Work and Energy

Work
Work − Basic Idea

In everyday usage, the word ‘work’ indicates any activity involving physical or mental
effort aimed at achieving some definite and well-defined objective. In contrast, the
scientific usage of this term has a more restricted meaning.

In science work is said to be done by a force when a force causes a displacement of a body.
Thus, work in scientific term is dependent on the force applied and the displacement
caused. Since, force and displacement are vector quantities we must consider the angle
between the force and displacement also.

Scientifically, no work is done in any of the preceding examples. This is because there is no
net displacement of any object.

Work − Definition and Unit

In physics, the term ‘work’ is used to define situations where motion results through the
action of a force. The amount of work done is measured by multiplying the applied force
with the distance through which a body moves along the line of action of the force.

Suppose a wooden box is kept on a table. When a force of

magnitude F acts on the box, it gets displaced through a distance s in the direction of the
applied force (as shown in the figure).

Thus work done (W) is given by the scalar product of force (F) and displacement (s).

Work = Force × Displacement

So, work can be defined as follows:

The work done in moving a body is equal to the product of the force on the body and
the displacement of the body in the direction of the applied force.

The SI unit of work is joule (J).

When a body moves a distance of one metre along the direction of an applied force of
one newton, the work done is one joule.

1 J = 1 N × 1 m = 1 N-m

Did You Know?

Work is the product of force and displacement. Both force and displacement have
magnitude as well as direction. However, work has only magnitude, and no
direction.

This is because work is the scalar product of two vectors—force and displacement.

Since force and displacement are vector quantities, we must consider the angle between
them as well.

If θ is the angle between the vectors F (force)

and s (displacement), then their product (i.e.,
work) is defined as:

The product of F and s is a dot product. Dot products are scalar in nature, i.e., they have
magnitude, but no specified direction.
Solved Examples

Easy

Example 1: Rajesh, Rakesh and Ramesh push a heavy box one by one along the
ground. The following table lists the magnitude of force applied and the
displacement of the box in each case.
 Person Force applied (in Displacement (in
newtons) metres)
Rajesh 100 3

Rakesh 200 2

Ramesh 300 1

Who has done the maximum amount of work on the box?

Solution:

The following table shows the amount of work done on the box by each person. It is clear
that Rakesh has done the maximum amount of work.
Person Force applied (in Displacement (in Work done
newtons) metres) (force ×
displacement;
in joules)
Rajesh 100 3 100 × 3 = 300

Rakesh 200 2 200 × 2 = 400

Ramesh 300 1 300 × 1 = 300

Medium

Example 2a: What is the force acting on a body displaced through a distance of 100
hectometres due to work of 500 erg?

Solution:

Work = 500 erg = 5 × 10−5 J

Displacement = 100 hm = 104 m

We know that:

Work = Force × Displacement

∴ Force

= 5 × 10−9 N
Example 2b: A force of 2.5 N is acting on an object, causing the object to be displaced
by 1.8 metres in the direction of the force. What is the work done by the force?

Solution:

We know that:

Work done = Force × Displacement

Applied force = 2.5 N

Displacement = 1.8 m

∴ Work done = 2.5 × 1.8 = 4.5 J

Hard

Example 3a: Consider the three scenarios.

Case I: A boy is pushing Case II: A book is pushed Case III: The book is lifted
a wall along a table from the table

In which of the above case(s) is work done?

Solution:

Work is done in ‘Case II’ and ‘Case III’.

Case I: Even if we push a wall with the maximum force that we can apply, the wall will not
move. Thus, there is no net displacement, and consequently, no work is done.

Case II:If we push a book along a table, then it will move to a certain distance depending
upon the force applied. Thus, there is a net displacement in the position of the book, and
consequently, work is done. This work is done against the frictional force existing between
the book and the surface of the table.

Case III:If the book is lifted to a certain height, then a force is exerted against gravity. This
force displaces the book to the said height. Thus, once again, there is a net displacement in
the position of the book, and consequently, work is done.

Example 3b: A satellite of mass 2000 kg is revolving around the earth in a nearly circular
orbit of radius 42000 km. The gravitational force of attraction between the earth and the
satellite is 450 N.

What is the work done by the earth on the satellite?

Solution:

Scientifically, work done by a body is considered to be equal to zero when the direction of
force and that of displacement are at right angle with each other. Hence, the displacement
in the direction of applied force is zero that ultimately makes the work done zero. In the
given case, the satellite is moving around the earth in a nearly circular orbit. Therefore, its
direction of displacement at any instant will be perpendicular to its orbit. And hence, the
gravitational force of earth will act at right angle to the direction of motion of satellite. This
is also shown in the following figure.

Therefore, the work done by the earth on the satellite moving around it is zero.
Know Your Scientist

James Prescott Joule (1818−1889)

 James Prescott Joule (1818−1889)

He was an English physicist. At the age of sixteen, he studied with the

British chemist, John Dalton. He began his independent research in a
laboratory built at home where he hoped to replace steam engines
with electric motors. He was also an inventor. He invented electrical
welding and the displacement pump. The unit of energy is named in
his honour.

Work Done by a Constant Force

Positive Work

A force is said to do work when it induces a displacement. If the force and displacement are
in the same direction, then the work done is positive. If the force and displacement are in
opposite directions, then the work done is negative.

Positive work: A book being pushed along a table

If force and displacement are in the same direction, then the angle between them is 0o.

We know that:

Work done (W) = Force (F) × Displacement (s) × cos θ

So, we get:

W = F × s × cos 0°

= Fs ( cos 0° = 1)

Negative Work
 Negative work:A soccer player’s hand pushed backward while stopping a fast-moving
football

If force and displacement are in opposite directions, then the angle between them is 180°.

So, we get:

W = F × s × cos 180°

= −Fs( cos 180° = −1)

Zero Work

The following table lists the conditions for zero work done.

Conditions for zero work Calculation of work done

The net force should be equal to zero. F × s × cos θ = 0 × s × cos θ = 0

 The net displacement should be equal to F × s × cos θ = F × 0 × cos θ =
zero. 0

The force and displacement should be F × s × cos θ = F × s × cos 90°

perpendicular to each other. =F×s×0=0

While the coolie moves forward, he exerts a net force in the upward direction.
The force and displacement are perpendicular to each other. Hence, the work done is zero,
as is shown by the calculation below.

W = F × s × cos θ

= F × s × cos 90°

=F×s×0=0

No work is done by a coolie when he walks with a heavy luggage on his head.

Zero Work- Examples

Take a look at these examples of the three conditions for zero work.

The net force on the box is zero.

Hence, no work is done.
The book moves from
point A to point B through
a distance s. The work
done on the book by the
 There is no displacement of gravitational force is zero.
the wall. So, the work done This is because the force is
is zero. acting at a right angle to
the displacement of the
book.

Work Done Against Gravity

he force of gravity acts on all objects bound to Earth. Any object on Earth’s surface
experiences a gravitational pull—called weight—towards Earth’s centre. If an object is to
be displaced in the upward direction, then work has to be done against this gravitational
pull.

Suppose a block of mass m is on Earth’s surface. The weight of the block is mg. This weight
acts vertically downward. At the same time, the ground also exerts an equal and opposite
force—as a reaction force—on the block. As a result, the block remains at rest.

Let us now apply a force F, which is slightly larger than the weight of the block, in the
upward direction.

F ≈ mg

As the block leaves the ground, this applied force moves it in the upward direction with
zero acceleration. The acceleration is zero because the applied force is negligibly larger
than the weight of the block.

The block is moved to a height h above the ground. Thus, the applied force causes a
displacement h of the block in the upward direction.

The force and displacement are in the same direction. It is essential that the height h is very
small compared to Earth’s radius.
 So, the work done by the applied force in moving the block against gravity with zero
acceleration is given as:

W = F × h = mgh

Work Done by a Force Acting Obliquely to Displacement

A force making an angle with the motion of an object will not completely take part in
inducing the motion of that object. Only the component of the force along the direction of
displacement will be responsible for the motion of the object.

Suppose force F is acting on a block of mass m and is making an angle θ with the horizontal.

This force can be resolved into two perpendicular components.

 The horizontal component of the force is given as: F cos θ

 The vertical component of the force is given as: F sin θ

Net vertical force = Normal reaction due to the floor + Vertical component of the force

= N + F sin θ

It is the horizontal component of the force which causes the displacement s of the block.

So, the work done on the block by the force F is given as:

W = (F cos θ) s = Fs cos θ

Solved Examples

Easy

Example 1: How much work is done by the gravitational force when 256 kg block of wood
falls through 2.80 m?
Solution:

Force with which the block of wood is pulled down by gravity is, F = mg = (256)(9.8) =
2508.8 N

The force and the displacement are both downwards, so the angle between them is 0o.

So, work done is, W = Fd = (2508.8)(2.80) = 7024.64 J

Medium

Example 2: The work done in lifting a suitcase from the floor to a table depends on

a. the path you take to lift the suitcase

b. the time you take to lift the book

c. the height of the table from the floor

d. the mass of the suitcase and hence its weight

Solution:

The work done in lifting a suitcase is equal to the change in PE of the suitcase. It is equal to
the product of the weight of suitcase and the height of the table.

(a) Work does NOT depend on the path, as long as there are no non-conservative forces
doing work.

(b) Work does NOT depend on the time taken.

(c) Work DOES depend on the height of the table − the higher the table, the more work it
takes to lift the suitcase.

(d) Work DOES depend on the weight of the suitcase − the more the suitcase weighs the
more work it takes to lift the suitcase.

Hard

Example 3: A force of 10 N acting on a body of mass 2 kg, which was initially at rest, at an
angle of 600 with the horizontal direction displaces the body through a distance of 2 m
along the surface of a floor. Calculate the work done and the kinetic energy of the block.

Solution:
 Force, F = 10 N

Angle with horizontal, θ = 60o

Displacement in horizontal direction, S = 2 m

Component of force along horizontal direction is = F cosθ = (10)(cos60) = 5 N

So, work done is, W = (5)(2) = 10 J

The acceleration of the block is, a = F/m = 10/2 = 5 m/s2

Using,

v2 = u2 + 2as

=> v2 = 0 + (2)(5)(2) = 20

=> ½ mv2 = (0.5)(2)(20) = 20 J

Kinetic Energy
Energy

The world requires a lot of energy. To satisfy this demand, we have natural energy sources
such as the sun, wind, water at a height and tides. We also have artificial energy sources
such as petroleum and natural gas.

Energy exists in various forms. Some of these are

 Light energy
 Sound energy
 Heat energy
 Mechanical energy
 Electrical energy
 Chemical energy
 Nuclear energy

Kinetic Energy

Mechanical energy is the energy possessed by an object having the potential to do work. It
is associated with the motion or the position and configuration of the object. Mechanical
energy is of the following two types.

 Kinetic energy (associated with the motion of an object)

 Potential energy (associated with the position and configuration of an object)

The amount of energy carried by a moving object is linked to its mass and speed. This
energy is called kinetic energy. For example, a moving truck causes more damage than a
small car travelling at the same speed. which implies that the truck carries more energy
than the car.

Kinetic Energy

The energy of a body by virtue of its motion is called kinetic energy.

The SI unit of work is joule (J), named after the physicist James P. Joule.

Suppose a body of mass m is moving with a uniform velocity u. Let an external force be
applied on it so that it gets displaced by distance s and its velocity becomes v. In this
scenario, the kinetic energy of the moving body is equal to the work that was required to
change its velocity from u to v.

Thus, we have the velocity−position relation as:

v2 = u2 + 2as

OR

Where, a is the acceleration of the body during the change in its velocity

Now, the work done on the body by the external force is given by:

W=F×s

F = ma …(ii)
 From equations (i) and (ii), we obtain:

If the body was initially at rest (i.e., u = 0), then:

Since kinetic energy is equal to the work done on the body to change its velocity from 0
to v, we obtain:

The kinetic energy of a body is directly proportional to —

 Its mass (m)

 The square of its velocity (v2)

It is the kinetic energy of the wind that is used for generating electricity through
windmills.

Relationship between kinetic energy and momentum

Work−Energy Theorem

Work can be done to induce motion in a body at rest. The moving body possesses kinetic
energy. Thus, we can say that the work done on the body is stored in it as some form of
energy.
The work−energy theorem states that the work done on a body is equal to the
change in the kinetic energy of the body.

Suppose a body of mass m pushed by a force F has an acceleration a, due to which its
velocity is u at time t = t1 and its velocity becomes v at time t = t2.

The force on the body is, F = ma

Thus, the work done by the force to increase the speed of the moving body is stored in the
body as its increased kinetic energy.

Potential Energy
Potential Energy: Core Concepts

An object possesses potential energy by virtue of its position or height.

Take a rubber band and stretch it. When you release one end of the rubber band, it returns
to its original position. The band had acquired energy in the stretched position. How did it
acquire this energy?

Take a spring-loaded toy car and wind it using its key. When you release it on the ground,
the toy car begins to move. How did it get this energy to move?

In the above case, the energy was stored in the objects because of the deformations in their
configuration. When work was done to change their shape, energy got stored in them. This
energy is also known as potential energy or elastic potential energy.

So, when you stretched the rubber band, you transferred energy to the rubber band.
Similarly, when you wound the spring of the toy car, you transferred energy to the spring.
Consequently, the rubber band and the spring retained potential energy by virtue of their
configuration.

We can thus define potential energy as the energy stored in a body by virtue of its position
or configuration.

Potential Energy of an Object at a Height

As the distance or height of a body from the ground changes, the potential energy
possessed by the body also undergoes change. As it rises, its potential energy also
increases. Its potential energy becomes zero when it is brought back to the ground level.

Suppose a body of mass m is initially at a height h1 from the ground. It is then taken to a
height h2.

Note: Gravitational potential energy depends upon

the reference level

Potential energy at height h1 = mgh1

Potential energy at height h2 = mgh2

Change in potential energy due to change in height = mg (h2 − h1)

Let us say that the body was originally on the ground and was then taken to a height h. In
that case,

h1 = 0

h2 = h

So, change in potential energy = mg (h2 − h1) = mg (h − 0) = mgh

Whiz Kid

The potential energy of an object at a height depends upon a chosen reference level, called
the zero level. It is so named because the potential energy of an object placed on this
reference level is zero. In the given figure, the potential energy of the ball with respect to
‘Reference level I’ is greater than the energy it possesses with respect to ‘Reference level II’.

Solved Examples

Easy

Example 1: What is the potential energy of a body of mass 2 kg kept at a height of 10

m above the zero level? (Take g = 9.8 m/s2)

Solution:

The potential energy of the body is computed as:

Ep = m × g × h

Here, mass, m = 2 kg

Acceleration due to gravity, g = 9.8 m/s2

Height, h = 10 m

∴ Ep = 2 × 9.8 × 10 = 196 J

Hence, the potential energy of the body is 196 J.

Medium

Example 2: The potential energy of an object of mass 10 kg increases by 5000 J when

it is raised through a height h. What is the value of h? (Take g = 9.8 m/s2)

Solution:

The potential energy of the object is given as:

Ep = m × g × h

Here, mass, m = 10 kg

Acceleration due to gravity, g = 9.8 m/s2

Potential energy, Ep = 5000 J

⇒ 5000 = 10 × 9.8 × h

Hard

Example 3: ‘n’ books each of thickness ‘d’ and mass ‘m’ lie flat on a table. How much
work is required to stack them one on top of another?

Solution:

No work is done to place the first book as it is already in position.

The second book must be moved upwards by a distance d and the force required is equal to
its weight, mg.

The force and the displacement are in the same direction, so the work is mgd.

The third book will need to be moved a distance of 2d by the same size force, so the work is
2mgd.

Similarly, the work done to lift the nth book is (n - 1) mgd.

Thus the work done is, W = mgd + 2mgd + 3mgd +…………… + (n - 1)mgd

=> W = ½ n(n − 1)mgd

Potential Energy and Work

Work has to be done to raise the potential energy of a body. The work done in changing the
position or configuration of a body is stored in the body as potential energy.

Suppose a body of mass m is initially at a height h1 from the ground. It is then taken to a
height h2. A force equal to its weight, mg, is applied to increase its height and the body is
moved with zero acceleration.
The work done by the force mg in displacing the body from height h1 to height h2 is given
as:

W = mg (h2 − h1)

This expression is the same as the change in the potential energy of the body. Thus, we can
say that the work done in changing its height is stored in it as potential energy.

Energy Stored in a Compressed Spring

Suppose a spring of spring constant k is compressed by a length x.

The work done in compressing the spring is found to be:

This work done is stored in the spring as elastic potential energy.

∴ Elastic potential energy of a spring compressed by a length x =

Law of Conservation of Energy
Conservation of Energy − An Overview

The energy that you use to press the enter/return key on your keyboard has its source in
the sun. Strange, isn’t it? The red light at the bottom of the computer mouse glows using
electrical energy generated in a thermal or hydel power station. In a power station,
different forms of energy get converted into electrical energy for our use. Nowhere in this
universe is energy ever created. It is only converted from one form to another. Go through
this lesson to understand the concept behind the law of conservation of energy.

Consider a system of bodies which neither receives energy from without nor gives up any.
In such a system, the total amount of energy remains unchanged—regardless of the actions
or changes that may take place within the system. This unchanging energy simply
manifests itself in different forms (e.g., sound, heat, light, etc.). Our universe is such a
system of bodies.

The law of conservation of energy states that the total energy of this universe is
conserved or constant. Energy cannot be created or destroyed; however, it can be
transformed from one form to another.

The sum of the kinetic energy and potential energy of a system is called mechanical
energy.

EMech = Kinetic energy + Potential Energy Or, EMech = K + U

These two forms of energy change as they transform back and forth into each other;
however, at any point, their sum remains constant.

ΔEMech = ΔK + ΔU

The mechanical energy of a system is conserved only when the system does not gain or lose
energy in any form.

Quick Questions

Question 1: So many forms of energy are observed in nature. How do we use these
forms of energy in our daily life? The chemical energy stored in an electric cell can be
used to power a bulb to produce light. Where does this light energy come from?

Solution: Various devices like generators, wind mill, solar panel etc convert one form of
energy to another. Example: Wind mill converts wind energy to electrical energy which can
be used to light a bulb or charge batteries.
In an electric cell the chemical energy gets converted into electrical energy which heats the
filament of a bulb. The hot filament produces light and some heat. Thus, we have chemical
energy transformed into heat and light energy.

Question 2: How the transformation of energy takes place in the wind-up toy car?
What is the prime source of energy in the process? Do you know any more toys that
work on the same principle?

Solution: When you turn the key of the wind-up toy car the muscular energy from your
body is stored in the coiled spring of the toy car. Which when released rotates the wheel of
the toy car and hence the energy appears as the kinetic energy of the car.

The energy of the muscle comes from the food we take which is obtained from plants and
animals. The prime source of the energy contained in the food molecules comes from the
sun. Thus, sun is the prime source of energy in the process.

Total energy of a freely falling body is always constant. Let see this using a graphical
representation.

A body of mass m is falling freely under the action of gravity from the height h above the
ground. As this body falls down, its potential energy changes into the kinetic energy but at
each point of motion the sum of potential and kinetic energy remains unchanged. Hence the
mechanical energy remains conserved.

Curve Showing Conservation of Mechanical Energy of a Freely Falling Body:

Similarly, when a body is thrown up with some initial velocity, its kinetic energy goes on
decreasing whereas its potential energy goes on increasing with height. The motion is such
that at each point of time mechanical energy remains conserved. Thus , the initial kinetic
energy of the body of mass m thrown upwards with say initial velocity u to reach certain
height, say h, must be equal to the potential energy of the body at that height. So,

Conservation of Mechanical Energy in a Simple Pendulum

A simple pendulum consists of a bob suspended from a string with a support. It works on
the principle of alternative transformation of kinetic and potential energy. At any instant,
the total energy of the bob remains the same.

At point A, the bob has potential energy, but zero kinetic energy. This is because it is at rest.
When released from this point, its potential energy starts decreasing. At the same time, it
gains kinetic energy. Consequently, at point B, it has both potential and kinetic energy.
Potential energy becomes zero as the bob passes through the zero level at point C. As it
moves further, its kinetic energy starts decreasing. Simultaneously, it gains potential
energy. Thus, at point D, the bob has both forms of energy. Finally, at point E, the bob is
again at rest and has only potential energy (like when it was at point A).

Solved Examples

Easy

Example 1: Two bodies of masses 6m and 12m are kept at a height of h and 2h from a
reference level. What is the ratio of potential energy of the masses?

Solution: Mass of A is 6m

Height of A from the ground is h

PE of A is = (6m)(g)(h) = 6mgh

Mass of B is 12m

Height of A from the ground is 2h

PE of A is = (12m)(g)(2h) = 24mgh

Therefore,

PE of A : PE of B = 6mgh : 24mgh = 1 : 4

Medium

Example 2: A ball of mass 200 g is dropped from a height of 10 m. What will be its
velocity when it hits the ground? (Take g = 9.8 m/s2)

Solution:

By the law of conservation of energy:

Loss in the potential energy of the ball = Gain in the kinetic energy of the ball

Loss in potential energy = mgh

Here, m = Mass of the ball = 200 g

g = Acceleration due to gravity = 9.8 m/s2

h = Height from which the ball falls = 10 m

Gain in kinetic energy =

Here, v = Velocity of the ball just before it hits the ground

According to the law of conservation of energy:

⇒ v2 = 2gh

⇒ v2 = 2 × 9.8 × 10 = 196 (m/s)2

⇒ v = 14 m/s

Therefore, when the ball hits the ground, its velocity will be 14 m/s.

Hard

Example 3: Two objects of masses m1 and m2 have same kinetic energy. Both are
stopped with the same retarding force F. If m1 > m2, then which mass will stop in
shorter distance?

Solution:
Power

Here, the tortoise and rabbit apply the same force to move the box through the same
distance. The rabbit gets lazy, but the tortoise maintains its slow and steady pace.
Undoubtedly, both do the same work, but the tortoise takes less time to complete the work.
So, the tortoise proves to be more powerful.

Considering that the same force of magnitude is applied, the work done to raise a weight
through a distance is the same as the work done to push another weight through the same
distance. The time required to do the work determines the rate of working, but has nothing
to do with the amount of work.

Power − Definition and Unit

A given amount of work may be done either in a short time or a long time. In commercial
operations, the rate of working or the work done per second/per hour is an important
consideration.

Power is defined as the rate of doing work. The SI unit of power is watt (W) which is
joules per second.
This relation shows that for a given work, power is inversely proportional to the time
taken. We can obtain a mathematical relation for power by dividing the work done by time
taken.

We know that energy is consumed when work is done. Therefore, we can also define power
as the rate at which energy is consumed or utilised. Consequently, we can calculate power
by dividing energy consumed by time taken.

Since energy has only magnitude and no direction, power also has only magnitude and no
direction.

Power is also defined as the product of force and average speed.

If a constant force F acts on a body and displaces it by distance S in the direction of force in
time t, then

Know Your Scientist

 James Watt (1736−1819)

He was a Scottish inventor and mechanical engineer. Improving upon the Newcomen steam
engine, he developed his own machine. Used for pumping water out from mines, it was four
times more powerful than other machines based on Thomas Newcomen’s design. Watt
measured the power of his steam engine with a strong horse. This led him to conclude that
a ‘horsepower’ equals 746 watts.

Power − Definition and Unit

1 Watt is the power of a device that does work at the rate of 1 joule per second. We
can also say that power is 1 W when the rate of consumption of energy is 1 Js-1. We
express larger rates of energy transfer in terms of kilowatt (kW), with 1 kW = 1000 W.

Horse power: It is another unit of power, broadly used in mechanical engineering. 1 H.P. =
746 W = 0.746 kW

Solved Examples

Easy

Example 1: A body does hundred joules of work in ten seconds. What is its power?

Solution:

Power can be calculated as follows:

Here, work done = 100 J

Time taken = 10 s

On putting these values in the formula, we get:

Hence, the power of the body is ten watts.

Medium
Example 2: A pump lifts ten kilograms of water in two seconds to the top floor of a
house from the ground. The height of the house is ten metres. What is the power of
the pump?
(Take g = 9.8 m/s2)

Solution:

First, we need to calculate the work done by the pump in lifting water against the force of
gravity.

The work done against gravity is given as:

Hence, the power of the pump is 490 W.

Hard

Example 3: Water is to be pumped to fill a tank of volume 30 kL at a height 40 m from

the ground in 15 minutes by a water pump on the ground floor. What is the electric
power consumed by the water pump? Efficiency of the pump is 30%. Density of water
is ρ = 1000 kg/m3 and g = 9.8 m/s2.

Solution:

Volume of water pumped up in the 15 min is = 30 kL = 30 m3

So, mass of water pumped = Vρ = 30ρ kg

Weight of water pumped = 30ρg N

So, work done in pumping water to a height 40 m above ground = weight × height
= (30ρg)(40)

= 1200ρg

So, power required to lift this water in 15 min or 900 s is = 1200ρg/900 = 4ρg/3

Let, P be the power consumed by the pump. 30% of this power is only used to lift the water.

So, 30% of P = 4ρg/3

=> 0.30P = 4(1000)(9.8)/3

=> P = 43555.5 W

Commercial Unit of Energy

‘This month the meter’s reading is 200 units.’ You might have heard your parents say
something like this after looking at the meter. What kind of ‘units’ do you think they are
referring to? Can these ‘units’ be converted into the standard units of physics? Let us
explore the mystery of these ‘units’.

Joule is a very small unit of energy. It cannot be used for commercial purposes wherein we
need bigger units. So, we have kilowatt-hour (kWh) as the commercial unit of energy.
Kilowatt-hour is defined as the amount of energy consumed when an electrical appliance of
thousand watts power rating is used for one hour.
Suppose a machine uses thousand joules of energy every second. If this machine works
continuously for one hour, it will consume one kilowatt-hour of energy. Therefore, we can
compute one kilowatt-hour of energy as:

1 kWh = 1 kW × 1 h

= 1000 Js−1 × 3600 s = 3600000 J

∴ 1 kWh = 3.6 × 106 J

The electrical energy used in households, industries and commercial establishments is

expressed in kilowatt-hour or unit. One unit equals one kilowatt-hour, i.e., 1 unit = 1 kWh =
3.6 × 106 J.

Solved Examples

Easy

Example 1: A room heater rated 1 kW is run 2 h daily for a month. If the cost of 1 unit
is Rs. 5, then what is the cost of usage of heater per month?

Solution:

Energy consumed per day is = (2 h) × (1 kW) = 2 kWh

Energy consumed per month is = 30 × 2 = 60 kWh

So, cost of heater usage per month is = 5 × 60 = Rs. 300

Medium

Example 2: ‘Hundred watts’ is printed on an electric bulb. What is the electrical

energy it consumes after four hours of glowing?

Solution:

Power can be given as:

Hence, when used for four hours, the bulb consumes 1440 kJ of energy.

Hard

Example 3: How many units of electrical energy are consumed by a TV set of power
250 W when it is switched on for three hours?

Solution:

Power can be given as:

Hence, when switched on for three hours, the TV set consumes 0.75 units of electrical
energy.