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Mechanical Energy
101
Class 9 CBSE Sclence
1et's try and calculate the ork done on the s9 CBSE Science
tearn Mechanical Energy 100

AND KINETIC ENERGY

***
coin.
ubstituting for a,
DIFERENCE BETWEEN MOMENTUM
12 might remember that the
We know that,

ets start by calculating

the momentum of the two objects. You W Fs F-m u
amomentum of an objectis given by the product of
its mass and v e l O c y
of motion, 26
From
the equations Substituting for F in the
v = u +2as equation for work
Rearre
nging in terms of acceleration,
W-m-
a = V u ?

Thus,
2s
second law of
Momentum=5 kg x 100 m/s 5 0 0 kgm/s Newton's
motion,
Momentum= mv= 100 kg x 5ms =

500 kgm/s Kineticenergy= mv

From
F= ma
W-mv-mu
Kinetic energy mv x(5 kg) x (100 m/s)
But,mv
v2is the final kinetic energy ot the brown coin and
(5m/s)= 1250J 25000 J work done
net work done on the brown coin is mu is its initial kinetic energy
x(100kg) x
Thus,the equal to the change in its
kinetic energy.
This principle is known
nle as the
have the same momentum. However, if you compare their
both the cycle and the baseballfind work-energy theorem. It states that the net
Here, that the baseball has 20 times more
kinetic energy than the dchange in its kinetic energy. work done
energies, you will to on a body
respective kinetic is equal
thecycle, making it much more dangerous.
separate physiIcal quantities and should not be
In conclusion, momentum and kinetic energy
are

confused for each other THINK&REFLECT

THINK&REFLECT thrown straight up. As t does work against gravity,

hall is
decreases, finally causing t t O come to a rest. Where does its
A

velocity slowly
its kinetic energy go?
Let's go back to the carrom board. After being
hit by the player, the striker hits a brown coin.
Why does the striker slow down and stop
eventually after hitting the brown coin?

- POTENTIAL ENERGY
13 WORK-ENERGY THEOREM
As the ball climbs higher, its kinetic energy begins to
h coin isinitially at rest. This means that its velocity is zero, and hence its kinetic energy is zero. Ball moving
reduce as it does work against gravity. But, it starts
upwards
Before collision When the striker hits the brown coin, a storing another form of energy. Based on its position,
transfer of energy takes place. As energy an object is capable of storing energy. Here, the ball is
is transferred from the striker to the brown Gravity at a height from the ground and hence hasa certain
Energy transfer during coin, the striker starts slowing down as it energy associated with this height,
stored within it
collision loses energy to the brown coin. As the This stored energy associated with the position
of
brown coin gains energy, the brown coin an object is known as potential energy.
starts moVing and hence, does work.
collision
 drn iedhanical E
anical Enerey
Class 9 CBSE Science 103
102 lass 9
Learn Mechanical Energy of ball dropped CBSE
velocit

height of 5m Science
GRAVITATIONAL POTENTIAL ENERGY
141 at a height above
J2x10x5=10m/s
Velocty of ball dropp
towards its surface, an object from
Since the Earth tends to pull objects energy associated with it. neight of 20m
gravitational potential
surface of the Earth has a
the
Explorel 2x10x20-20 m/s
THINK &REFLECT N o wt h a know the velocity with
which it hits the
from a height of 5mand from a hoi
water, we can
ball weighing 2 kg is dropped
into a swimming pool height energy.
kinetic en

of 20 m. Nhen will it cause

a bigger splash? calculate its
Kinetic energy of Explorel
the ball when
of 20m-mv=x2x20=400 it is
dropped from a
held at a height of 20
m Since the mass of the ball remains constant, the P.E K.E heignt
It is obvious that the ball only variable in this equation is the height.
But, why is this so?
will cause a bigger splash. Kinetic energy of
the ball when it
is
Potential energy when it is of 5m-x2x10 =100) dropped from a
herght
the work done in 2
Let's start with calculating dropped from a height
height h. If the ball is lifted
getting the ball to a
of 20 m=2x10 x 20 400J So, it is clear
constant speed, then the force that
straight up at
P.E K.E kinetic energy thanthe ball dropped from 20
to lift it is equal to its weight (mg). the ball m has more
needed
What happens to dropped from 5 m.
Potential energy when it is its
F=mg water? Since its potential energy when
Then, the work done on it is,
W= Fs (Here, s is dropped from a height height from the water is 0, itsit hits the
h to which the box is raised). energy is also 0. Then, where potential
equal to the height of 5 m 2 x 10 x5= 100J did itspotential energy go?
Substituting for F, If you
compare its initial potential
W=mgh
energy with which it hits the energy with the kinetic
P.E K.E the values are water, you will find that
Whenever work is done, a transfer of energy 20 m the same. This
means that all the ball's
potential energy is converted to kinetic

A
takes place. Since work is done against gravity in ball is energy.When
the
dropped from 20 m, it has more
raising the ball, the transferred energy is stored and hence, more potential energy
in the ball in the form of potential energy. Thus, kinetic energy than when it is
from 5 m. This dropped
15m there is more of a
greater value of kinetic energy is why
splash when the ball is dropped from
a greater height.

So, it is clear that the ball dropped from 20 m has THINK&REFLECT

more potential energy than the ball dropped from
5 m. Explore!
In the given image, an object is
Once the ball has been dropped, it is no longer
raised to a height h via two different
at rest and starts flling downwards. Using the
paths. Willit have differentvalues
equations of motion, we can calculate the velocity
of potential energy stored within it?
with which it hits the water
V=u+2as
mg
Since the ball is initially at rest and falling
solely under the influence of gravity, u = 0 and
Potential energy = mgh a =g. Thus, Explore!
v=2gs
 ass 9
earn vie CBSE Science
Thus, the amount ot energy stored in the

to lift
Inorder be
an
done
object to
against
a
certain

gravity.
height,
This
in
work
work

that
will be the same in both cases. Therefore t
potential energy ot an object depends only
the arrow simpl
142 ELASTIC POTENTIALEENERGY
the first
case,
needs to
of potential
energy
its initial and final position and is independent n simply
falls to the
is stored
in t h e form
it.
se, it covers a greater distance. ground when it is
done is given by, of the path followed by released. However, in the cond
object.
Work
To understand
why happens,
this
let's lookat seco
hov the
at how
shape of the bow changes in both cases.
W-Fs Final
object and s
position
In the
first
case, tnere is no change t he shape
exerted on the bow, while in the second Thus, in the second case, the bow
Where F is
the force of the I his deformation is
tne bow attains some
energy due to the
iS i t s d i s p l a c e m e n t .
isdeformed. of the change in its shape. This
1sr force exerted on it by the archer when he
energy is stored within the bow in the form of
amount of energy stored depends pulls the string. elastic potential energy.
Therefore, the and NOT on the
of the object
on the displacement
covered. Here, even
though the object
distance via two different paths
A Original position of
raised to a height h string
is Initial position
remains the same, i.e.
and B, its displacement
the height h. Changing the height of an object isn't the only Gain in kinetic
way to store energy in it. Let's look at another energy of arrow
way in which objects store potential energy.

No potential energy

THINK &REFLECT ecause bow is

unstretched Gain in potential
energy of stretched
in the given image, an archer is firing an In the second instance, he pulls the arrow string
back, causing the bow to deform before he
arrow. In the firstinstance, he simply places
releases the arro
the arrow in the bow and releases it. At rest
Drawn

We can conclude that the greater the

change in Sofar, we have learned that the energy associated

0
the shape of an object, the more work done on with the motion of
it and hence the more potential energy stored
an object is known as its kinetic
energy and the energy associated with the shape
in it or
position of the object is known as its potential
energy. Together, they form the mechanical
energy of the object.

IN A NUTSHELL

In which instance will the arrow travel farther? The energy associated with a moving object is known as kinetic energy.

The work done by a maving object is equal to the change in its kinetic energy.
Potential energy is stored in an object due to a change in its shape or position.
Gravitational potential energy of an object is independent of the path taken by the object.
 Class 9 CBSE
Science Learn Energy Conservation
Learn Mechanical Energy 106
107
las 9 CBSE
Scence

EXAM CORNER AT AGLANCE

Eriergy can nether be
Force and created nor be destroyed.
is raised to a height
quantities energy
of mass m are triG
1. An object different phyaical
surface. If the
same
from the Earth's
h
to the s a m e height
from Conservation of energy is universal.
object is raised have the
then will it
the Moon's surface,
same potential energy REVISE THESE CONCEPTS FIRST
amount of work required
2. Calculate the with a Forms of Energy
to stop a car of 1000 kg moving Mechanical Energy
speed of 72 km/h. PREVIOUSYEAR
GUESTION

THINK&REFLECT

Hydroelectric plants that extract energy from falling

D water in rivers operate on the principle of gravity. Since
gravity is unlimited, can it be used as a source ot infmte
energy?

1FORCEVERSUS ENERGY
* * * * *

"unlimited" in the sense that it

never
It is true that gravity is
as long as Earth
turns of. Earth's gravity
will never go away
of
is a force and not a form
has mass. However, since gravity translate to
does not
that it is never-ending
energy, the fact
infinite energy extraction.

stretch a rubber band

rubber band. fyou
Think of gravity as a
back into place.
and then let go, it snaps
 Class 9 BSE
Learn Energy Conservatio

Sience
Kinetic Energy
is the abilitytto do
ork and
Potential Energy
Enwhen a force iS applied on an work.is
obier
said to be
dolaced. In contrast, forces and the obje
is disPn objects. Forces are thedescribe the
becferred interaction
from one object to ways in which
which energy
en
is
y itself. Forces are means
other, but are not the
Potential
enone form to another. to transform Energy
in a .and this potential energy gets converted
to
Gravity is force
a energ
therefore store
potential energy kinetic energy when you let go. des
provid
one way for objects to transform so it
just
You can
rubber band by stretching
it... different forms.
energy to
won't m o v e
Neglecting heat losses, the kinetic energy that
rubber band
But, an
unstretched
The energy
comes out of the rubber band (how much
energy. t
can't create any snaps) is exactly equal to the potential eneroy Kinetic Energy
at all, and of the rubber
the snapping
a s s o c i a t e d with that you put into it using your muscles (how much
of it being
stretched, and
not a
THINK&REFLECT
band is a result itself. you stretch it).
band
property of
the rubber

but from the external Consider a canal of water that

fiows
river does not get its energy from gravity through turbine. The
a
Similarly, water in the mountains in order for it to fall down to the river
turbine generates ectricity. This electricity
it high up in the
all of the water from the bottom is then used to
agent that placed mo
of the canal
bed, against gravity. panal where ft can enter the turbine to the
top
Explore! lo This seems like a ciosed system that again and repeat the
oy allv produce could run forever and
electricity. VWhy is this not a
viable solution
2The energy contained in sunlight is converted 3
to the energy crisis?

to the potential energy of the water molecules These water molecules

as they are lifted into the sky. then rain down to the
ground, form rivers,
and flow back down to
the ocean, converting
their potential energy to
kinetic energy, heat, and
electricity.
The given image is
an example of a free energy Friction Direction of
machine, i.e. a machine that can do work infinitely water flo
1 In this case, the
without an external power source. But in this case,
the electrical energygenerated by the turbine will
external agent is
not be enough to pump all the water back to the
Sunlight. top of the canal, however precise and accurate
Sunlight warms the engineering is. I his is because some of the
the ocean, causing Ultimately, electrical energy produced by the turbine willbe
the water to
evaporate and float
hydroelectric
plants extract converted to heat due to friction.
into the sky. solar energy from
water.
An external power source will be required to
pump water back to the top for the machine to run
continuously. But at this point, it's not a free energy
machine anymore. It's just a complicated wheel
The reason you might think gravity is an infinite source of energy, is because you might have
running on external power.
mistakenly thought of a force (gravity) as a source of energy (hydroelectric power).
This phenomenon is described by the law of
conservation of energy.
 BY Cons
Learn Energy Conservation

onservation 111
Class 9 SCience
CONSERVATION OF ENERGY
2 T H E LAW OF nor be dest
destroyed. It can
energy
can
nerther
be
created

PITSTOP!E
that
conservation
states

echanical energyof a system is IN ANUTSHELL

the
law of energy
from one form to
anothe
an This violates the law of conservation
nothing.
Ihis
violates
Mec
conserved
ony be
transformed
create energy
out of
of only if it is not acted upon by dissipative
that n o
machine can
rees like friction, air resistance and
This means

energy which is
fundamental and
universal.
so on. Energy can neither be created nor be
destroyed but it can be converted from
one form to
another.
THINK&REFLECT
straight stretch
a o
CAREERCORNER Free energy machines do
The total mechanical
not exist.
car traveling along of
energy
oad system is conserved if not actedaupon
magine a
The c a r has mechanica Energy engineering is a broad field of
at one end.
with a hill
of its motion,
tic energy. The
i.e. kinetic
ar
nergy aineering dealing with energy efficiency, by dissipative forces.
because
to get to the top. At the has rvices, power plant
just enough energy top c the
energy
engineering,
so where has all Sustainable and renewable energy
car is stationary, its
hill, the kinetic technologies.
energy gone?

EXAM CORNER

CONSERVATION OF MECHANICAL
ENERGY 1.When a body falls freely towards the
21 Earth, then its total
PREVIOUS YEAR
of energy, energy
cannot be destroyed. Thus, energy. QUESTION
According to the law of conservation
the kineticc energy of the car cannot just
disappear. If you
observe the figure, you will (decreases/remains constant).
and hence has a certain potential
note that the car is at a height from the ground 2. A ball is thrown upward with some
it did not have this energy.
energy associated with it. When it was at ground level, initial velocity. Its velocity keeps on
converted into potential energy.
Thus, all the car's kinetic energy has been Explore! decreasing and it becomes zero when
will remain constant.
Ina closed system, the mechanical energy of an object it reaches its peak. Why does this
happen?

As the car begins its descent down the

hill, its potential energystarts getting
converted back to kinetic energy, and Once at the bottom,
the car gathers speed until it reaches all the potential
the bottom of the hil. energy the car had at
the top of the hill is
converted back into
kinetic energy.

he car's total mechanical energy, which is the sum of its kinetic and potential energies, remains
onstant at all points of the track (ignoring frictional forces).
 Learn Power
Class 9 CBSE
of power is watt denoted by the
unit
Scien
The
one joule per second. letter W. One
ATA GLANCE ra
te of watt is defined as
the energy consumpt

of doing
work is
inin terms o
measured
The rate
50 KG.
power.
Power rating can be represented in different ways
Tom
Ben 50KG.
Household and industrial energy consumption are
measured in kilowatt-hour.
Power Work done
Time taken Power Work done
Time taken

REVISE THESE CONCEPTSFIRST

mgh
t mgn
L
2 m 50x10x2
Work-Energy
Work
Energy Theorem 10 -50x10x2 2m
2
100W
THINK&REFLECT
500W

to lift a 50 kg barbell over

10 seconds
Tom takes takes 2 s e c o n d s to lift the sa
while Ben
his head
barbell. Both
of them lift the barbell to a height
of 2 m
Who is stronger? Why?
from the ground.
Ren took less time to lift the barbell and hence, has more power than Tom. Therefore, Ben is
stronger than Tom.

THINK&&REFLECT
--ERste You might have seen markings on a bulb such as 60 W and 220 V. What do these markings
OPOWER indicate?
the force required to lift
In the above example, to its D
uniform speed is equal
the barbell at a the barbell
displacement of
weight. Also, the
lift it to the exact same
is the same, since they
Ben do exactly the
height. Thus, Tom and
of work. Explore!
same amount

determine who is stronger?

So, how do we
power, i.e. the rate at which
2POWER RATING
We can do this by calculating
of agent can also be expressed other forms of
it converts electrical energy into
The an
work is done. power
is converted, stored, or dissipated. The power rating of a device is the rate at which allowed to flow through that
as the rate at which energy and motion. It is the highest input power
energy, such as light, heat, to be operated.
Mathematically, voltage at which the device is designed
particular device. It indicates the specific manufacturer of the device to protect it from
set by the
The power rating limits are usually guidelines
Work done damage.
Power
Time taken
 SCience
CBSE
114
Class 9 115
Learn Power ss 9
CBSE Science
heaters etc. A 60
devices like
electric bulbs, Tans,
consumes 40 J of WATCH OUT
household that
found on W buib
to a 40
nese ratings are usually energy per
second as
opposed
electrical energy
to
light energy
than a 40
will consume 60 J of more touch. bulb a c t i e
Duo bulb of 60 W c a n
convert
is h o t t e r to the a zero watt

energyper second.A brighter than a

W bulb glows
40 W bulb,
and hence Does

zero
consume zero power?
D e . a 60
There ally power consuming bulb.
are usually folloM consume 12-15 Even a small
Voltage (or wattage ratings) bulbs actu LED indicator
The power ratings shown in the picture. The efficiand
the zero watt bulb wats ot
power. In the
when alall theconsumes
as
andnot sumes power. Zero
Power1 by a rated voltage
maximum when operated
at the prescribe was kept
oasure very low readings of on, he past, when
'not oso
the 'not wau
the device is
more than the ild
measure v
appliances weree tturned
power. The metersophisticated'
suppiiea is of
the voltage
rated voltage. If
b u l b " o c a d i n g s

read 'zero' electromagne

then the device may get damaged d ue name
zero wattbulb" came from. inetic meter
rated voltage
to excess
current flowing through
it. Whereas, if
he power whichis
h is where the
is less than the rated voltage, t
voltage supplied properly (a bulb might not ol
might not function
BULBRITE device
as bright) and
its lifespan might
also be affected. IN ANUTSHELL
RosT

Power is the rate of doing work. E

The power rating of a device is the
input power allowed to flow throughhighest
it
without causing damage to it.
THINK &REFLECT KWh is the commercial unit of electrical
60 J of energy per second.
The same bulb operated for one hour energy.
A 60W bulb consumes

consumes almost the same amount of energy required to accelerate a car from rest to a

O
speed of 60 km/h.

How many such devices are present at your house?

EXAM CORNER
in total?
wmany joules of energy are consumed
1. kWh isa unit of _

w,you must have figured out that the joule is too small a unit of energy. So, for our (Power/ Energy/Time).
we use a bigger unit of energy called
kilowatt-hour (kWh).
wenience, 2. Find the energy in kWh in the month
September consumed by four devices of
power 100 W each, if each one of them is
21 COMMERCIAL UNIT OFENERGY used for 10 hours daily.

Wh is the energy consumed in one hour at the rate of 1000 J/s.

3. A pair of bullocks exert a force of 140 N
on a plough. If it takes them 1 minute and
1kWh =1 kWx 1h 40 seconds to plough 15 m of field, then
calculate the power of the bullocks.
= 1000 Wx 3600 s The energy used in households, Explore!
= 3600000 J
industries, and commercial PREVIOUS YEAR
establishments is usually expressed QUESTION
3.6 x 10°J in kilowatt-hour. 1 unit 1 kWh