WORK, ENERGY AND POWER

3
The concept of energy is possibly the
most central in all science and engineering.
We usually associate energy in terms of fuel
for transportation, electricity, and food for
consumption. However, these notions of
energy do not truly define what energy is, but
only what it does to a physical system.
Energy is present in the Universe in various
forms; and it can only be converted from one
form to another but cannot be created or
destroyed. The concept of energy can be
applied to motion problems without resorting
to Newton’s three laws. These two very
different approach are connected through the
concept of work. All these concepts will lead
A young boy diving from the trampoline in an indoor to one of the most fundamental and far-
swimming pool hits the water at a very fast speed and causes reaching principles in all of science, the law
disturbance or waves on the water. Where does that energy
of conservation of energy.
comes from? Where does that energy went after he hits the
water? (Source: https://visitgreenland.com/)

Potential energy is stored in the system as the young boy (figure at the upper left) stands on
the trampoline of an indoor swimming pool. As the boy dives on the pool, the gravitational force
does work on his body, causing his speed to increase as he hit the water. This also indicates
that body’s kinetic energy also increases as the potential energy decreases. As it hits the water,
the kinetic energy is converted into another energy form (associated with motion of the waves).

3.1 Work

Work is the transfer of energy from one object to another, due to the application of a
force by the first object and the resulting displacement of the second object. Mathematically,
the work done by constant force on an object is:

𝑊 = 𝐹⃗ ⋅ 𝑑⃗ = 𝐹𝑑 cos 𝜃 (3-1)

where 𝐹 – constant force exerted on the object;

𝑑 – magnitude of the displacement or distance travelled by the object; and
𝜃 – angle between the force and displacement.

The SI unit for work is in Joules (J), 1 J = 1 Nm.

Work done by a single constant force on the object is:

i. Positive - if the force has component that is in the same direction as the displacement
ii. Negative - if the force has component that is in the opposite direction as the
displacement.
iii. Zero - if the force is perpendicular to the displacement.

When several forces are acting on an object such as in Figure 3.1.b, the total work done by all
forces on the object is:

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 𝑊𝑡𝑜𝑡 = 𝑊1 + 𝑊2 + 𝑊3 +. . . + 𝑊𝑛 (3-2)

(a) (b)

Fig. 3.1. (a) A man applying a constant force on pulling a box using a rope across a rough horizontal
surface. (b) The free-body diagram showing all the forces acting on the box and the total work done on the
box by these forces as is it pushed across a distance d.

Sample Problem

A 2.50 kg box is pulled across a horizontal surface by a constant

force of 16 N that is directed parallel to the surface. The box has
moved to 3.00 m and the coefficient of kinetic friction between the
box and the surface is 0.21. (a) How much work is done by the
individual forces acting on the box? (b) What is the total work on
the box?

Solution
There are four forces acting on the box: constant force 𝐹,
kinetic friction 𝑓𝑘 , normal force 𝜂 and gravity 𝑤, which are
shown in the Figure 3.2.
Fig. 3.2: The free-body diagram of
(a) The applied force is parallel to the direction of the motion, all forces acting on the 2.50 kg box.
θ=0°.

𝐖𝐅 = Fd cos θ = (16.0 N)(3.0 m) cos 0° = 𝟒𝟖. 𝟎 𝐉

The frictional force is always directed opposite to its motion, so θ=180°. By Newton’s
m
1st Law ∑ Fy = 0 = η − w, the normal force is η = w = mg = (2.5 kg) (9.8 2 ) = 24.5 N. Then,
s

𝐖𝐟 = fk d cos 180° = −fk d = −μk ηd = −(0.21)(24.5 N)(3.0 m) = −𝟏𝟓. 𝟒𝟑𝟓 𝐉

The normal force and gravity act perpendicular to the displacement of the box, θ=90°.
𝐖𝛈 = ηd cos 90° = 𝟎 and 𝐖𝐠 = wd cos 90° = 𝟎

(b) The total work on the box by all forces acting on it:
𝐖𝐭𝐨𝐭 = WF + Wf + Wη + Wg = 48.0 J + (−15.435 J) + 0 + 0 = 𝟑𝟐. 𝟓𝟔𝟓 𝐉

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3.2 Kinetic Energy and Work-Energy Theorem

Kinetic Energy is the energy associated with the motion of an object. It is scalar
quantity which depends on the mass, 𝑚, and speed, 𝑣, of the object. That is:

1
𝐾𝐸 = 𝑚𝑣 2 (3-3)
2

The SI unit is also in Joules (J), since 1kg(m/s)2 = 1(kg∙m/s2)∙m = 1N∙m = 1J.

The total work done on an object is related to its change in speed. Consider an object moving
along the x-axis under the action of a constant net force directed along the x-axis. From
Kinematics Equation No. 4, 𝑣2 2 = 𝑣1 2 + 2𝑎𝑑, and Newton’s 2nd Law, 𝐹𝑛𝑒𝑡 = 𝑚𝑎,

𝑣2 2 − 𝑣1 2 𝑣2 2 − 𝑣1 2 1 1 1
𝑊𝑡𝑜𝑡 = 𝐹𝑛𝑒𝑡 𝑑 = 𝑚𝑎𝑑 = 𝑚 ( )𝑑 = 𝑚( ) = 𝑚(𝑣2 2 − 𝑣1 2 ) = 𝑚𝑣2 2 − 𝑚𝑣1 2
2𝑑 2 2 2 2

1 1
The terms 𝑚𝑣1 2 and 𝑚𝑣2 2 are the initial and final kinetic energies of the object, respectively.
2 2
Hence,

𝑊𝑡𝑜𝑡 = 𝐾𝐸2 − 𝐾𝐸1 = ∆𝐾𝐸 (3-4)

The equation is the mathematical statement of work-energy theorem which states that:

“When forces act on an object while it undergoes a displacement, the kinetic energy of the object
changes by an amount equal to the total work done on the object by all forces.”

When an object undergoes a displacement, the total work done on it is:

i. Positive – if the object is speeding up and kinetic energy increases.
ii. Negative – if the object is slowing down and kinetic energy decreases.
iii. Zero – if the object maintains the same speed and same kinetic energy.

However, equation (3-1) is only valid when force applied on the object is constant. For instance,
in stretching or compressing a spring, the more you stretched or compressed it, the harder you
need to pull or push, so the force is varying. According to Hooke’s Law, the force needed to
stretch or compress a spring to some length is proportional to the spring’s elongation. The
magnitude of the force is expressed as:

𝐹 = 𝑘𝑥 (3-5)

where 𝑘 – is the force or spring constant of the spring (SI unit: Newton per meter or N/m)
𝑥 – elongation of the spring, or the stretched or compressed distance.

The work done by varying force on the spring in stretching or compressing it from position 𝑥1 to
𝑥2 is:
𝑥2 𝑥2
𝑥2
1
𝑊𝑜𝑛 𝑠𝑝𝑟𝑖𝑛𝑔 = ∫ 𝐹𝑑𝑥 = ∫ 𝑘𝑥𝑑𝑥 = [ 𝑘𝑥 2 ]
2 𝑥1
𝑥1 𝑥1

1 1
𝑊𝑜𝑛 𝑠𝑝𝑟𝑖𝑛𝑔 = 𝑘𝑥2 2 − 𝑘𝑥1 2 (3-6)
2 2

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Equation (3-4) still holds for the work done by varying forces.

(a) (b)
Fig. 3.3: A spring with one end fixed was (a) stretched and (b) compressed from x 1 to x2 showing that the
force applied on the spring varies. When no force acts on the spring, it is on its equilibrium position (x=0)
where it is neither stretched nor compressed.

Sample Problem

A 1.50 kg crate moving across a horizontal surface at constant speed of 0.70 m/s is pushed up
the ramp inclined at 28° by a constant force that is parallel to the horizontal surface (Figure
3.4.a). (a) If the coefficient of kinetic friction between the crate and incline is 0.13 and the crate
has moved 4.00 m up the inclined with, how much force is necessary to continue pushing it at
that speed? (b) How much force would be needed if the crate accelerates from rest to 1.50 m/s
at the end of 4.00 m?

Solution

The forces acting on the crate as it was pushed across the ramp are the applied force 𝐹,
frictional force 𝑓𝑘 , gravitational force 𝑤, and the normal force 𝜂, as shown on Figure 3.4.b.

Fig. 3.4: (a) Pushing the 1.50 kg crate at a constant speed across the ramp. (b) The free-body diagram
of all forces acting on the crate as is moves up the ramp at constant speed.

a) The angle between the applied force and the displacement is θ=28°, thus 𝑊𝐹 = 𝐹𝑑 𝑐𝑜𝑠 28°.

53
 The angle between the weight and the gravitational force is 𝜃 = 90° + 28° = 118°. Then,
m
𝑊𝑔 = 𝑤𝑑 cos 118° = 𝑚𝑔𝑑 cos 118° = (1.5 kg) (9.8 ) (4.0 m) cos 118° = −27.60 J
s2
m
From ∑ Fy = 0 = η − wy , η = wy = w cos θ = mg cos θ = (1.5 kg) (9.8 ) cos 28° = 12.98 N.But
s2
since the normal force is always perpendicular to the direction of motion, so θ=90°.
Hence, Wη = ηd cos 90° = 0.

On the other hand, friction acts opposite to the displacement of the crate, so θ=190°.
Hence, Wf = fk d cos 180° = −fk d where fk = μk η. Then, Wf = −μk ηd =
−(0.13)(12.98 N)(4.0 m) = −6.75 J.
Since the speed is constant, Wtot = 0. Then, 𝐹𝑑 𝑐𝑜𝑠 28° + 𝑊𝑓 + 𝑊𝑔 + 𝑊𝜂 = 0 ➔ −𝐹𝑑 𝑐𝑜𝑠 28° =
𝑊𝑓 + 𝑊𝑔 + 𝑊𝜂
𝑊𝑓 + 𝑊𝑔 + 𝑊𝜂 −6.75 J − 27.60 J + 0
𝐹= = = 𝟗. 𝟕𝟑 𝐍
−𝑑 𝑐𝑜𝑠 28° −(4.0 m) cos 28°
b) When the crate accelerates, Wtot ≠ 0. By work-energy theorem,
∆𝐾 = 𝑊𝐹 + 𝑊𝑓 + 𝑊𝑔 + 𝑊𝜂 ➔ 𝐾2 − 𝐾1 = 𝐹𝑑 𝑐𝑜𝑠 28° + 𝑊𝑓 + 𝑊𝑔 + 𝑊𝜂
where
1 1 1 1 m 2
𝐾1 = 𝑚𝑣1 2 = (1.50 kg)(0)2 = 0 and 𝐾2 = 𝑚𝑣2 2 = (1.50 kg) (1.50 ) =
2 2 2 2 s
1.69 J.
Then,
𝐾2 − 𝐾1 − 𝑊𝑓 − 𝑊𝑔 − 𝑊𝜂 1.69 J − 0 − (−6.75 J) − (−27.60 J) + 0
𝐹= = = 𝟏𝟎. 𝟐𝟎 𝐍
𝑑 𝑐𝑜𝑠 28° (4.0 m) cos 28°

3.3 Gravitational and Elastic Potential Energy

Potential energy is the energy associated with the position of the object within a
physical system. It is the measure of the potential or possibility for work to be done. We will
discuss two kinds of potential energy in this chapter, the gravitational and elastic potential
energy.

Gravitational potential energy is the potential energy associated with the body’s weight and
its position above the ground.

𝑈𝑔𝑟𝑎𝑣 = 𝑚𝑔𝑦 (3-7)

where 𝑚 – mass of the object;

𝑔 – acceleration due to gravity, 9.8 m/s2; and
𝑦 – vertical position of the object from a reference level.

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As an object moves upward, the work done by its weight is
negative since the direction of motion is opposite to the
direction of the weight (Figure 3.5.a). On the other hand,
as the object moves downward, the work done by gravity
is positive since both the weight and the motion are in the
same direction (Figure 3.5.b). The work done by gravity on
an object is expressed as:

Fig. 3.5: A body moving vertically (a) upward

and (b) downward from an initial height y1 to a
final height y2, the gravitational force does work
on it and its gravitational potential energy
changes.

𝑊𝑔𝑟𝑎𝑣 = −∆𝑈𝑔𝑟𝑎𝑣 (3-8)

𝑊𝑔𝑟𝑎𝑣 = −(𝑈2𝑔𝑟𝑎𝑣 − 𝑈1𝑔𝑟𝑎𝑣 ) = −(𝑚𝑔𝑦2 − 𝑚𝑔𝑦1 )

= 𝑚𝑔𝑦1 − 𝑚𝑔𝑦2

Elastic potential energy is the potential energy stored in an elastic material which resulted
from stretching or compressing the material from its equilibrium position.

where 𝑘 – is the force or spring

1 (3-9) constant of the spring (SI unit:
𝑈𝑒𝑙 = 𝑘𝑥 2 Newton per meter or N/m);
2
𝑥 – elongation of the spring, or
the stretched or compressed distance.

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A body attached to an elastic material such as a spring experiences a force exerted by the
compressed or stretched spring (Figure 3.6). Hence, the spring does work on the block. By
Newton’s 3rd Law, the work done by the spring on the block is the negative of the work done
on the spring by the varying force. It is expressed as:

1 1
𝑊𝑒𝑙 = −𝑊𝑜𝑛 𝑠𝑝𝑟𝑖𝑛𝑔 = − ( 𝑘𝑥2 2 − 𝑘𝑥1 2 )
2 2

1 1
𝑊𝑒𝑙 = −∆𝑈𝑒𝑙 = 𝑘𝑥1 2 − 𝑘𝑥2 2 (3-10)
2 2

(a) (b) (c)

Fig. 3.6: The spring force always act in a direction that tends to return the spring in its equilibrium position. Negative
work is done on a body attached to a (a) compressed or (b) stretched spring. (c) As the spring relaxes from being
compressed or stretched, it does a positive work on a body attached to it.

Sample Problem

1. A 60 kg mountain climber ascends from the base of Mount Apo and reaches the summit at
an elevation of 2,954 m above the sea level in two days. On the next day, the climber
descends to a certain distance from the summit such that the change in her gravitational
potential energy is 9.25×105 J. (a) How much is the work done by gravity on the climber as
he ascends the top of Mount Apo? (b) At what point above the sea level is the position of
the climber on the third day?

Solution

(a) The change in gravitational potential energy ∆𝑈𝑔𝑟𝑎𝑣 is:

∆𝑈𝑔𝑟𝑎𝑣 = 𝑈2𝑔𝑟𝑎𝑣 − 𝑈1𝑔𝑟𝑎𝑣 = 𝑚𝑔𝑦2 − 𝑚𝑔𝑦1 = 𝑚𝑔(𝑦2 − 𝑦1 )
m
= (60 kg) (9.8 ) (2,954 m − 0) = 1,736,952 J
s2
∆Ugrav is positive since the potential energy increases. So, the work done by gravity on
the climber is:
𝑊𝑔𝑟𝑎𝑣 = −∆𝑈𝑔𝑟𝑎𝑣 = −𝟏, 𝟕𝟑𝟔, 𝟗𝟓𝟐 𝐉

The negative sign indicates that the motion is in opposite direction as the gravitational
force.

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 (b) The change in gravitational potential energy is negative since the potential energy
decreases. So, the position of the climber is:
∆𝑈𝑔𝑟𝑎𝑣
∆𝑈𝑔𝑟𝑎𝑣 = 𝑈2𝑔𝑟𝑎𝑣 − 𝑈1𝑔𝑟𝑎𝑣 = 𝑚𝑔(𝑦2 − 𝑦1 ) ➔ 𝑦2 = + 𝑦1
𝑚𝑔
−9.25 × 105 J
𝑦2 = m + 2,954 m = 𝟏𝟑𝟖𝟎. 𝟖𝟕 𝐦
(60 kg) (9.8 2 )
s

2. An ideal vertical spring of negligible mass, with its upper end fixed on a surface, is 15.0 cm
long when nothing is attached to it. The length becomes 18.5 cm when you attached a mass
of 2.90 kg to the lower end. Assume that it continues to obey Hooke’s Law. (a) How much
work is done by the spring on the attached mass? (b) If you wish to store 4.00 J of energy
in the spring, what would be its total length?

Solution

(a) The force constant k should be calculated first.

The elongation distance of the spring is 𝑥 = 18.5 cm − 15.0 cm = 3.50 cm when the mass is
attached to it. The force exerted by the mass on the spring is equal to its weight 𝑤 =
𝑚𝑔. Then,
m
𝐹 𝑚𝑔 (2.90 kg) (9.8 s2 ) N
𝐹 = 𝑘𝑥 ➔ 𝑘= = = = 812
𝑥 𝑥 0.0350 cm m
The work done by the spring on the attached mass is:
1 1 N
𝑊𝑒𝑙 = −∆𝑈𝑒𝑙 = 𝑘(𝑥1 2 − 𝑥2 2 ) = (812 ) [02 − (0.035 m)2 ] = −𝟎. 𝟒𝟗𝟕 𝐉
2 2 m
The spring is stretched so the work done by the spring is negative.

(b) To store 4.00 J of energy, the spring should either be stretched or compressed with an
elongation distance:

1 2𝑈𝑒𝑙 2(4.00 J)
𝑈𝑒𝑙 = 𝑘𝑥 2 ➔ 𝑥=√ =√ = ±0.0993 m 𝑜𝑟 9.93 cm
2 𝑘 N
(812 )
m

The length of the spring when it is stretched (𝐿1 ) or when it is compressed (𝐿2 ) would
be:
𝐿1 = 15.0 cm + 9.93 cm = 𝟐𝟒. 𝟗𝟑 𝐜𝐦 or 𝐿2 = 15.0 cm − 9.93 cm = 𝟓. 𝟎𝟕 𝐜𝐦

3.4 Energy Conservation and Non-conservative Forces

The sum of the kinetic and potential energy is the mechanical energy 𝑬 of the system.
𝐸 =𝐾+𝑈

𝐸 = 𝐾 + 𝑈𝑔𝑟𝑎𝑣 + 𝑈𝑒𝑙 (3-11)

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 1 1
𝐸= 𝑚𝑣 2 + 𝑚𝑔𝑦 + 𝑘𝑥 2
2 2

The total work done on an object is the sum of the work done acted by gravitational, elastic
forces and other forces 𝐹⃗𝑜𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑟 .

𝑊𝑡𝑜𝑡 = 𝑊𝑔𝑟𝑎𝑣 + 𝑊𝑒𝑙 + 𝑊𝑜𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑟

By work-energy theorem, the total work done on an object is equal to the change in the
kinetic energy of the object.

∆𝐾 = 𝑊𝑔𝑟𝑎𝑣 + 𝑊𝑒𝑙 + 𝑊𝑜𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑟

∆𝐾 = −∆𝑈𝑔𝑟𝑎𝑣 − ∆𝑈𝑒𝑙 + 𝑊𝑜𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑟

𝐾1 + 𝑈𝑔𝑟𝑎𝑣1 + 𝑈𝑒𝑙1 + 𝑊𝑜𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑟 = 𝐾2 + 𝑈𝑔𝑟𝑎𝑣2 + 𝑈𝑒𝑙2

or (3-12)
𝐸1 + 𝑊𝑜𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑟 = 𝐸2

This indicates that the work done by all forces other than the weight or elastic force is equal to
the change in the mechanical energy of the system. The 𝑊𝑜𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑟 implies the presence of
nonconservative forces (such as kinetic friction and fluid resistance) in the system. If 𝑊𝑜𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑟
is positive, the total mechanical energy increases; if 𝑊𝑜𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑟 is negative, the total mechanical
energy decreases. The energy associated to these forces is called internal energy where:

𝑊𝑜𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑟 = −∆𝑈𝑖𝑛𝑡

∆𝐾 + ∆𝑈𝑔𝑟𝑎𝑣 + ∆𝑈𝑒𝑙 = −∆𝑈𝑖𝑛𝑡

∆𝐾 + ∆𝑈𝑔𝑟𝑎𝑣 + ∆𝑈𝑒𝑙 + ∆𝑈𝑖𝑛𝑡 = 0 (3-13)

This is the general form of the law of conservation of energy which states that:
“Energy cannot be created nor destroyed, it can only be converted from one form to another.”
In any given process, the kinetic, potential, and internal energy of a system may all change, but
the sum of all those energy changes is always zero.

If the object is purely acted by conservative forces such as weight and spring force, 𝑊𝑜𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑟 =
0. The mechanical energy is constant and has the same value at all points during the motion.
Hence, conservation of mechanical energy is observed.

𝐸1 = 𝐸2 (3-14)

𝐾𝐸1 + 𝑈𝑔𝑟𝑎𝑣1 + 𝑈𝑒𝑙1 = 𝐾𝐸2 + 𝑈𝑔𝑟𝑎𝑣2 + 𝑈𝑒𝑙2

1 1 1 1
𝑚𝑣1 2 + 𝑚𝑔𝑦1 + 𝑘𝑥1 2 = 𝑚𝑣2 2 + 𝑚𝑔𝑦2 + 𝑘𝑥2 2
2 2 2 2

The work done by conservative forces are reversible and is independent of the path taken by
the object. In this case, there is a two-way conversion between the kinetic and potential energy.

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Since the work done by conservative forces is independent of the path, it can be expressed in
terms of potential energy functions.

Sample Problem

1. A 500 g stone is placed on top of vertical spring (with its one end fixed on surface below),
compressing the spring to 12.0 cm, as shown in Figure 3.7. The force constant of the spring
is 900 N/m. (a) If the spring is released, what is the speed of the stone when the spring
reaches it equilibrium position? (b) At what height above its initial position will the stone
reached before falling back down?

Solution

Gravity and spring force are conservative forces, thus mechanical energy is conserved 𝐸1 =
𝐸2 .

(a) Initially, 𝑣1 = 0. Let the compressed position of the spring to be the reference level for
the gravitational potential energy. At the compressed position,
1
𝐸1 = 𝐾1 + 𝑈𝑔1 + 𝑈𝑒𝑙1 = 0 + 0 + 𝑈𝑒𝑙1 = 0 + 0 + 𝑘𝑥1 2
2
1 𝑁
𝐸1 = 0 + 0 + (900 ) (0.12 𝑚)2 = 6.48 𝐽
2 𝑚
The moment the spring has returned to its equilibrium position,
1
𝐸2 = 𝐾2 + 𝑈𝑔2 + 𝑈𝑒𝑙2 = 𝑚𝑣2 2 + 𝑚𝑔𝑦2 + 0
2

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 Since 𝐸1 = 𝐸2 ,
1
𝐸1 = 𝑚𝑣2 2 + 𝑚𝑔𝑦2
2
𝐸1 = 𝑚𝑣2 2 + 2𝑚𝑔𝑦2
2𝐸1 − 2𝑚𝑔𝑦2 = 𝑚𝑣2 2

2𝐸1 − 2𝑚𝑔𝑦2
𝑣2 2 =
𝑚
𝑚
2(6.48 𝐽) − 2(0.500 𝑘𝑔) (9.8 ) (0.12 𝑚)
= 𝑠2
(0.500 𝑘𝑔)
𝒎
𝒗𝟐 = 𝟒. 𝟖𝟓
𝒔
(b) Gravity remains as the stone to move up
until it reaches a maximum height where it
momentarily stops. At the maximum
height, 𝐸2 = 𝐾2 + 𝑈𝑔2 = 0 + 𝑚𝑔𝑦2

By energy conservation, the distance

traveled by the stone is:

Fig. 3.7: Elastic potential energy is stored on 𝐸1 = 𝐸2 ➔ 𝐸1 = 𝑚𝑔𝑦2

the compressed string. As the system is
released, the stone increases its speed while
the spring returns to equilibrium. Upon
𝐸1 6.48 J
𝑦2 = = = 𝟏. 𝟑𝟐 𝐦
reaching equilibrium, the stone gradually loses 𝑚𝑔 (0.500 kg) (9.8 m )
s 2
it kinetic energy while gaining gravitational
potential energy until it reaches a maximum
height.

2. A block with mass 0.75 kg is forced

against a horizontal spring of negligible mass, compressing the spring a distance of 0.18 m.
When released, the block moves on a horizontal surface for 1.00 m before coming to rest.
The spring constant k is 100 N/m. (a) What is the coefficient of kinetic friction between the
block and the surface? (b) What is the speed of the block right after it leaves the spring?

Solution
The mechanical energy is not conserved since a nonconservative force (friction) is present
on the system, thus 𝐸1 + 𝑊𝑜𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑟 = 𝐸2 . The gravitational potential energy is constant 𝑈𝑔1 = 𝑈𝑔2
and need not be calculated.
(a) While the block is pushed against the spring,
1 1 𝑁
𝐸1 = 𝐾1 + 𝑈𝑒𝑙1 = 0 + 𝑘𝑥1 2 = (100 ) (0.18 𝑚)2 = 16.2 𝐽
2 2 𝑚
As the spring is released, the block moves along the surface and encounters friction. By
Newton’s 1st Law ∑ 𝐹𝑦 = 0, the normal force is η = w = mg. The work done by the friction
is
𝑊𝑜𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑟 = 𝑊𝑓 = −𝑓𝑘 𝑑 = −𝜇𝑘 𝜂𝑑 = −𝜇𝑘 𝑚𝑔𝑑

The block is not attached to the spring, so the block will continue until it stops at d =
1.00 m. The block losses all its mechanical energy.
𝐸2 = 𝐾2 + 𝑈𝑒𝑙2 = 0 + 0

60
 Then from 𝐸1 + 𝑊𝑜𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑟 = 𝐸2,
𝐸1 − 𝐸2
𝐸1 + (−𝜇𝑘 𝑚𝑔𝑑) = 𝐸2 ➔ 𝐸1 − 𝐸2 = 𝜇𝑘 𝑚𝑔𝑑 ➔ = 𝜇𝑘
𝑚𝑔𝑑
16.2 𝐽 − 0
𝜇𝑘 = 𝑚 = 𝟎. 𝟐𝟐
(0.75 𝑘𝑔) (9.8 2 ) (1.0 𝑚)
𝑠
(b) The work done by the friction varies with the distance travelled. Thus, upon reaching
the equilibrium d = 0.18 m, the block is moving with its maximum speed v2 . So,
1
𝐸2 = 𝐾2 + 𝑈𝑒𝑙2 𝑚𝑣2 2 + 0
2
Then from 𝐸1 + 𝑊𝑜𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑟 = 𝐸2,
1 2𝐸1 − 𝜇𝑘 𝑚𝑔𝑑
𝐸1 + (−𝜇𝑘 𝑚𝑔𝑑) = 𝑚𝑣2 2 ➔ 2𝐸1 − 𝜇𝑘 𝑚𝑔𝑑 = 𝑚𝑣2 2 ➔ 𝑣2 2 =
2 𝑚
𝑚
2𝐸1 − 𝜇𝑘 𝑚𝑔𝑑 √2(16.2 𝐽) − (0.22)(0.75 𝑘𝑔) (9.8 𝑠 2 ) (0.18 𝑚) 𝒎
𝑣2 = √ = = 𝟏. 𝟖𝟖
𝑚 0.75 𝑘𝑔 𝒔

3.5 Power
Power is the time rate at which work is done or energy is transferred. When a quantity
of work is done during a time interval, the average work is defined to be

𝑊 (𝐹 𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝜃)∆𝑥 ∆𝑥
𝑃𝑎𝑣𝑒 = = =𝐹 𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝜃 = 𝐹𝑣𝑎𝑣𝑒 𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝜃 = 𝐹⃗ ⋅ 𝑣⃗𝑎𝑣𝑒 (3-15)
∆𝑡 ∆𝑡 ∆𝑡

where 𝐹 – the magnitude of the force acting on a body while the body undergoes a
displacement ∆𝑥;
𝑣𝑎𝑣𝑒 – the magnitude of the average velocity of the object during the time interval ∆𝑥;
𝜃 – the angle between the force and average velocity.

Instantaneously, the power is

∆𝑊 𝑑𝑊
𝑃 = lim = = 𝐹𝑣 cos 𝜃 = 𝐹⃗ ⋅ 𝑣⃗ (3-16)
∆𝑡→0 ∆𝑡 𝑑𝑡
The SI Unit for Power is in Watt (W), where 1 W = 1 J/s = 1 Nm/s. It is also expressed in
horsepower (hp), 1 hp = 746 W. Note that we use the mathematical definition of the scalar
product of two vectors to obtained Equation (3-15) and (3-16).

Sample Problem

An elevator of mass 900 kg is designed to ascend, at constant speed, a vertical distance of

20.0 m (five floors) in 16.0 s, and it is driven by a motor that can provide up to 30 hp to the
elevator. What is the maximum number of passengers that can ride in the elevator? Assume
that an average passenger has mass 65.0 kg.

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Solution

746 𝑊𝑎𝑡𝑡𝑠
The motor provided a power of 30 hp or 30 ℎ𝑝 ( ) = 22380 𝑊𝑎𝑡𝑡𝑠 to move the elevator
1 ℎ𝑝
∆𝑦
at a constant speed 𝑣 = . The tension exerted by the cable on the elevator is parallel to
∆𝑡
the direction of its motion, so θ=0. Then,
∆𝑦 𝑃∆𝑡 (22380 𝑊𝑎𝑡𝑡𝑠)(16.0 𝑠)
𝑃 = 𝑇𝑣 𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝜃 = 𝐹 ( ) 𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝜃 ➔ 𝑇= = = 17904 𝑁
∆𝑡 ∆𝑦 𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝜃 (20.0 𝑚) 𝑐𝑜𝑠 0

The speed of the elevator is constant and by Newton’s 1st Law ∑ Fy = 0, the total mass of
the passengers is:

0 = 𝐹 − 𝑤𝑒𝑙𝑒𝑣 − 𝑤𝑝𝑎𝑠𝑠 = 𝐹 − (𝑚𝑒𝑙𝑒𝑣 + 𝑀𝑝𝑎𝑠𝑠 )𝑔 ➔ 𝐹 = (𝑚𝑒𝑙𝑒𝑣 + 𝑀𝑝𝑎𝑠𝑠 )𝑔

𝐹 17904 𝑁
𝑀𝑝𝑎𝑠𝑠 = − 𝑚𝑒𝑙𝑒𝑣 = 𝑚 − 900 𝑘𝑔 = 926.94 𝑘𝑔
𝑔 9.8 2
𝑠

If each passenger weighs mpass = 65.0 𝑘𝑔, then the number 𝑛 of passengers inside the
elevator is:

𝑀𝑝𝑎𝑠𝑠 926.94 𝑘𝑔
𝑀𝑝𝑎𝑠𝑠 = 𝑛(𝑚𝑝𝑎𝑠𝑠 ) ➔ 𝒏= = = 𝟏𝟒 𝒑𝒂𝒔𝒔𝒆𝒏𝒈𝒆𝒓𝒔
𝑚𝑝𝑎𝑠𝑠 65.0 𝑘𝑔

62
 Exercise No. 3

1. A 2.50 kg box is pulled by a constant force of 16 N that is exerted at an angle 36.9° above the horizontal.
The box has moved a distance of 3.00 m along a horizontal surface whose coefficient of kinetic friction
is 0.21. (a) What is the total work done on the box? (b) What is the speed of the box at 3.00 m if it is
initially at rest?
2. Two blocks A (wA=12 N) and B (wB=20 N) are connected by very light string
that passes over a frictionless pulley (as shown in Figure 3.8). Block B rest
on top of a horizontal tabletop and has a coefficient of kinetic friction against
between of 0.15. Block A is suspended on the other end and it does not hit
the edge of the tabletop. When the system is released from rest, block A
descends to 75 cm. (a) What is the total work done on the system? (b) Using
work-energy theorem, what is the speed of each blocks as block A descends
to 75 cm?
Fig. 3.8
3. The work done on a stretching a spring it to 3.50 cm from its equilibrium
length is 14.0 J. (a) How much force is required to stretch it at that distance?
(b) If a block of mass 2.75 kg moving at 4.8 m/s hits and runs into the same spring at its unstretched
length, what is maximum compression of the spring?
4. To compress a spring 5.0 cm from its unstretched length, 18.0 J of work must be done. (a) What is the
magnitude of the force needed to stretch it to 7.5 cm? (b) How much work must be done in stretching
this spring 7.5 cm from its unstretched length?
5. An ideal spring of negligible mass with force constant of 400 N/m is placed on a frictionless horizonal
table with one end fixed at a wall next to the table. A billiard ball of mass 200 g is pushed against the
spring, compressing the spring to some distance. After the system is released, the spring returns to
equilibrium with the billiard ball leaving the table’s edge at 4.00 m/s and hits the floor 80 cm below.
Using the principle of energy conservation, (a) determine the initial compression of the spring. (b) What
is the speed of the ball when it hits the floor?
6. A pendulum is formed from a small rock with mass of 0.10 kg that is fastened to a massless string with
length 0.750 m. It is swinging so as to make a maximum angle of 45.0° with the vertical. Air resistance
is negligible. What is the tension in the string as it passes through the vertical?
7. A 2.50 kg block is pushed against a spring with negligible mass and
force constant of 450 N/m, compressing the spring to 0.230 m. When
the block is released, it moved along a frictionless, horizontal surface
and then up a frictionless incline with slope 35.0° (as shown in Figure
3.9). (a) What is the speed of the block as it slides along the
horizontal surface after having left the spring? (b) How far does the
block travel up the incline before starting to slide back down? Fig. 3.9
8. A 62.0 kg skier starts from rest at the top of a ski slope 55.0 m high.
(a) If the frictional forces do -9.80 kJ of work on her as she descends, how fast is she going at the
bottom of the slope? (b) Now moving horizontally, the skier crosses an 85.0 m wide patch of soft snow,
where µK = 0.31. How fast is she moving after crossing the patch?
9. Your job is to lift 25.0 kg packaged boxes a vertical distance of 1.0 m from the ground onto the bed of
a delivery truck. How many packaged boxes would you have to load onto the truck in one minute for
your average output power that goes into lifting the boxes to be 0.11 hp?
10. A 65 kg mountain climber climbs through a vertical rope at a constant acceleration from rest to a speed
of 1.25 m/s in 10.0 s and feels no appreciable air resistance. How much power must the climber imparts
on the vertical rope?

Answers:

1. (a) 22.95 J, (b) 4.28 m/s 6. 1.55 N

2. (a) 6.75 J, (b) 2.03 m/s 7. (a) 3.09 m/s, (b) 84.7 cm
3. (a) 800 N, (b) 5.26 cm 8. (a) 27.6 m/s, (b) 15.7 m/s
4. (a) 1080 N, (b) 40.5 J 9. 20.1 boxes/min
5. (a) 8.94 cm, (b) 5.63 m/s 10. 806.41 W

63
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