6.

1 WORK
1. When is the work said to be done ? Give some examples.
Work. Work is said to be done whenever a force acts on a body
and the body moves through some distance in the direction of
the force. Thus work is done on a body only if the following two
conditions are satisfied :
(i) A force acts on the body.
(ii) The point of application of the force moves in the direction of
the force.
Examples. Work is done when a horse pulls a cart, an engine
pulls a train, a man goes up a hill, etc.
6.2 WORK DONE BY A CONSTANT FORCE
2. How is work done measured when (i) the force acts along the
direction of motion of the body and (ii) the force is inclined to the
direction of motion of the body ?
(i) Measurement of work done when the force acts along
the direction of motion. As shown in Fig. 6.1, a

Fig. 6.1 Work done, when force and displacement are in same
direction.
force F
⃗ displaces a body through a distance s parallel to the line
of action of the force or in the direction of force.
Work done = Force × distance moved in the direction of force
W = Fs
(ii) Measurement of work done when force and
displacement are inclined to each other.

Fig. 6.2 Work done, when force is inclined to displacement.

Work done = Component of force in the direction of displacement
× magnitude of displacement
W = F cos θ × s
or W = Fs cos θ
or W = ⃗F. s
Thus work done is the dot product of force and displacement
vectors. Hence work is a scalar quantity.
6.3 NATURE OF WORK DONE IN DIFFERENT SITUATIONS
3. What is meant by positive work, negative work and zero works
? Give examples of each type.
Nature of work done. Although work done is a scalar quantity,
yet its value may be positive, negative or zero, as discussed
below.
Positive work. If a force acting on a body has a component in
the direction of the displacement, then the work done by the
force is positive. As shown in Fig. 6.3, when θ is acute, cos θ is
positive.
∴ W = Fs cos θ = a positive value

Fig. 6.3 Positive work (θ < 90°).

Examples :
(i) When a body falls freely under gravity (θ = 0°), the work done
by the gravity is positive.
(ii) When a horse pulls a cart, the applied force and displacement
are in the same direction, the work done by the horse is positive.
(iii) When a gas filled in a cylinder fitted with a movable piston is
allowed to expand, the work done by the gas is positive, because
the force due to gas pressure and displacement act in the same
direction.
(iv) When a spring is stretched, both the stretching force and the
displacement act in the same direction. So work done is positive.
Negative work. If a force acting on the body has a component
in the opposite direction of displacement, the work done is
negative. As shown in Fig. 6.4, when θ is obtuse, cos θ is
negative.
∴ W = Fs cos θ = a negative value

Fig. 6.4 Negative work (θ >90°)

Examples :
(i) When a body slides against a rough horizontal surface, its
displacement is opposite to the force of friction. The work done
by the friction is negative.
(ii) When brakes are applied to a moving vehicle, the work done
by the braking force is negative. This is because the braking force
and the displacement act in opposite directions.
(iii) When a body is lifted, the work done by the gravitational
force is negative. This is because the gravitational force acts
vertically downwards while the displacement is in the vertically
upward direction.
(iv) When a positive charge is moved towards another positive
charge, the work done by the force of repulsion (between them)
is negative because displacement s is s in the opposition direction
of repulsive force ⃗F.
Zero work. Work done by force is zero if the body gets displaced
along a direction perpendicular to the direction of the applied
force. Also, the work done is zero if F
⃗ or s or both are zero.
Examples :
(i) For a body moving in a circular path, the centripetal force and
displacement are perpendicular to each other, as shown in Fig.
6.5. So the work done by the centripetal force is zero.
Fig. 6.5 Work done by centripetal force.
(ii) When a coolie walks on a horizontal platform with a load on
his head, he applies a force on it in the upward direction equal
to its weight. The displacement of the load is along the
horizontal direction. Thus the angle between ⃗F and s is 90°. So
W = Fs cos 90° = 0 i.e., the work done by the coolie on the
load is zero
DIMENSIONS AND UNITS OF WORK
4. Write the dimensional formula of work.
Dimensions of work.
As work done = Force × distance
∴ [W] = MLT-2 × L
or [W] = [ML2T-2]
This is the dimensional formula of work.
5. Define the various absolute and gravitational units of work.
Write relations between them.
Units of work. As W = Fs
∴ 1 unit work = 1 unit force × 1 unit distance
One joule of work is said to be done when a force of one newton
displaces a body through a distance of one metre in its own
direction.
1 joule = 1 newton × 1 metre or 1 J = 1 Nm
(ii) Erg. It is the absolute unit of work in CGS system. One erg
of work is said to be done if a force of one dyne displaces a body
through a distance of one centimetre in its own direction.
1 erg = 1 dyne × 1 cm
Relation between joule and erg.
1 joule = 1 newton × 1 metre
= 105 dyne× 102 cm =107 dyne cm
or 1 joule = 10 erg
. A woman pushes a trunk on railway platform which has a rough
surface. She supplies a force of WON over a distance of 10 m.
Thereafter she gets progressively tired and her applied force
reduces linearly with distance to 50 N. The total distance by
which the trunk has been moved is 20 m. Plot the force applied
by the woman and the frictional force, which is 50 N. Calculate
the work done by the two forces over 20 m. [NCERT]
Solution. Plots of force F applied by the woman and the opposing
frictional force F are shown in Fig. 6.9.

Fig. 6.9
Clearly at x = 20 m, F = 50 N
As the force of friction f (= 50 N) opposes the applied force F, so
it has been shown on the negative side of the force-axis.
Work done by the force F applied by the woman WF = Area of
rectangle ABCD + Area of trapezium CEID
1
= 100 × 10 + (100 + 50) × 10 = 1000 + 750 = 1750 J.
2

Work done by the frictional force,

Wf = Area of rectangle AGHI
= (- 50) × 20 = -1000 J.
Energy. Energy of a body is defined as its capacity or ability to
do work. The energy of a body is measured by the amount of
work the body can perform, therefore
(i) like work, energy is a scalar quantity.
(ii) the dimensional formula of energy is [ML2T-2] i.e., same as
that of work.
6.8 KINETIC ENERGY
What is kinetic energy ? Give some examples.
Kinetic energy. The energy possessed by a body by virtue of its
motion is called its kinetic energy. A moving object can do work.
The amount of work that a moving object can do before coming
to rest is equal to its kinetic energy.
Examples :
(i) A moving hammer drives a nail into the wood. Being in
motion, it has kinetic energy or ability to do work.
(ii) A fast moving stone can break a window pane. The stone has
kinetic energy due to its motion and so it can do work.
(iii) A bullet fired from a gun can pierce a target due to its kinetic
energy.
(iv) The kinetic energy of air is used to run wind mills.
(v) The kinetic energy of a fast stream of water is used to run
water mills.
11. Derive an expression for the kinetic energy of a body of mass
m moving with velocity v.
Expression for kinetic energy. The kinetic energy of a body
can be determined by calculating the amount of work required to
bring the body into motion from its state of rest, as shown in Fig.
6.13.

Fig. 6.13 Measurement of K.E.

Let m = mass of the body
u = 0 = initial velocity of the body
F = constant force applied on the body
a = acceleration produced in the body in the direction of force
v = final velocity of the body
s = distance covered by the body.
As v2 - u2 = 2as
v2
∴ v2 - 02 = 2as or a =
2s

As the force and displacement are in same direction, so the work

done is
v2 2
W = Fs = ma. s = m. . s = mv2
2s 2s

This work done appears as kinetic energy (K) of the body.

 1
∴K= mv2
2

WORK-ENERGY THEOREM FOR A CONSTANT FORCE

13. State the work‐energy theorem. Prove it for a constant force.
Work-energy theorem. It states that the work done by the net
force acting on a body is equal to the change produced in the
kinetic energy of the body.
Proof of W-E theorem for a constant force. Suppose a constant
force F acting on a body of mass m produces acceleration a in it.
After covering distance s, suppose the velocity of the body
changes from u to v. We use the equation of motion,
v 2 − u2 = 2 as
1
Multiplying both sides by m, we get
2
1 1
mv 2 − mu2 = mas
2 2
By Newton’s second law, ma = F, the applied force.
Therefore,
1 1
mv 2 − mu2 = Fs = W
2 2
or K f − K i = W
Change in K.E. of the body = Work done on the body by ⋅ the net
force.
This proves the work energy theorem for a constant force.
6.10 WORK-ENERGY THEOREM FOR A VARIABLE FORCE
14. Prove the work‐energy theorem for a variable force.
Proof of W-E theorem for a variable force. Suppose a variable
force F⃗ acts on a body of mass m and produces displacement ⃗⃗⃗⃗
ds
in its own direction (6 = 0 ).
o

The small work done is

dVV = ⃗F. ⃗⃗⃗⃗
ds = Fds cos 0O = Fds
According to Newton’s second law of motion,
dv
P = ma = m
dt
 dv
∴ dW = m . ds
dt
ds
= mvdv [∵ = v]
dt
If the applied force increases the velocity from u to v, then the
total work done on the body will be
v v
W = ∫ d W = ∫ m vdv = m ∫ v dv
u u
2 v
v 1 1
= m[ ] = mv 2 − mu2
2 u 2 2
or W = K f − K i
= Change in K.E. of the body.
This proves the work‐energy theorem for a variable force.
6.11 POTENTIAL ENERGY
15. What is meant by potential energy 7 Give some examples.
Potential energy. Potential energy is the energy stored in a body
or a system by virtue of its position in a field of force or by its
configuration.
Examples of potential energy due to position :
(i) A body lying on the roof of a building has some potential
energy. When allowed to fall down, it can do work.
(ii) The potential energy of water stored to great heights in dams
is used to run turbines for
GRAVITATIONAL POTENTIAL ENERGY
17. Define gravitational potential energy. Derive an expression
for the gravitational P.E. of a body of mass m lying at height
h above the earth's surface.

Gravitational
potential energy.
The gravitational
potential energy
of a body is the
energy possessed
by the body by
virtue of its
position above
the surface of the
earth.
Expression for
G.P.E. Consider a
Fig. 6.15
body of mass m
Computation of
lying on the
G.P.E.
surface of the
earth, as shown in
Fig. 6.15. Let g be
the acceleration
due to gravity at
this place.

For heights much smaller than the radius of the earth (h << RsE)
the value g can be taken constant.
Force needed to lift the body up with zero acceleration,
F = Weight of the body = mg
Work done on the body in raising it through height h,
W = F . h = mg . h
This work done against gravity is stored as the gravitational
potential energy (U) of the body.
∴ U = mg h
At the surface of the earth, h = 0
∴ Gravitational P.E. at the earth's surface = zero.
POTENTIAL ENERGY OF A SPRING
26. Show that the elastic force of a spring is a conservative
force. Hence write an expression for the potential energy of an
elastic stretched spring.
Potential energy of a spring. Consider an elastic spring of
negligibly small mass with its one end attached to a rigid support.
Its other end is attached to a block of mass m which can slide
over a smooth horizontal surface. The position x = 0 is the
equilibrium position, as shown in Fig. 6.26(a). When the spring
is stretched [Fig. 6.26(b)] or compressed [Fig. 6.26(c)] by pulling
or pushing the block, a spring force Fs begins to act in the spring
towards the equilibrium position.

Fig. 6.26 Equilibrium, stretched and compressed states of an

elastic spring.
According to Hooke’s law, the spring force Fs is proportional to
the displacement of the block from the equilibrium position, i.e.,
Fs ∝ x or Fs = −kx
The proportionality constant k is called spring constant. Its SI
unit is Nm−1 . The spring is stiff if k is large and soft if k is small.
The negative sign shows Fs acts in the opposite direction of x.
The work done by the spring force for the small extension dx is
dWs = Fs dx = −kxdx
If the block is moved from an initial displacement xi to the final
displacement xf , the work done by the spring force is
xf x
x2 f
Ws = ∫ d Ws = − ∫ kxdx = −k [ ]
xi 2 x
i
1 1
or Ws = kxi2 − kxf2
2 2

If the block is pulled from xi and allowed to return to xj , then

xf
1 1
Ws = − ∫ k xdx = kxi2 − kxi2 = 0
xi 2 2
The above discussion shows that
(i) The spring force is position dependent as is clear in Hooke’s
law: Fs = −kx,
(ii) The work done by the spring force depends on initial and final
positions, and
(iii) The work done by the spring force in a cyclic process is zero.
Thus the spring force is a conservative force.
In order to pull the block outwards with a slow constant speed
(quasi‐static motion), an external force F equal and opposite to
Fs has to be applied. The work done by the external force will be
equal to the increase in P.E. of the spring and is given by
1 1
ΔU = W = kxf2 − kxi2
2 2
If we take the potential energy U(x) of the spring to be zero when
the block is in equilibrium position, the P.E. of the spring for an
extension x will be
1 1
U(x) − 0 = kx 2 − 0 or U(x) = kx 2
2 2

27. Draw a plot of spring force Fs and displacement x. Hence find

an expression for the P.E. of an elastic stretched spring.
P.E. of an elastic stretched spring by graphical method. Fig. 6.27
shows the plot of spring force Fs versus displacement x of a block
attached to the free end of the spring.

Fig. 6.27 Plot of Fs versus x.

According to Hooke’s law, the spring force for an extension xm is
Fs = −kxm
The work done by the spring force for an extension xm is
1
Ws = Area of ΔOℬA = AB × OB
2
 1 1 1 2
= Fs × xm = (−kxm ) × xm = − kxm
2 2 2
In order to stretch the spring slowly, an external force F equal to
and opposite to Fs has to be applied. So work done by the external
force F is
1 2
W = −Ws = + kxm
2
Thus work done is stored as the P.E. of the spring.
1 2
∴ U = kxm
2

Collision. A collision is said to occur between two bodies, either

if they physically collide against each other or if the path of one
is affected by the force exerted by the other.
Elastic collision. If there is no loss of kinetic energy during a
collision, it is called an elastic collision.
Characteristics of elastic collisions :
(i) The momentum is conserved.
(ii) Total energy is conserved.
(iii) The kinetic energy is conserved.
iv) Forces involved during the collision are conservative.
(v) The mechanical energy is not converted into heat, light,
sound, etc.
Examples. Collision between subatomic particles, collision
between glass balls, etc.
2. Inelastic collision. If there is a loss of kinetic energy during
a collision, it is called an inelastic collision.
Characteristics of inelastic collisions :
(i) The momentum is conserved.
(ii) Total energy is conserved.
(iii) The kinetic energy is not conserved.
(iv) Some or all of the forces involved are non- conservative.
(v) A part of the mechanical energy is converted into heat, light,
sound, etc.
Examples. Collision between two vehicles, collision between a
ball and floor.
.22 ELASTIC COLLISION IN ONE DIMENSION
37. Prove that in an elastic one-dimensional collision between
two bodies, the relative velocity of approach before collision is
equal to the relative velocity of separation after the collision.
Hence derive expressions for the velocities of the two bodies in
terms of their initial velocities before collision. Discuss the special
cases also.
Elastic collision in one dimension. As shown in Fig. 6.36, consider
two perfectly elastic bodies A and B of masses m1 and m2 moving
along the same straight line with velocities u1 and u2 respectively.
Let u1 > u2 .
After some time, the two bodies collide head-on and continue
moving in the same direction with velocities v1 and v2
respectively. The two bodies will separate after the collision if
v2 > v1 .

Fig. 6.36 Elastic collision in one dimension.

As linear momentum is conserved in any collision, so
mJ u1 + m2 u2 = m1 v1 + m2 v2 …(1)
or m1 u1 − m1 v1 = m2 v2 − m2 u2
or m1 (u1 − v1 ) = ng(v2 − u2 ) …(2)
Since K.E. is also conserved in an elastic collision, so
1 1 1 1
m1 u12 + m2 u22 = m1 v12 + m2 v22
2 2 2 2
or m1 u1 − m1 v1 = m2 v2 − m2 u22
2 2 2

or m1 (, u1 + v1 )(u1 − v1 ) = m2 (v2 + u2 )(v2 − u2 ) …(3)

Dividing equation (3) by (2), we get
u1 + v1 = v2 + u2
or u1 − u2 = v2 − v1 …(4)
or Relative velocity of A w.r.t. B before collision = Relative
velocity of B w.r.t. A after collision
or Relative velocity of approach
= Relative velocity of separation
Thus, in an elastic one‐dimensional collision, the relative velocity
of approach before collision is equal to the relative velocity of
separation after the collision.
Velocities of the bodies after the collision. From equation (4), we
get
v2 = u1 − u2 + v1
Putting this value of v2 in equation (1), we get
m1 u1 + ngu2 = m1 v1 + wh(u1 − u2 + v1 )
= m1 v1 + m2 u1 − m2 u2 + m2 v1
or (m1 − m2 )u1 + 2m2 u2 = (m7 + nb)v1
m1 −m2 2m2
or v1 = ( ) u1 + (m ) u2 …(5)
m1 +m2 1 +m2

Interchanging the subscripts 1 and 2 in the above equation, we

get
m2 −m1 2m1
v2 = ( )u2 + ( ) u1 …(6)
m1 +m2 m1 + m2

Equations (5) and (6) give the final velocities of the colliding
bodies in terms of their initial velocities.
Special cases:
(i) When two bodies of equal masses collide. Let
m1 = m2 = m (say).
From equation (5),
2mu2
v1 = = u2
2m
= velocity of body of mass m2 before collision
From equation (6),
2mu1
v2 = = u1
2m
= velocity of body of mass m1 before collision
Hence when two bodies of equal masses suffer one dimensional
elastic collision, their velocities get exchanged after the collision.
(ii) When a body collides against a stationary
body of equal mass. Here m1 = m2 = m(say) and u2 = 0.
From equation (5), v1 = 0
From equation (6), v2 = u1
Hence when an elastic body collides against another elastic body
of equal mass, initially at rest, after the collision the first body
comes to rest while second body moves with the initial velocity
of the first
EIASTIC COLLISION IN TWO DIMENSIONS
39. Discuss elastic collision in two dimensions. What
are the conditions of (i) glancing collision (ii) head-on collision?
(iii) Show that two identical particles move at right angles to each
other after elastic collision in two dimensions.
Elastic collision in two dimensions. As shown in Fig. 6.38,
suppose a particle of mass m1 moving along X-axis with velocity
u1 collides with another particle of mass m2 at rest. After the
collision, let the two particles move with velocities v1 and v2 ,
making angles θ1 and θ2 with X-axis.

Fig. 6.38 Elastic collision in two dimensions.

After the collision, the rectangular components of the momentum
of m1 are
(i) m1v1 cos θ1, along +ve X-axis
(ii) m1v1 sin θ1, along +ve Y-axis
After the collision, the rectangular components of the momentum
of are
(i) m2v2 cos θ2, along +ve X-axis
(ii) m2v2 sin θ2, along -ve Y-axis
Applying the principle of conservation of momentum along X-
axis,
m1u1 = m1v1 cos θ1 + m2v2 cos θ2 …(1)
The initial momentum of or m, along Y-axis is zero.
Applying the principle of conservation of momentum along Y-
axis,
0 = m1v1 sin θ1 - sin θ2 ...(2)
As the K.E. is conserved in an elastic collision, so
1 1 1
m1u12 = m1v12 + m1v22 ...(3)
2 2 2

The four unknown quantities v1, v2 , θ1 and θ2 cannot be

calculated using the three equations (1), (2) and (3). By
measuring one of the four unknowns, say θ1, experimentally; the
values of other three unknowns can be solved.
GUIDELINES TO NCERT EXERCISES
6.1. The sign of work done by a force on a body is important to
understand. State carefully if the following quantities are positive
or negative.
(i) Work done by a man in lifting a bucket out of a well by means
of a rope tied to the bucket.
(ii) Work done by graintational force in the above case.
(iii) Work done by friction on a body sliding down an inclined plane.
(iv) Work done by an applied force on a body moving on a rough
horizontal plane with uniform velocity.
(v) Work done by the resistive force of air on a vibrating pendulum
in bringing it to rest.
Ans.
(i) Work done is positive, because the bucket moves in the direction
of the force applied by the man.
(ii) Work done by gravitational force is negative because the bucket
moves upwards while the gravitational force acts downwards.
(iii) Work done is negative, because force of friction acts on the
body in the opposite direction of its motion.
(iv) Work done is positive, because the applied force acts in the
direction of motion of the body.
(v) Work done is negative, because the resistive force of air acts in
a direction opposite to the direction of motion of the vibrating
pendulum.
6.2. A body of mass 2 kg initially at rest moves under the action of
an applied horizontal force of 7N on a table with coefficient of kinetic
friction = 0.1. Compute the
(i) work done by the applied force in 10 s,
(ii) work done by the friction in 10 s,
(iii) work done by the net force on the body in 10 s, and
(iv) change in kinetic energy of the body in 10 s. Interpret your
results.
Ans. Here m = 2 kg, u= 0, F = 7 N, μk = 0.1, t = 10 s
Force of friction,
fk = μk R = μk mg = 0.1 × 2 × 9.8 = 1.96 N
Net force with which the body moves,
F' = F - fk = 7 - 1.96 = 5.04N
Acceleration,
F′ 5.04
a= = = 2.52 ms 2
m 2

Distance,
1 1
s = ut + at2 = 0 + × 2.52 × (10)2
2 2

= 126 m
(i) Work done by the applied force,
W1 = Fs = 7 × 126 = 882 J.
(ii) Work done by the friction,
W2 = - fk × s = - 1.96 × 126 = - 246.9 J.
(iii) Work done by the net force,
W3 = F's = 5.04 × 126 = 635 J.
(iv) Final velocity acquired by the body after 10 s,
v = u + at = 0 + 2.52 × 10 = 25.2 ms-1
Change in K.E. of the body
1 1 1
= mv2 - mu2 = × 2 × (25.2)2 - 0 = 635 J
2 2 2
Thus the change in K.E. of the body is equal to the work done by
the net force on the body.
6.3 .Given below (Fig. 6.46) are examples of some potential
energy/ functions in one dimension. The total energy of the particle
is indicated by a cross on the ordinate axis. In each case, specify
the regions, if any, in which the particle cannot be found
Fig. 6.46
for the given energy. Also, indicate the minimum total energy the
particle must have in each case. Think of simple physical contexts
for which these potential energy shapes are relevant.
Ans. Total energy, E = K. E. + P. E.
∴ K.E. = E - P.E.
The particle can exist in such a region in which its K.E. is positive.
(a) For x > a, P.E. (V0) > E
∴ K.E. is negative. The particle cannot exist in the region x > a.
Here Emin = 0.
(b) In every region of the graph, P.E. (V) > E.
∴ K.E. is negative. The particle cannot be found in any region. Here
Emin = -V1.
(c) For x < a and x > h, P.E. (V0) > E
∴ K.E. is negative. The particle cannot be found in the region x < a
and x > h. Here Emin = -V1.
b a a b
(d) For- <x<- and < x < , P.E. (V) > E.
2 2 2 2

∴ K.E. is negative. The particle cannot be present in these regions.

Here Emin = -V1.
6.4. The potential energy function for a particle executing linear
simple harmonic motion is given by V(x) = kx2 / 2, where k is the
force constant of the oscillator. For k = 0.5 Nm-1, the graph of V(x)
versus x is shown in Fig. 6.47. Show that a particle of total energy
1 J moving under this potential must "turn back" when it reaches x
= ± 2 m.

Fig. 6.47
Ans. At any instant, the energy of the oscillator is partly kinetic and
partly potential. Its total energy is E = K + V
1 1
or E = mv2 + kx2
2 2

An oscillating particle turns back at the point where its

instantaneous velocity is zero i.e., the particle will turn back at such
a point x where v = 0.
1
∴E=0+ kx2
2
But E = 1 J, k = 0.5Nm-1
1
∴1= × 0.5 × x2 or x2 =4
2

or x = ± 2 m.
6.5. Answer the following :
(a) The casing of a rocket in flight burns up due to friction. At whose
expense is the heat energy required for burning obtained ? The
rocket or the atmosphere or both ?
[Delhi 12]
(b) Comets move around the sun in highly elliptical orbits. The
gravitational force on the comet due to the sun is not normal to the
comet's velocity in general. Yet the work done by the gravitational
force over every complete orbit of the comet is zero. Why ?
(c) An artificial satellite orbiting the earth in very thin atmosphere
loses its energy gradually due to dissipation against atmospheric
resistance, however small. Why then does its speed increase
progressively as it comes closer and closer to the earth ?
(d) In Fig. 6.48 (i) the man walks 2 m carrying a mass of 15 kg on
his hands. In Fig. 6.48 (ii), he walks the same distance pulling the
rope behind him. The rope goes over a pulley, and a mass of 15 kg
hangs at its other end. In which case is the work done greater ?

Fig. 6.48
Ans. (a) Heat energy required for the burning of the casing of a
rocket in flight is obtained from the rocket itself. It is obtained at
the expense of the mass of the rocket and its kinetic and potential
energies.
(b) The gravitational force acting on the comet is a conservative
force. The work done by a conservative over any path is equal to
the negative of the change in P.E. Over a complete orbit of any
shape, there is no change in P.E. of the comet. Hence no work is
done by the gravitational force on the comet.
(c) As the satellite comes closer to the earth, its potential energy
decreases. As the sum of kinetic and potential energy remains
constant, the kinetic energy and velocity of the satellite increase.
But the total energy of the satellite goes on decreasing due to the
loss of energy against friction.
(d) In case (i), no work is done against gravity because the
displacement of 2 m (horizontal) and the weight of 15 kg (acting
vertically downwards) are perpendicular to each other. Work is
done only against friction.
In case (ii), work has to be done against gravity (= mg h = 15 ×
9.8 × 2 = 294 J) in addition to the work to be done against friction
while moving a distance of 2 m. Thus the work done in case (ii) is
greater than that in case (i).
6.6. Underline the correct alternative :
(a) When a conservative force does positive work on a body, the
potential energy of the body increases / decreases / remains
unaltered.
(b) Work done by a body against friction always results in a loss of
its kinetic/potential energy.
(c) The rate of change of total momentum of a many- particle
system is proportional to the external force/sum of the internal
forces on the system.
(d) In an inelastic collision of two bodies, the quantities which do
not change after the collision are the total kinetic energy/total linear
momentum/total energy of the system of two bodies. [Central
Schools 08]
Ans.
(a) The work done by a conservative force is equal to the negative
of the potential energy. When the work done is positive, the
potential energy decreases.
(b) Friction always opposes motion. A body does work against
friction at the expense of its kinetic energy. Work done by a body
against friction results in a loss of its kinetic energy.
(c) Internal forces in a many-particle system cancel out in pairs and
so they cannot change the net momentum of the system. Only the
external forces can produce change in momentum. The rate of
change of momentum of a many-particle system is proportional to
the external force on the system.
(d) In an elastic collision, the kinetic energy of the system
decreases after the collision but the total energy of the system and
its total linear momentum do not change after the inelastic collision.
6.7. State if each of the following statements is true or false, Give
reasons for your answer.
(a) In an elastic collision of two bodies, the momentum and energy
of each body is conserved.
(b) Total energy of a system is always conserved, no mutter what
internal und external forces on the body are present.
(c) Work done in the motion of a body over a closed loop is zero for
every force in nature.
(d) In an inelastic collision, the final kinetic energy is always less
than the initial kinetic energy of the system.
Ans.
(a) False. Total momentum and total energy of the entire system
are conserved and not of individual bodies.
(b) False. The external forces acting on a body may change its
energy.
(c) False. In case of a non-conservative force like friction, the work
in the motion of a body over a closed loop is not zero.
(d) True. In an elastic collision, a part of the initial K.E. of the
system always changes into some other form of energy.
6.8. Answer carefully, with reasons :
(a) In an elastic collision of two billiard balls, is the total kinetic
energy conserved during the short time of collision of the balls (i.e.,
when they are in contact) ? [Delhi 12]
(b) Is the total linear momentum conserved during the short time
of an elastic collision of two balls ?
(c) What are the answers to (a) and (b) for an inelastic collision ?
(d) If the potential energy of two billiard balls depends only on the
separation distance between their centres, is the collision elastic or
inelastic ? (Note, we are talking here of potential energy
corresponding to the force during collision, not gravitational
potential energy.)
Ans.
(a) During the short time of collision when the balls are in contact,
the kinetic energy of the balls gets converted into potential energy.
In an elastic collision, though the kinetic energy before collision is
equal to the kinetic energy after the collision but kinetic energy is
not conserved during the short time of collision.
(b) Yes, the total linear momentum is conserved during the short
time of an elastic collision of two balls.
(c) In an inelastic collision, the total K.E. is not conserved during
collision as well as even after the collision. But the total linear
momentum of the two balls is conserved.
(d) The collision is elastic because the forces involved are
conservative.
6.9. A body is initially at rest. It undergoes one-dimensional motion
with constant acceleration. The power delivered to it at time t is
proportional to
(i) t1/2 (ii) t (iii) t3/2 (iv) t2
Ans. Instantaneous velocity, v = 0 + at = at
Power, P = Fv = mav = ma × at = ma2t
As m and a are constant, so P ∝ t
∴ Alternative (ii) is correct.
6.10. A body is moving unidirectionally under the influence of a
source of constant power. Its displacement in time t is proportional
to
(i) t1/2 (ii) t (iii) t3/2 (iv) t2
Ans. By work-energy theorem,
1
W=P×t= mv2
2
2Pt
or v 2 =
m
 ds 2Pt 1⁄2
∴v= =( )
dt m

On integration,
2P 1⁄2 2 3⁄2
s=( ) t
m 3
∴ s ∝ t 3⁄2
Hence, alternative (iii) is correct.
6.11. A body constrained to move along the Z-axis of a co-ordinate
system is subject to a constant force F⃗ = - î + 2ĵ + 3k̂ N, where î,
ĵ, k̂ are unit vectors along the X-, Y-, and Z-axis of the system
respectively. What is the work done by this force in moving the
body a distance of 4 m along the Z-axis ?
Ans. Here, ⃗F = - î + 2ĵ + 3k̂ N
As the body moves a distance of 4 m along Z-axis, so
s = 4k̂ m.
∴ W = ⃗F. s = (-î + 2j + 3k
⃗ ).(4k
⃗)

= (-i + 2j + 3k
⃗ ). (0i + 0j + 4k
⃗)
= -1 × 0 + 2 × 0 + 3 × 4 = 12 J.
As the wall is heavy, the molecule rebounding with its own speed
does not produce any velocity in the wall. Let m be the mass of the
molecule and M that of the wall. K.E. before collision,
1 1
Ki = m(200)2 + M (0)2 = 2 × 104 m
2 2

K.E. after collision,

1 1
Kf = m(200)2 + M (0)2 = 2 x 104 m
2 2

∴ Kf = Ki
The bob of a pendulum is released from a horizontal position A as
shown. If the length of the pendulum is 1.5 m, what is the speed
with which the bob arrives at the lowermost point B, given that it
dissipates 5% of its initial energy against air resistance ?
Fig. 6.52
Ans. Here h = 1.5 m, v = ?
P.E. of the bob at A = mgh
1
K.E. of the bob at B = mv
2

As 5% of the P.E. is dissipated against air resistance, so

1
mv = 95% of mgh
2
1 95
or mv2 = × mgh
2 100

2×95×gh 2×95×9.8×1.5
or v = √ =√
100 100

= √27.93 = 5.3 ms-1.