Chapter 7

The Conservation of Energy

Conceptual Problems

1 • Two cylinders of unequal mass are connected by a massless cord that

passes over a frictionless peg (Figure 7-34). After the system is released from rest, Comment [EPM1]: Figure is at end of
document.
which of the following statements are true? (U is the gravitational potential
energy and K is the kinetic energy of the system.) (a) ΔU < 0 and ΔK > 0,
(b) ΔU = 0 and ΔK > 0, (c) ΔU < 0 and ΔK = 0, (d) ΔU = 0 and ΔK = 0,
(e) ΔU > 0 and ΔK < 0.

Determine the Concept Because the peg is frictionless, mechanical energy is

conserved as this system evolves from one state to another. The system moves and
so we know that ΔK > 0. Because ΔK + ΔU = constant, ΔU < 0. ( a) is correct.

Estimation and Approximation

15 •• Assume that your maximum metabolic rate (the maximum rate at

which your body uses its chemical energy) is 1500 W (about 2.7 hp). Assuming a
40 percent efficiency for the conversion of chemical energy into mechanical
energy, estimate the following: (a) the shortest time you could run up four flights
of stairs if each flight is 3.5 m high, (b) the shortest time you could climb the
Empire State Building (102 stories high) using your Part (a) result. Comment on
the feasibility of you actually achieving Part (b) result.

Picture the Problem The rate at which you expend energy, that is do work, is
defined as power and is the ratio of the work done to the time required to do the
work.

(a) Relate the rate at which you can ΔW ΔW

εP= ⇒ Δt =
expend energy to the work done in Δt εP
running up the four flights of stairs: where ε is the efficiency for the
conversion of chemical energy into
mechanical energy.

The work you do in climbing the ΔW = mgh

stairs increases your gravitational
potential energy:

Substitute for ΔW to obtain: mgh

Δt = (1)
εP

119
120 Chapter 7

Assuming that your mass is 70 kg,

Δt =
(70 kg )(9.81 m/s 2 )(4 × 3.5 m )
substitute numerical values in (0.40)(1500 W )
equation (1) and evaluate Δt:
≈ 16 s

(b) Substituting numerical values in equation (1) yields:

Δt =
(70 kg )(9.81 m/s 2 )(102 × 3.5 m ) = 409 s ≈ 6.8 min
(0.40)(1500 W )
The time of about 6.8 min is clearly not reasonable. The fallacy is that you cannot
do work at the given rate of 1500 W for more than very short intervals of time.

17 •• The chemical energy released by burning a gallon of gasoline is

approximately 1.3 × 105 kJ. Estimate the total energy used by all of the cars in the Comment [EPM2]: I found to sources
putting the energy content of 1 gal of
United States during the course of one year. What fraction does this represent of gasoline at 124,000 btu, which is equal to
the total energy use by the United States in one year (currently about 131,000 kJ.

5 × 1020 J)? Comment [EPM3]: DAVID: Not

change in value in problem 23.
Comment [EPM4]: TONY: Please
Picture the Problem There are about 3 × 108 people in the United States. On the cite the source for the US energy use.
assumption that the average family has 4 people in it and that they own two cars, Since I found the other value in this
problem to be incorrect I am suspect.
we have a total of 1.5 × 108 automobiles on the road (excluding those used for
industry). We’ll assume that each car uses about 15 gal of fuel per week.

Calculate, based on the assumptions identified above, the total annual

consumption of energy derived from gasoline:

⎞ ⎛ weeks ⎞ ⎛ kJ ⎞
(1.5 ×10 8 ⎛
)
auto ⎜15
gal
⎟ ⎜⎜ 52 ⎟⎟ ⎜⎜1.3 × 105 ⎟ = 1.5 × 1019 J/y
gal ⎟⎠
⎝ auto ⋅ week ⎠ ⎝ y ⎠⎝

Express this rate of energy use as a 1.5 ×1019 J/y

fraction of the total annual energy ≈ 3%
5 × 10 20 J/y
use by the United States:

Force, Potential Energy, and Equilibrium

25 •• The force Fx is associated with the potential-energy function U = C/x,

where C is a positive constant. (a) Find the force Fx as a function of x. (b) Is this
force directed toward the origin or away from it in the region x > 0? Repeat the
question for the region x < 0. (c) Does the potential energy U increase or decrease
as x increases in the region x > 0? (d) Answer Parts (b) and (c) where C is a Comment [EPM5]: DAVID: The
changes will require changes in the
negative constant. solution.
 Conservation of Energy 121

Picture the Problem Fx is defined to be the negative of the derivative of the

potential-energy function with respect to x, that is Fx = − dU dx . Consequently,
given U as a function of x, we can find Fx by differentiating U with respect to x.

(a) Evaluate Fx = −
dU
: d ⎛C ⎞ C
Fx = − ⎜ ⎟= 2
dx dx ⎝ x ⎠ x
r
(b) Because C > 0, if x > 0, Fx is positive and F points away from the origin. If
r
x < 0, Fx is still positive and F points toward the origin.

(c) Because U is inversely proportional to x and C > 0, U(x) decreases with

increasing x.
r
(d) When C < 0, if x > 0, Fx is negative and F points toward the origin. If x < 0,
r
Fx is negative and F points away from the origin.

Because U is inversely proportional to x and C < 0, U(x) becomes less negative as

x increases and U(x) increases with increasing x.

29 •• The potential energy of an object constrained to the x axis is given by

U(x) = 8x2 – x4, where U is in joules and x is in meters. (a) Determine the force
Fx associated with this potential energy function. (b) Assuming no other forces
act on the object, at what positions is this object in equilibrium? (c) Which of Comment [EPM6]: DAVID: The
solutions leaves out the x = 0 equilibrium
these equilibrium positions are stable and which are unstable? position.

Picture the Problem Fx is defined to be the negative of the derivative of the

potential-energy function with respect to x, that is Fx = − dU dx . Consequently,
given U as a function of x, we can find Fx by differentiating U with respect to x.
To determine whether the object is in stable or unstable equilibrium at a given
point, we’ll evaluate d 2U dx 2 at the point of interest.

(a) Evaluate the negative of the

derivative of U with respect to x:
Fx = −
dU
dx
=−
d
dx
(
8x 2 − x 4 )
= 4 x 3 − 16 x = 4 x(x + 2 )(x − 2)

(b) The object is in equilibrium 4 x(x + 2 )(x − 2 ) = 0 ⇒ the equilibrium

wherever Fnet = Fx = 0 : points are x = −2 m, 0, and 2 m.
122 Chapter 7

(c) To decide whether the equilibrium

at a particular point is stable or
d 2U d
=
dx 2 dx
( )
16 x − 4 x 3 = 16 − 12 x 2
unstable, evaluate the 2nd derivative
of the potential energy function at the
point of interest:

Evaluating d 2U dx 2 at x = −2 m, 0 and x = 2 m yields the following results:

x, m d 2U dx 2 Equilibrium
−2 −32 Unstable
0 16 Stable
2 −32 Unstable

Remarks: You could also decide whether the equilibrium positions are stable
or unstable by plotting F(x) and examining the curve at the equilibrium
positions.

33 •• A straight rod of negligible mass is mounted on a frictionless pivot, as

shown in Figure 7-38. Blocks have masses m1 and m2 are attached to the rod at
distances l1 and l 2 . (a) Write an expression for the gravitational potential energy
of the blocks-Earth system as a function of the angle θ made by the rod and the
horizontal. (b) For what angle θ is this potential energy a minimum? Is the
statement ″systems tend to move toward a configuration of minimum potential
energy″ consistent with your result? (c) Show that if m1l1 = m2 l 2 , the potential
energy is the same for all values of θ. (When this holds, the system will balance at
any angle θ. This result is known as Archimedes’ law of the lever.)

Picture the Problem The gravitational potential energy of this system of two
objects is the sum of their individual potential energies and is dependent on an
arbitrary choice of where, or under what condition(s), the gravitational potential
energy is zero. The best choice is one that simplifies the mathematical details of the
expression for U. In this problem let’s choose U = 0 where θ = 0.

(a) Express U for the 2-object system U (θ ) = U1 + U 2

as the sum of their gravitational = m2 gl 2 sin θ − m1 gl 1 sin θ
potential energies; noting that because
= (m2l 2 − m1l1 )g sin θ
the object whose mass is m2 is above
the position we have chosen for U = 0,
its potential energy is positive while
that of the object whose mass is m1 is
negative:
 Conservation of Energy 123

(b) Differentiate U with respect to θ

= (m2 l 2 − m1l 1 )g cosθ = 0
dU
and set this derivative equal to zero dθ
to identify extreme values: from which we can conclude that
cosθ = 0 and θ = cos−10.

To be physically meaningful, θ = ±π 2
− π 2 ≤ θ ≤ π 2 . Hence:

Express the 2nd derivative of U with d 2U

= −(m2l 2 − m1l 1 )g sin θ
respect to θ and evaluate this dθ 2
derivative at θ = ± π 2 :

If we assume, in the expression for U d 2U

> 0 and
that we derived in (a), that dθ 2 −π 2
m2l2 – m1l1 > 0, then U(θ) is a sine
function and, in the interval of U is a minimum at θ = − π 2
interest, d 2U
−π 2 ≤θ ≤ π 2, < 0 and
dθ 2 π 2
takes on its minimum value when
θ = −π/2: U is a maximum at θ = π 2

(c) If m2l2 = m1l1, then: m1l 1 − m2 l 2 = 0

and
U = 0 independent of θ .

Remarks: An alternative approach to establishing that U is a maximum at

θ = π/2 is to plot its graph and note that, in the interval of interest, U is
concave downward with its maximum value at θ = π/2. Similarly, it can be
shown that U is a minimum at θ = −π/2 (Part (b)).

The Conservation of Mechanical Energy

41 • A 16-kg child on a 6.0-m-long playground swing moves with a speed

of 3.4 m/s when the swing seat passes through its lowest point. What is the angle Comment [A7]: AU: Is this 6.0 m the
length of the seat, or the length of the
that the swing makes with the vertical when the swing is at its highest point? movement the child makes while
Assume that the effects due to air resistance are negligible, and assume that the swinging?
child is not pumping the swing.
124 Chapter 7

Picture the Problem Let the system

consist of Earth and the child. Then
Wext = 0. Choose Ug = 0 at the child’s θ
lowest point as shown in the diagram to
the right. Then the child’s initial energy
is entirely kinetic and its energy when L L−h
it is at its highest point is entirely
gravitational potential. We can
determine h from conservation of
mechanical energy and then use r
vi
trigonometry to determineθ. h
Ug = 0

Using the diagram, relate θ to h and ⎛ L−h⎞ −1 ⎛ h⎞

θ = cos −1 ⎜ ⎟ = cos ⎜1 − ⎟ (1)
L: ⎝ L ⎠ ⎝ L⎠

Apply conservation of mechanical Wext = ΔK + ΔU = 0

energy to the system to obtain: or, because Kf = Ug,i = 0,
− K i + U g,f = 0

Substituting for Ki and Ug,f yields: vi2

− 12 mvi2 + mgh = 0 ⇒ h =
2g

Substitute for h in equation (1) to ⎛ vi2 ⎞

θ = cos −1 ⎜⎜1 − ⎟
obtain: ⎝ 2 gL ⎟⎠

Substitute numerical values and ⎛

θ = cos −1 ⎜⎜1 −
(3.4 m/s) 2 ⎞
⎟
evaluate θ :
⎝ 2(9.81m/s )(6.0 m ) ⎟⎠
2

= 26°

45 •• A ball at the end of a string moves in a vertical circle with constant

mechanical energy E. What is the difference between the tension at the bottom of
the circle and the tension at the top?
 Conservation of Energy 125

Picture the Problem The diagram m

r
represents the ball traveling in a mg
circular path with constant energy. Ug r
TT
has been chosen to be zero at the
lowest point on the circle and the
superimposed free-body diagrams show
the forces acting on the ball at the top
(T) and bottom (B) of the circular path. R
We’ll apply Newton’s second law to r
the ball at the top and bottom of its path r
v
to obtain a relationship between TT and TB m
TB and conservation of mechanical
energy to relate the speeds of the ball at m Ug = 0
r
these two locations. mg

Apply ∑F radial = maradial to the ball at

TB − mg = m
vB2
the bottom of the circle and solve for R
TB: and
vB2
TB = mg + m (1)
R

Apply ∑F radial = maradial to the ball at

TT + mg = m
vT2
the top of the circle and solve for TT: R
and
vT2
TT = −mg + m (2)
R

Subtract equation (2) from equation vB2

TB − TT = mg + m
(1) to obtain: R
⎛ v2 ⎞
− ⎜⎜ − mg + m T ⎟⎟
⎝ R⎠
2 2
v v
= m B − m T + 2mg (3)
R R

Using conservation of mechanical 1

2 mvB2 = 12 mvT2 + mg (2 R )
energy, relate the energy of the ball or
at the bottom of its path to its vB2 v2
mechanical energy at the top of the m − m T = 4mg
R R
circle:

Substituting in equation (3) yields: TB − TT = 6mg

126 Chapter 7

55 •• A pendulum consists of a string of length L and a bob of mass m. The

bob is rotated until the string is horizontal. The bob is then projected downward
with the minimum initial speed needed to enable the bob to make a full revolution
in the vertical plane. (a) What is the maximum kinetic energy of the bob?
(b) What is the tension in the string when the kinetic energy is maximum?

Picture the Problem Let the system consist of Earth and the pendulum bob. Then
Wext = 0. Choose Ug = 0 at the bottom of the circle and let points 1, 2 and 3
represent the bob’s initial point, lowest point and highest point, respectively. The
bob will gain speed and kinetic energy until it reaches point 2 and slow down
until it reaches point 3; so it has its maximum kinetic energy when it is at point 2.
We can use Newton’s second law at points 2 and 3 in conjunction with
conservation of mechanical energy to find the maximum kinetic energy of the bob
and the tension in the string when the bob has its maximum kinetic energy.
m
3 r
mg

L 1
m
r
v1
r
T2

2
m Ug = 0
r
mg

(a) Apply ∑F radial = maradial to the

mg = m
v32
⇒ v32 = gL
bob at the top of the circle and solve L
for v32 :

Apply conservation of mechanical K3 − K2 + U 3 −U 2 = 0

energy to the system to express the or, because U2 = 0,
relationship between K2, K3 and U3: K3 − K 2 + U 3 = 0

Solving for K2 yields: K 2 = K max = K 3 + U 3

Substituting for K3 and U3 yields: K max = 12 mv32 + mg (2 L )

Substitute for v32 and simplify to K max = 12 m( gL ) + 2mgL = 5

2 mgL
obtain:
 Conservation of Energy 127

(b) Apply ∑ Fradial = mac to the v22

Fnet = T2 − mg = m
bob at the bottom of the circle L
and solve for T2: and
v22
T2 = mg + m (1)
L

Use conservation of mechanical energy K 3 − K 2 + U 3 − U 2 = 0 where U 2 = 0

to relate the energies of the bob at and
points 2 and 3 and solve for K2: K 2 = K 3 + U 3 = 12 mv32 + mg (2 L )

Substitute for v32 and K2 to obtain: 1

2 mv22 = 12 m( gL ) + mg (2 L ) ⇒ v22 = 5 gL

Substitute for v22 in equation (1) and 5 gL

T2 = mg + m = 6mg
simplify to obtain: L

59 ••• A pendulum is suspended from the ceiling and attached to a spring

fixed to the floor directly below the pendulum support (Figure 7-48). The mass of
the pendulum bob is m, the length of the pendulum is L, and the force constant is
k. The unstressed length of the spring is L/2 and the distance between the floor
and ceiling is 1.5L. The pendulum is pulled aside so that it makes an angle θ with
the vertical and is then released from rest. Obtain an expression for the speed of
the pendulum bob as the bob passes through a point directly below the pendulum
support.

Picture the Problem Choose Ug = 0 at

point 2, the lowest point of the bob’s
trajectory and let the system consist of θ
Earth, the ceiling, the spring, and the
pendulum bob. Given this choice, there L L cos θ
are no external forces doing work to
change the energy of the system. The
bob’s initial energy is partially 1
gravitational potential and partially
potential energy stored in the stretched x 2
spring. As the bob swings down to L/2
point 2 this energy is transformed into 2θ
L/2
kinetic energy. By equating these
energies, we can derive an expression
for the speed of the bob at point 2.
128 Chapter 7

Apply conservation of mechanical Wext = ΔK + ΔU g + ΔU s = 0

energy to the system as the or, because K1 = Ug,2 = Us,2 = 0,
pendulum bob swings from point 1 K 2 − U g,1 − U s,1 = 0
to point 2:

Substituting for K2, Ug,1, and Us,2 1

2 mv22 − mgL(1 − cosθ ) − 12 kx 2 = 0 (1)
yields:

Apply the Pythagorean theorem to the lower triangle in the diagram to obtain:

(x + 12 L )2 = L2 [sin 2 θ + ( 32 − cosθ )2 ]
[
= L2 sin 2 θ + 94 − 3 cosθ + cos 2 θ ]
= L2 (134 − 3 cosθ )

Take the square root of both sides of x + 12 L = L (134 − 3 cosθ )

the equation to obtain:

Solving for x yields: x=L [( 13

4 − 3 cos θ ) − 12 ]
Substitute for x in equation (1) to obtain:

1
2 mv22 = 12 kL2 [( 13
4 − 3 cos θ ) − 12 ] 2
+ mgL(1 − cosθ )

Solving for v2 yields:

v2 = L 2
g
L
(1 − cosθ ) + k
m
( 13
4 − 3 cosθ − 12 ) 2

Total Energy and Non-conservative Forces

65 •• The 2.0-kg block in Figure 7-49 slides down a frictionless curved

ramp, starting from rest at a height of 3.0 m. The block then slides 9.0 m on a
rough horizontal surface before coming to rest. (a) What is the speed of the block
at the bottom of the ramp? (b) What is the energy dissipated by friction?
(c) What is the coefficient of kinetic friction between the block and the horizontal
surface?

Picture the Problem Let the system include the block, the ramp and horizontal
surface, and Earth. Given this choice, there are no external forces acting that will
change the energy of the system. Because the curved ramp is frictionless,
mechanical energy is conserved as the block slides down it. We can calculate its
 Conservation of Energy 129

speed at the bottom of the ramp by using conservation of energy. The potential
energy of the block at the top of the ramp or, equivalently, its kinetic energy at the
bottom of the ramp is converted into thermal energy during its slide along the
horizontal surface.

(a) Let the numeral 1 designate the Wext = ΔEmech + ΔEtherm

initial position of the block and the or, because Wext = Ki = Uf = ΔEtherm = 0,
numeral 2 its position at the foot of 0 = 12 mv22 − mgΔh = 0 ⇒ v2 = 2 gΔh
the ramp. Choose Ug = 0 at point 2
and use conservation of energy to
relate the block’s potential energy at
the top of the ramp to its kinetic
energy at the bottom:

Substitute numerical values and ( )

v2 = 2 9.81 m/s 2 (3.0 m ) = 7.67 m/s
evaluate v2:
= 7.7 m/s

(b) The energy dissipated by Wf + ΔK + ΔU = ΔE therm + ΔK + ΔU

friction is responsible for =0
changing the thermal energy of
the system:

Because ΔK = 0 for the slide: Wf = − ΔU = −(U 2 − U 1 ) = U 1

Substituting for U1 yields: Wf = mgΔh

Substitute numerical values and ( )

Wf = (2.0 kg ) 9.81 m/s 2 (3.0 m ) = 58.9 J
evaluate U1 :
= 59 J

(c) The energy dissipated by ΔEtherm = fΔs = μ k mgΔx

friction is given by:

Solving for μ k yields: ΔEtherm

μk =
mgΔx

Substitute numerical values and 58.9 J

μk =
evaluate μ k : ( )
(2.0 kg ) 9.81m/s 2 (9.0 m )
= 0.33
130 Chapter 7

69 •• The initial speed of a 2.4-kg box traveling up a plane inclined 37° to

the horizontal is 3.8 m/s. The coefficient of kinetic friction between the box and
the plane is 0.30. (a) How far along the incline does the box travel before coming Comment [EPM8]: DAVID: This
problem now has part (a) and part (b).
to a stop? (b) What is its speed when it has traveled half the distance found in Part
(a)?

Picture the Problem The box will slow down and stop due to the dissipation of
thermal energy. Let the system be Earth, the box, and the inclined plane and apply
the work-energy theorem with friction. With this choice of the system, there are
no external forces doing work to change the energy of the system. The pictorial
representation shows the forces acting on the box when it is moving up the
incline.
x
=L
x1
y m
r
Fn

h
m

r θ
fk r
θ Fg
=0
x0 Ug = 0
0

(a) Apply the work-energy theorem Wext = ΔE mech + ΔE therm

with friction to the system: = ΔK + ΔU + ΔE therm

Substitute for ΔK, ΔU, and ΔEtherm 0 = 12 mv12 − 12 mv02 + mgh + μ k Fn L (1)
to obtain:

Referring to the free-body diagram, Fn = mg cos θ

relate the normal force to the weight
of the box and the angle of the
incline:

Relate h to the distance L along h = L sin θ

the incline:

Substitute in equation (1) to obtain:

μ k mgL cosθ + 12 mv12 − 12 mv02 + mgL sin θ = 0 (2)

 Conservation of Energy 131

Solving equation (2) for L yields: v02

L=
2 g (μ k cos θ + sin θ )

Substitute numerical values and evaluate L:

L=
(3.8 m/s)2
(
2 9.81m/s 2
)[(0.30)cos37° + sin37°] = 0.8747 m = 0.87 m

(b) Let v 1 L represent the box’s speed when it is halfway up the incline.
2

Then equation (2) becomes:

μ k mg ( 12 L )cosθ + 12 mv 2L − 12 mv02 + mg ( 12 L )sin θ = 0

1
2

Solving for v 1 L yields :

2
v 1 L = v02 − gL(sinθ + μ k cosθ )
2

Substitute numerical values and evaluate v 1 L :

2

vf = (3.8 m/s)2 − (9.81m/s2 )(0.8747 m)[sin37° + (0.30)cos37°]] = 2.7 m/s

Mass and Energy

75 • You are designing the fuel requirements for a small fusion electric-
generating plant. Assume 33% conversion to electric energy. For the deuterium–
tritium (D–T) fusion reaction in Example 7-18, calculate the number of reactions Comment [EPM9]: DAVID: In the
solution the reference to this example is
per second that are necessary to generate 1.00 kW of electric power. incorrect.

Picture the Problem The number of reactions per second is given by the ratio of
the power generated to the energy released per reaction. The number of reactions
that must take place to produce a given amount of energy is the ratio of the energy
per second (power) to the energy released per second.

In Example 7-18 it is shown that the energy per reaction is 17.59 MeV. Convert
this energy to joules:

( )
17.59 MeV = (17.59 MeV ) 1.602 × 10 −19 J/eV = 28.18 ×10 −13 J
132 Chapter 7

Assuming 33% conversion to electric energy, the number of reactions per second
is:

1000 J/s
≈ 1.1×1015 reactions/s
( )
(0.33) 28.18 ×10−13 J/reaction

General Problems

85 • You are in charge of ″solar-energizing″ your grandfather’s farm. At the

farm’s location, an average of 1.0 kW/m2 reaches the surface during the daylight
hours on a clear day. If this could be converted at 25% efficiency to electric
energy, how large a collection area would you need to run a 4.0-hp irrigation
water pump during the daylight hours?

Picture the Problem The solar constant is the average energy per unit area and
per unit time reaching the upper atmosphere. This physical quantity can be
thought of as the power per unit area and is known as intensity.

Letting I surface represent the intensity P P

ε I surface = ⇒A=
of the solar radiation at the surface of A ε I surface
Earth, express I surface as a function of where ε is the efficiency of conversion Deleted: the earth

power and the area on which this to electric energy.

energy is incident:

Substitute numerical values and 746 W

4.0 hp ×
evaluate A: hp
A= = 12 m 2
(
(0.25) 1.0 kW/m 2 )
93 •• In a volcanic eruption, a 2-kg piece of porous volcanic rock is thrown
straight upward with an initial speed of 40 m/s. It travels upward a distance of
50 m before it begins to fall back to Earth. (a) What is the initial kinetic energy of
the rock? (b) What is the increase in thermal energy due to air resistance during
ascent? (c) If the increase in thermal energy due to air resistance on the way
down is 70% of that on the way up, what is the speed of the rock when it returns
to its initial position?
 Conservation of Energy 133

Picture the Problem Let the system consist of Earth, the rock and the air. Given
this choice, there are no external forces to do work on the system and Wext = 0.
Choose Ug = 0 to be where the rock begins its upward motion. The initial kinetic
energy of the rock is partially transformed into potential energy and partially
dissipated by air resistance as the rock ascends. During its descent, its potential
energy is partially transformed into kinetic energy and partially dissipated by air
resistance.

(a) The initial kinetic energy of the K i = 12 mvi2

rock is given by:

Substitute numerical values and Ki = 1

2 (2.0 kg )(40 m/s)2 = 1.6 kJ
evaluate Ki:

(b) Apply the work-energy theorem ΔK + ΔU + ΔEtherm = 0

with friction to relate the energies of or, because Kf = 0,
the system as the rock ascends: − K i + ΔU + ΔEtherm = 0

Solving for ΔEtherm yields: ΔE therm = K i − ΔU

Substitute numerical values and evaluate ΔEtherm :

( )
ΔE therm = 1.6 kJ − (2.0 kg ) 9.81 m/s 2 (50 m ) = 0.619 kJ = 0.6 kJ

(c) Apply the work-energy theorem ΔK + ΔU + 0.70ΔE therm = 0

with friction to relate the energies of
the system as the rock descends:

Because Ki = Uf = 0: K f − U i + 0.70ΔE therm = 0

Substitute for the energies to obtain: 1

2 mvf2 − mgh + 0.70ΔE therm = 0

Solve for vf to obtain: 1.40ΔE therm

vf = 2 gh −
m

Substitute numerical values and evaluate vf :

1.40(0.619 kJ )
( )
vf = 2 9.81 m/s 2 (50 m ) −
2.0 kg
= 23 m/s
134 Chapter 7

95 •• A block of mass m is suspended from a wall bracket by a spring and is

free to move vertically (Figure 7-54). The +y direction is downward and the
origin is at the position of the block when the spring is unstressed. (a) Show that
the potential energy as a function of position may be expressed as
U = 12 ky 2 − mgy , (b) Using a spreadsheet program or graphing calculator, make
a graph of U as a function of y with k = 2 N/m and mg = 1 N. (c) Explain how
this graph shows that there is a position of stable equilibrium for a positive value
of y. Using the Part (a) expression for U, determine (symbolically) the value of y
when the block is at its equilibrium position. (d) From the expression for U, find
the net force acting on m at any position y. (e) The block is released from rest
with the spring unstressed; if there is no friction, what is the maximum value of y Comment [EPM10]: DAVID: Part
(c) has changed and the solution for it
that will be reached by the mass? Indicate ymax on your graph/spreadsheet. will need to be changed accordingly.

Picture the Problem Let the system include Earth, the block and the spring.
Given the potential energy function as a function of y, we can find the net force
acting on the given system using F = −dU / dy . The maximum extension of the
spring; that is, the lowest position of the mass on its end, can be found by
applying the work-energy theorem. The equilibrium position of the system can be
found by applying the work-energy theorem with friction … as can the amount of
thermal energy produced as the system oscillates to its equilibrium position. In
Part (c), setting dU/dy equal to zero and solving the resulting equation for y will
yield the value of y when the block is in its equilibrium position

(a) The potential energy of the U = Ug +Us

oscillator is the sum of the
gravitational potential energy of the
block and the energy stored in the
stretched spring:

Letting the zero of gravitational U= 1

2 ky 2 − mgy
potential energy be at the oscillator’s
where y is the distance the spring is
equilibrium position yields:
stretched.
 Conservation of Energy 135

(b) A graph of U as a function of y follows. Because k and m are not specified, k

has been set equal to 2 and mg to 1.
1.0

0.8

0.6

0.4
U (J)

0.2

0.0

-0.2

-0.4
0.0 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 1.0 1.2 1.4 1.6
y (m)

(c) The fact that U is a minimum near y = 0.5 m tells us that this is a position of
stable equilibrium.

= ( ky − mgy ) = ky − mg
Differentiate U with respect to y to dU d 1 2
obtain: dy dy 2

Setting this expression equal to mg

ky − mg = 0 ⇒ y =
zero for extrema yields: k

(d) Evaluate the negative of the

derivative of U with respect to y:
F =−
dU
dy
=−
d
dy
( 1
2 ky 2 − mgy )
= − ky + mg

(e) Apply conservation of energy ΔK + ΔU + ΔEtherm = 0

to the movement of the mass
from y = 0 to y = y max :

Because ΔK = 0 (the object starts ΔU = U ( y max ) − U (0) = 0

from rest and is momentarily at rest
at y = y max ) and (no friction), it
follows that:

Because U(0) = 0: U ( y max ) = 0 ⇒ 12 ky max

2
− mgy max = 0
136 Chapter 7

Solve for y max to obtain: 2mg

y max =
k
On the graph, ymax is at (1.0, 0.0).

99 ••• To measure the combined force of friction (rolling friction plus air
drag) on a moving car, an automotive engineering team you are on turns off the
engine and allows the car to coast down hills of known steepness. The team
collects the following data: (1) On a 2.87° hill, the car can coast at a steady
20 m/s. (2) On a 5.74° hill, the steady coasting speed is 30 m/s. The total mass of
the car is 1000 kg. (a) What is the magnitude of the combined force of friction at
20 m/s (F20) and at 30 m/s (F30)? (b) How much power must the engine deliver to
drive the car on a level road at steady speeds of 20 m/s (P20) and 30 m/s (P30)?
(c) The maximum power the engine can deliver is 40 kW. What is the angle of
the steepest incline up which the car can maintain a steady 20 m/s? (d) Assume
that the engine delivers the same total useful work from each liter of gas, no
matter what the speed. At 20 m/s on a level road, the car gets 12.7 km/L. How
many kilometers per liter does it get if it goes 30 m/s instead?

Picture the Problem We can use Newton’s second law to determine the force of
friction as a function of the angle of the hill for a given constant speed. The power
r r
output of the engine is given by P = Ff ⋅ v .

FBD for (a): FBD for (c):

y r y r
Fn Fn
x

r
F
r
Ff

x
θ r θ
r Ff
r
Fg Fg

(a) Apply ∑F x = max to the car: mg sin θ − F = 0 ⇒ F = mg sin θ

Evaluate F for the two speeds: ( )

F20 = (1000 kg ) 9.81 m/s 2 sin (2.87°)
= 491 N
and
( )
F30 = (1000 kg ) 9.81 m/s 2 sin (5.74°)
= 981 N
 Conservation of Energy 137

(b) The power an engine must P = Ff v

deliver on a level road in order to
overcome friction loss is given by:

Evaluate this expression for P20 = (491 N )(20 m/s ) = 9.8 kW

v = 20 m/s and 30 m/s:
and
P30 = (981 N )(30 m/s ) = 29 kW

(c) Apply ∑F x = max to the car: ∑F x = F − mg sin θ − Ff = 0

Solving for F gives: F = mg sin θ + Ff

Relate F to the power output of the P

F=
engine and the speed of the car: v

Equate these expressions for F to P

= mg sin θ + Ff
obtain: v

Solving for θ yields: ⎡P ⎤

⎢ − Ff ⎥
θ = sin ⎢ v−1
⎥
⎢ mg ⎥
⎣ ⎦

Substitute numerical values and ⎡ 40 kW ⎤

evaluate θ for Ff = F20 : ⎢ 20 m/s − 491 N ⎥
θ = sin ⎢
−1
⎥
(
⎢ (1000 kg ) 9.81 m/s
2
) ⎥
⎢⎣ ⎥⎦
= 8.8°

(d) Express the equivalence of the Wengine = F20 (Δs )20 = F30 (Δs )30
work done by the engine in driving
the car at the two speeds:

Let ΔV represent the volume of fuel (Δs )20 (Δs )30

F20 = F30
consumed by the engine driving the ΔV ΔV
car on a level road and divide both
sides of the work equation by ΔV to
obtain:
138 Chapter 7

(Δs )30 (Δs )30 =

F20 (Δs )20
Solve for :
ΔV ΔV F30 ΔV

Substitute numerical values and (Δs )30 =

491 N
(12.7 km/L)
(Δs )30 ΔV 981 N
evaluate :
ΔV = 6.36 km/L

105 •• A high school teacher once suggested measuring the magnitude of

free-fall acceleration by the following method: Hang a mass on a very fine thread
(length L) to make a pendulum with the mass a height H above the floor when at
its lowest point P. Pull the pendulum back so that the thread makes an angle θ0 Comment [EPM11]: DAVID:
Weight has been replaced by mass, and
with the vertical. Just above point P, place a razor blade that is positioned to cut the table has been disposed with.
through the thread as the mass swings through point P. Once the thread is cut, the
mass is projected horizontally, and hits the floor a horizontal distance D from
point P. The idea was that the measurement of D as a function of θ0 should
somehow determine g. Apart from some obvious experimental difficulties, the
experiment had one fatal flaw: D does not depend on g! Show that this is true,
and that D depends only on the angle θ0.

Picture the Problem The pictorial y

representation shows the bob swinging
through an angle θ0 before the thread is L
θ0
cut and the ball is launched
L(1 − cos θ0)
horizontally. Let its speed at position 1 0
be v1. We can use conservation of
mechanical energy to relate v1 to the 1

change in the potential energy of the Ug = 0 P

bob as it swings through the angle θ0.
We can find its flight time Δt from a
constant-acceleration equation and then
H
express D as the product of v1 and Δt.

x
0 D

Relate the distance D traveled D = v1Δt (1)

horizontally by the bob to its launch
speed v1 and time of flight Δt:

Use conservation of mechanical K1 − K 0 + U1 − U 0 = 0

energy to relate its energies at or, because U1 = K0 = 0,
positions 0 and 1: K1 − U 0 = 0
 Conservation of Energy 139

Substitute for K1 and U0 to obtain: 1

2 mv12 − mgL(1 − cos θ 0 ) = 0

Solving for v1 yields: v1 = 2 gL(1 − cos θ 0 )

In the absence of air resistance, the Δy = v0 y Δt + 12 a y (Δt )

2

horizontal and vertical motions of

the bob are independent of each or, because Δy = −H, ay = −g, and
other and we can use a constant- v0y = 0,
2H
acceleration equation to express the − H = − 12 g (Δt ) ⇒ Δt =
2

time of flight (the time to fall a g

distance H):

Substitute in equation (1) and 2H

simplify to obtain: D = 2 gL(1 − cos θ 0 )
g
= 2 HL(1 − cos θ 0 )
which shows that, while D depends on
θ0, it is independent of g.
140 Chapter 7