

Q # 6. A ball of mass m is held at a height h1 above a table. The table top is at a height h2 above the floor.
One student says that the ball has potential energy mgh1 but another says that it is mg(h1 + h2). Who is
correct?
Ans. The 1st student has taken the table as the point of reference for calculating the P.E. While the 2nd student
has taken the floor as the point of reference. So both are correct according to their own points of references.
Q # 7. When a rocker re-enters the atmosphere, its nose cone become very hot. Where does this heat
energy come from?
Ans. The atmosphere of earth contains a large number of dust particles and water vapors. So when a rocket
enters into the atmosphere and passes through these particles, due to the force of friction, the kinetic energy of
the rocket is lost in the form of heat. Thats why its nose cone becomes very hot.
Q # 8. What sort of energy is in the following:
a) Compressed spring
b) Water in a high dam
c)

A moving car

Ans.
a)

Elastic Potential Energy

b) Gravitational Potential Energy

c)

Kinetic Energy

Q # 9. A girl drops a cup from a certain height, which breaks into pieces. What energy changes are
involved?
Ans. When the cup was in the hands of girl, it had gravitational P.E. When the cup is dropped, its P.E. is
converted into the K.E. On striking the ground, this energy is converted into sound energy, heat energy and
work done in breaking the cup into pieces.
Q # 10. A boy uses a catapult to throw a stone which accidentally smashes a green house window. List the
possible energy changes.
Ans. Initially, the catapult had elastic P.E. when the stone is thrown, its P.E. is converted into K.E. On striking
the window, this energy is converted into sound energy, heat energy and work dome in breaking the window
into pieces.

9
Written and composed by: Prof. Muhammad Ali Malik (M. Phil. Physics), Govt. Degree College, Naushera