Chapter 4

WORK AND ENERGY

MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTIONS
WORK DONE BY A CONSTANT FORCE
1. In S.I the unit of work is:
(A) joule (B) newton (C) erg (D) dyne
2. If the direction of force is perpendicular to the direction of motion of a body, then work done
is:
(A) Minimum (B) Maximum (C) Zero (D) Infinity
3. The work done by the centripetal force is
(A) Maximum (B) zero
(C) Minimum (D) depends on magnitude of force
4. The area under the force-displacement graph represents:
(A) Work done (B) power (C) torque (D) none of these
5. Kilowatt-hour is the unit of
(A) Power (B) Work (C) Force (D) Momentum
6. Power is equal to the dot product of force and………
(A) Displacement (B) acceleration (C) velocity (D) position vector
7. The dimensions of power are:
(A)  ML T  (B)  ML T  (C)  ML T  (D)  ML T 
2 1 2 2 2 3 2 o

8. The dimensions of work are:

(A) [ MLT 1 ] (B) [𝑴𝑳𝟐 𝑻−𝟑 ] (C) [ ML2T 2 ] (D) [ MLT ]
9. The power will be zero when angle between force and displacement is
(A) 45o (B) 60 o (C) 90o (D) 180o
10. The work will be negative when angle between force and displacement
(A) 45o (B) 90o (C) 0o (D) 180o
11. 9 joules of work is done in 3 seconds then power is
(A) 6 watt (B) 3 watt (C) 18 watt (D) 2 watt
 
12. The work done is half of max value if the angle between the force F and displacement d is:
(A) 180o (B) 90o (C) 45o (D) 60o
13. 1 KWh is equal to
(A) 3.6 106 J (B) 3.6 MJ (C) 3.6 103 J (D) both A & B
14. Work done is maximum when the angle between force and displacement is
(A) 0o (B) 45o (C) 90o (D) 180o
15. When the angle between force and displacement is greater than 90o, the work done is
(A)Maximum (B) Zero (C) Negative (D) Positive
16. If a body of mass 2 kg is raised vertically through 2m then the work done will be:
(A) 38.2 J (B) 39.2 J (C) 40 J (D) 392.1 J
WORK DONE BY A VARIABLE FORCE
WORK DONE BY GRAVITATIONAL FIELD
17. Work done in a gravitation field along a closed path is:
(A) zero (B) maximum (C) positive (D) negative
18. The field in which work done in moving a body along a closed path is zero, is called:
(B) Electic Field (B) magnetic Field (C) gravitaional Field (D) conservative field
19. Which of the following is a non-conservative force
(A) Gravitational force (B) electric force
(B) Elastic spring force (D) frictional force
 POWER
20. A 60 kg man runs up a long stairs in 5 seconds. If he covers a height of 5 m and a
horizontal distance of 10 m, his power
(A) 490W (B) 250W (C) 588W (D) 2450W
21. The dimensional ratio of work to power is:
(A) j (B) t (C) l (D) KWH
ENERGY
22. The escape velocity on the surface of moon is:
gR
(A) gR 2 (B) (C) 2gR (D) 2gR
2
23. The ratio between orbital and escape velocities are
1
(A) 1 (B) 2 (C) 2 (D)
2
24. Which of following has same units & dimensions are
(A) K.E and work (B) Torque & force
(C) Angular momentum & linear Momentum (D) work & Anguluar Momentum
25. A body of mass 1.0 kg drops form the top of a tower of height 50 m, what will be its K.E
(A) 490 J (B) 49 J (C) 98 J (D) 980 J
26. Which one is the biggest unit of energy?
(A) Erg (B) Joule (C) Watt-hour (D) Kilo-Watt hour
27. K.E can be defined as the dot product of
(A) Momentum and force (B) Force and velocity
(C) Average momentum and velocity (D) mass and self-product of velocity
28. If mass of a moving object is doubled, its K.E becomes
(A) 2 times (B) 4 times (C) 5 times (D) 16 times
29. Heat is a form of
(A) Power (B) Work (C) Energy (D) Motion
30. The dimensions of kinetic energy are
1
(A) [ML2T-2] (B) [ML-2T2] (C) [ML2T-1] (D) [ ML2T 2 ]
2
31. A body is moving with velocity V the velocity is doubled, the K.E. becomes
(A) Double (B) Remains same (C) Four times (D) None of these
32. The escape velocity on the surface of earth is given by the formula
(A) gR (B) 2gR (C) 2 gR (D) 2gR
33. As we move up a body above the surface of Earth, the change in potential energy will always
(A) Positive (B) Negative (C) Zero (D) Infinity
34. A 4N body falls through a height of 0.5m. after falling 0.25m its K.E will be
(A) 1.0J (B) 2.0J (C) 9.8J (D) 20J
35. The value of escape velocity of the object from the Earth is
(A) 7.9 km s-1 (B) 11 km s-1 (C) 11 m s-1 (D) 7.9m s-1
36. Absolute P.E. of an object at infinite height w.r.t earth is taken as
(A) Negative (B) Zero (C) Minimum (D) Virtual
37. The energy consumed by 60 watt bulb in 2 seconds is:
(A) 120 J (B) 60 J (C) 30 J (D) 0.02 J
38. The value of acceleration due to gravity at center of earth is:
(A) zero (B) 9.8 m/s2 (C) negative (D) positive
39. The kinetic energy of a 50 g bullet moving at a speed of 500 m/s is:
(A) 2500 J (B) 1250 J (C) 25000 J (D) none of these
40. As we move a body in upward direction above the surface of earth, the change in potential
energy will always be:
(A) negative (B) positive (C) zero (D) infinity
41. One man takes 1 minute to raise a box to a height of 1m and another man takes ½ minute
to do so. The energy of the two is
(A) different (B) same
(C) enrgy of the first is more (D) energy of the second is more
INTERCONVERSION OF POTENTIAL ENERGY AND KINETIC ENERGY
CONSERVATION OF ENERGY, NON-CONVENTIONAL ENERGY SOURCES
42. Value of solar constant is:
(A) 1.4 kWm-2 (B) 1.0 kWm-2 (C) 4.1 kWm-2 (D) 0.1 kWm-2
43. When sunlight passes through atmosphere, its total energy reduced due to?
(A) Reflection by dust particles (B) scattering by dust particles
(C) Absorption by dust particles (D) all of these
44. The source of tidal energy is:
(A) Ocean (B) moon (C) earth (D) sun
45. kWm is the unit of ……….
-2

(A) Power (B) intensity (C) energy (D) energy per unit area
46. Biofuel such as _______ is a replacement of gasoline.
(A) petrol (B) Natural gas
(C) ethanol (D) citric acid
47. Geysers derive energy from the:
(A) Sun (B) Moon (C) Earth (D) Star
48. Earth receives large amount of energy directly from:
(A) Wind (B) Water (C) Sun (D) Moon
49. Photocell converts light energy into:
(A)chemical energy (B) electrical energy (C) potential energy (D) heat energy
50. Geysers usually occur in:
(A) Cold region (B) volcanic region (C) mild hot region (D) all of these

ANSWER KEY
1 A 11 B 21 B 31 C 41 B
2 C 12 D 22 D 32 D 42 A
3 B 13 D 23 D 33 A 43 D
4 A 14 A 24 A 34 A 44 B
5 B 15 C 25 A 35 B 45 B
6 C 16 B 26 D 36 B 46 C
7 C 17 A 27 D 37 A 47 C
8 C 18 D 28 A 38 A 48 C
9 C 19 D 29 C 39 D 49 B
10 D 20 C 30 A 40 B 50 B

Short Questions from Topics

Q.1 What do you understand by the terms work and energy? Give their units.
Ans Work: The dot product of force and displacement is called work done.
W = F.d
Unit:
SI unit of work is N m known as joule (J).
 Energy:
The ability of a body to do work is called energy.
Unit:
The SI unit of energy is joule (J).
Q.2 What do you mean by variable force? Give two examples.
Ans The force whose magnitude, direction or both changes when it acts on a body.
Example:
Mm
1. Force of gravity. i.e F = G r2
2. Elastic spring force. i.e F = −kx
Q.3 Define conservative field. Give its two examples.
Ans: The field in which total work done by the body in a closed path is zero is called a
conservative field. OR
The field in which work done is independent of the path followed by the body is called
conservative field.
Example:
Gravitational field, electric field and magnetic field.
Q.4 Define the term power and write its S.I. units.
Ans Rate of doing work is called power.
Formula:
ΔW
Pav = Δt
Unit: The S.I unit of power is watt (W)
1W = 1J/1s
If one joule of work is done in one second, then the power is called one watt.
Q.5 Derive the relation between power and velocity.
Ans From the relation of instantaneous power, we have:
∆W
P = lim
∆t→0 ∆t
We know, ⃗
∆W = ⃗F. ∆d
⃗
⃗ .∆d
F
So, P = lim
∆t→0 ∆t
⃗
∆d
⃗ . lim ( )
P=F ∆t
∆t→0
∆d⃗
Since, ⃗ = lim ( ∆t )
v
∆t→0
P = ⃗F. v
⃗
6
Q.6 Define one kilowatt hour. Show that 1kW h = 3.6 × 10 J or 3.6 MJ.
Ans The kilowatt hour is the work done in one hour by an agency whose power is one kilowatt.
1kW h = 3.6 × 106 J
Proof:
1kW h = 1000 W × 3600 s
1kW h = 1000 × 3600 (W s) (Since W s = J)
6
1kW h = 3.6 × 10 J
1kW h = 3.6 MJ
Q.7 How geothermal energy can be obtained by natural geysers?
Ans In some places water beneath the ground is in contact with hot rocks and is raised to high
temperature and pressure. It comes to the surface as hot springs geyser or steam vents. This
steam can be used to run the turbines of electric generators to produce the electricity.
Q.8 State work energy principle, write its mathematical form.
Ans Work Energy Principle:
Work done on the body equals the change in its kinetic energy, this is called work energy
principle.
Mathematical form:
1 1
F d = 2 mvf 2 − 2 mvi 2
Q.9 What is escape velocity of an object? Write its formula.
Ans The initial velocity of an object with which it goes out of the Earth’s gravitational field is known
as escape velocity.
Formula:
Escape velocity for earth is given by expression:
vesc = √2gR
=11 km s-1
Q.10 State the law of Conservation of Energy.
Ans This law states that, energy cannot be destroyed. It can be transformed from one kind to
another, but the total amount of energy remains constant.
Mathematical form:
Total Energy = P.E. + K.E. = constant
Q.11 How electrical energy can be obtained by using tides?
Ans Gravitational force by the moon gives rise to tides in sea. The tides raise the water in the sea
roughly twice a day. If the water at the high tide is trapped in a basin by constructing a dam, then
it is possible to use this as a source of energy. The dam is filled during high tide and the water is
released in a controlled way at low tide to drive the turbines. At the next high tides, the dam is
filled again, and the in-rushing water also drives the turbines and generates electricity.
Q.12 Write down sources of renewable sources of energy.
Ans Renewable energy:
Energy from a source which does not deplete when used is called renewable energy.
Renewable sources of energy:
1. Energy from tides
2. Energy from waves
3. Solar energy
4. Geothermal energy
Q.12 Differentiate between conventional and non-conventional energy sources.
Ans Non-conventional energy sources: Sources of energy which are not common these days are
called non-conventional sources of energy. For example, solar, wind, water, biomass and
geothermal energy.
Conventional energy sources: Energy sources which are commonly used these days are called
conventional energy sources. For example, coal, nuclear, oil and natural gas.
Q.13 Name some non-conventional energy sources.
Ans Following are the non-conventional energy sources:
1. Energy from tides
2. Energy from waves
3. Solar energy
4. Energy from biomass
5. Energy from waste products
6. Geothermal energy
Q.14 What is geo-thermal energy?
Ans The heat energy that is extracted from inside the earth in the form of hot water or steam is called
geothermal energy.
Processes of geothermal energy generation:
i. Radioactive decay
ii. Residual heat of the earth
iii. Compression of materials
Q.15 Explain briefly about residual heat of the earth.
Ans At some places hot igneous rocks, usually within 10 km of the earth’s surface are in a molten or
partly molten state. They conduct heat energy from the earth’s interior. The temperature of these
rocks is about 200 ᵒC or more.
Q.16 How energy is obtained from direct combustion and fermentation.
OR
How many most common methods are used for the conversion of biomass into fuel.
Ans Direct combustion: In this method waste product like wood waste, crop residue, animal dung
and sewage etc. is burnt in a confined container. Heat produced in this way is directly utilized in
the boiler to produce steam that can run turbine generator.
Fermentation: Biofuel such as ethanol (alcohol) is a replacement of gasoline. It is obtained by
the fermentation of biomass using enzymes and by decomposition through bacterial action in the
absence of air (oxygen).
Q.17 Define conservative and non-conservative forces. Give two examples of each.
Ans Non-Conservative Forces: The forces by which work done in moving a particle between two
points depend on path followed are called non conservative forces. For example, frictional force,
air resistance, tension in a string, normal force.
Conservative Forces: These are the forces by which the total work done in moving a particle
between two points does not depend on path followed. For example, gravitational force, elastic
spring force, electric force.
Q.18 How is Salter’s duck helpful in generating electricity OR is helpful in running electricity
generator?
Ans Salter’s duck is a device used to produce wave energy by using large floats which move up and
down with the water waves. It consists of two parts (i) Duck float (ii) Balance float.
The wave energy makes duck float move relative to the balance float. The relative motion
of the duck float is then used to run electricity generators.
Q.19 Explain the direct conversion of sunlight into electricity.
Ans The direct conversion of sunlight into electricity is through the use of semiconductor devices
called solar cells or photo voltaic cells. Solar cells are thin wafers made from silicon. Electrons
in the silicon gain energy from sunlight to create a voltage. The voltage produced by a single
voltaic cell is very low, so large number of such cells are connected in series to form a solar
panel.
Q.20 How do solar cells work in cloudy days or nights?
Ans During cloudy days or nights, electric energy can be stored during the sun light in Nickel
cadmium batteries by connecting them to solar panels. These batteries can then provide power
to electrical appliances at nights or on cloudy days.
Q.21 Give advantages and disadvantages of using solar cells.
Ans Solar cells are expensive but last for a longer time and have low running cost. Solar cells are
used to power satellites having large solar panels which are kept facing the Sun.
Q.22 How can pollution be reduced?
Ans Pollution can be reduced if people
1. Use mass transportation
 2. Use geothermal, solar, hydro electrical and wind energy as alternative forms of energy.
Q.23 What is an Aquifer?
Ans Aquifer is a layer of rock holding water that allows water to percolate through it with
pressure.
Short Questions from Exercise
Q.1 A person holds a bag of groceries while standing still, talking to a friend. A car is
stationary with its engine running. From the standpoint of work, how are these two
situations similar?
Ans In both the cases work done is zero because displacement covered by the stationary car and
standing person is zero.
W = Fd cos θ
W = F(0) cos θ
W=0
Q.2 Calculate the work done in kilo joules in lifting a mass of 10 kg (at a steady velocity)
through a vertical height of 10 m.
Ans m = 10 kg, h =10 m, θ =00
W= Fd cos θ
W= F d cos(0)
W= m g h
W= 10 × 9.8 × 10
W= 980 J
W= 0.98 kJ
Q.3 A force F acts through a distance L. the force is then increased to 3 F, and then acts
through a further distance of 2 L. Draw the work diagram to scale.
Ans. From the F-d diagram work done is equal to area of force displacement
graph
W= Area under F − d graph
= (F × L) + (3F × 2L)
W = 7FL
Q.4 In which case is more work done? When a 50 kg bag of books is
lifted through 50 cm, or when a 50 kg crate is pushed through 2 m across the floor with a force
of 50 N?
Ans In case of books:
W = mgh
= 50 × 9.8 × 0.5
W = 245 J
In case of crate:
W= Fd cos θ
= F d cos(0)
= Fd
= 50 × 2
W= 100 J
Therefore, more work is done in lifting bag of books.
Q.5 An object has 1 J of potential energy. Explain what it means?
Ans P. E = m g h
=wh
1 J = (1 N) × (1m)
 1 J potential energy means one joule of work is done in lifting a body of mass 1kg to a vertical
height of 1 m by applying 1 N force. This work is stored as 1 joule of potential energy.
Q.6 A ball of mass m is held at a height h1 above a table. The tabletop is at a height h2 above the
floor. One student says that the ball has potential energy mgh1 but another says that it is mg
(h1 + h2). Who is correct?
Ans Both the students are correct. One student is taking the reference from the top of the table
and other is taking the reference from the floor.
P.E with respect to table = mgh1
P.E with reference to floor = mg (h1 + h2 )
Q.7 When a rocket re-enters the atmosphere, its nose cone becomes very hot. Where does this heat
energy come from?
Ans Work is done by the rocket against the air friction and the friction of the dust particles in the air.
This work done against the friction produces the heat which makes the nose cone of the rocket
very hot.
Q.8 What sort of energy is in the following:
(a) Compressed spring
(b) Water in a high dam
(c) A moving car
Ans (a) Elastic PE in compressed spring.
(b) Gravitational PE in water in a high dam.
(c) Kinetic energy in a moving car.
Q.9 A girl drops a cup from a certain height, which breaks into pieces. What energy changes are
involved?
Ans Potential energy is converted into kinetic energy and kinetic energy is converted into sound
energy, heat energy, work done in breaking the cup and kinetic energy of the pieces.
G.P. E→ gain in K. E→ (sound energy +heat energy +work done in breaking the cup + K.E of
the pieces)
Q.10 A body uses a catapult to throw a stone, which accidentally smashes a greenhouse
window. List the possible energy changes.
Ans Elastic potential energy is converted into kinetic energy and kinetic energy is converted into
sound energy, heat energy, work done in breaking the window and kinetic energy of the pieces.
E.P.E → gain in K. E→ (sound energy + heat energy + Work done in breaking + kinetic energy
of the pieces)
LONG QUESTIONS
Q.1 What is a variable force? Explain work done by a variable force.
Ans Variable force:
If the magnitude, direction or both of a force changes then it is said to be a variable force.
Example:
(1) Elastic spring force (F = −kx)
 Gm m
(2) Force of gravity (F = d12 2)
F2 b
Analytical Method of work done by a variable force F1
Consider a variable force moves a particle from point ‘a’ to point ‘b’ 2 > dn
1
> d2
along a curved path, as shown in figure.
To find work divide the path into ‘n’ small intervals of a d1
displacements ∆d ⃗ 1 ,∆d
⃗ 2 ,∆d
⃗ 3 , ……, ∆d ⃗ n the forces during these
A particle acted upon by a
intervals are ⃗F1, ⃗F2, ⃗F3,………,F ⃗ n . These intervals are so small variable force, moves along
that force remains constant during each interval. the path shown from point
a to point b.
 
W1 = F1 ∙  d1 = F1 d1 cos1
y

F1 cos 1
W1 = (F1 cos1 )d1

F1 cos 1
W2 = (F2 cos2 )d2

F n cos n
−= − − − − − − − − −

F cos
−= − − − − − − − −
Wn = (Fn cosn )dn
Wtotal = W1 + W2 + ⋯ ⋯ ⋯ ⋯ ⋯ + Wn o x
a d1 d2 d1 dn b
Wtotal = (F1 cos1 )d1 + (F2 cos2 )d2 + ⋯ + (Fn cosn )dn
d
Wtotal = ∑𝑛𝑖=1 Fi cos θi ∆di y
Graphical Method:
When a variable force acts on the body to move it from one point to

F cos
another point the graph is plotted between ‘Fcosθ’ and ‘d’. Fcosθ is
taken along y-axis and d is taken along x-axis. The total displacement
is divided into n equal very small displacements such that each o a b
displacement Δd → 0. The total work done is equal to area under force- Displacement d
displacement graph. Therefore, sum of areas of all the rectangles is equal to thetotal work done on
the body by the variable force.
Limit n
Wtotal =  F cosi di
d0 i=1 i
Q.2 Define gravitational field, explain the work done by gravitational field. Also define
conservative field.
OR
Show that work done in gravitational field is independent of path followed
OR
Show that in gravitational field work done in a closed path is zero
Ans Gravitational Field:
The space or region around the Earth in which its gravitational force acts on other bodies is
called gravitational field.
Conservative Field:
A field in which the work done on a body is independent of the path followed by it is called
conservative field.
OR
The field in which the work done in a closed path is zero is called conservative field.
Examples:
(1) Gravitational Field
(2) Electric Field
(3) Magnetic Field
Explanation:
Consider a body of mass m being displaced with constant velocity
from A to B along three different paths in the gravitational field. As
the body is displaced in a gravitational field so work is done by the
gravitational force. In this case the gravitational force is equal
to weight mg of the body. i.e. F = w = mg
Work done along Path 1 (ADB):
The work done by gravitational force along path ADB can be
divided into two parts i.e. path AD and path DB
WADB = WAD + WDB − − − − − (A)
 
WAD = F ∙ d = Fdcosθ
Along this path gravitational force and displacement are perpendicular to each other i.e. θ = 90o
WAD = Fd cos90o
WAD = Fd (0) ∵ cos 90o = 0
WAD = 0
Along this path gravitational force and displacement are antiparallel to each other i.e. θ = 180o
WDB = Fd cos(180)O ∵ F = w = mg
WDB = mgh (−1) ∵ cos180o = −1
WDB = −mgh
From equation (A)
WADB = (0) + (−mgh)
𝐖𝐀𝐃𝐁 = −𝐦𝐠𝐡 − − − − − −(1)
Work done along Path 2 (ACB):
The work done by gravitational force along path ACB can be divided into two parts i.e. path AC
and path CB
WACB = WAC + WCB ⋯ ⋯ ⋯ ⋯ (B)
Along this path gravitational force and displacement are
perpendicular to each other i.e. θ = 90o
WCB = Fdcosθ
WCB = Fd cos90o
WCB = Fd (0) ∵ cos90o = 0
WCB = 0
Along this path gravitational force and displacement are antiparallel
to each other i.e. θ = 180o
WAC = Fdcosθ
WAC = Fd cos(180)O ∵ F = mg
WAC = mgh (−1) ∵ cos180o = −1
WAC = −mgh
From equation (B)
WACB = (0) + (−mgh)
𝐖𝐀𝐂𝐁 = −𝐦𝐠𝐡 − − − − − − − (2)
Work done along Path 3 (AB):
The curved AB is broken into a series of horizontal and vertical steps as shown in figure.
Work done along horizontal steps:
Work done along horizontal steps is zero because gravitational force and horizontal
displacements are perpendicular to each other i.e. θ = 90o.
Work done along vertical steps:
Let vertical distance from A to B is divided in n small steps y1, y2, ……………. yn.
 The total work done from A to B is equal to sum of work done during these
small steps.
W𝐴𝐵 = (−mgy1 ) + (−mg y2 ) + − − − − + (−mgy𝑛 )
W𝐴𝐵 = −mg (y1 + y2 + − − − − − − − + y𝑛 )
Here h = y1 + y2 + − − − − − − − − − + y𝑛
𝐖𝑨𝑩 = −𝐦𝐠𝐡 − − − − − − − (3)
From equations (1), (2) & (3) it is clear that work done along different paths in a gravitational field
is same. Hence work done is independent of path followed. Therefore, gravitational field is a
conservative field.
Work done in a Gravitational Field around a closed path is zero:
Proof:
Consider a body of mass m which is displaced in a gravitational field along a closed path ACBDA.
The total work done along this path can be given as
WACBDA = WAC + WCB + WBD + WDA
From the previous calculation we have WAC = -mgh, WCB = 0, WBD = mgh, WDA = 0
WACBDA = −mgh + 0 + mgh + 0
WACBDA = 0
Hence, the total work done in the gravitational field along the closed path is zero.
It also proves that gravitational field is a conservative field.
Q3. Define absolute gravitational potential energy. Derive formula of absolute gravitational
potential energy.
Ans Definition:
The amount of work done by the gravitational force on a body in displacing it from a certain
position to infinity where the force of gravity becomes zero is called absolute potential energy.
GMm
U =− R
Explanation: N

Consider a body of mass ‘m’ lifted from point 1 to N in the gravitational

field. The distance between points 1 and N is very very large. Therefore,
1 4
gravitational force does not remain constant because F  . Due to 3
𝑟2
this reason, we cannot calculate the work done by gravitational force by 2
r
applying simple formula of potential energy i.e mgh. We divide the distance 1
between points 1 and N into small steps each of length Δr so that force remains
constant for each small step, as shown in figure. The total work done can be
calculated by adding the work done during all these steps. r1 r2
Derivation of Expression:
Let r1 and r2 be the distances of points 1 and 2 respectively, from
centre O of the Earth. If r is the distance between the centre of the first
step (i.e., moving a body from point 1 to 2)) and the centre of the Earth, 0
earth
then it is given by
r1 +r2
r = 2 …………………. (1)
If r = r2 – r1 …………………..(2)
then r2 = r + r1
Putting value of r2 in equation (1) we get
r1 + r1 + r
r= 2
 2r1 + r 2r1 r
r= = +
2 2 2
r
r = r1 + 2 By squaring both sides, we get
 r 2 r2 r
r2 = r1 +  = r12 +
 2 4 + 2r1 2
r2 
r2 = r12 + r1 r  is neglected because r2 < < r12
4 
Substituting the value of Δr from equation (2)
r2 = r12 + r1(r2 - r1)
r2 = r12 + r1 r2 - r12
r2 = r1 r2 ……………… (3)
The gravitational force F at the centre of this step is
Mm
F = G 2 ………………. (4)
r
Where m = mass of object, M = mass of the Earth, G = Gravitational constant
Putting the value of r2 from equation (3) in equation (4)
Mm
F = G r r ………………….(5)
1 2
As this force is assumed to be constant during the interval Δr, so the work done from point 1 to 2
 
W1 → 2 = F .  r = F Δr cos180∘ = F Δr (-1)
W1 → 2 = -F Δr
Putting the values of Δr and F from equations (2) and (5) in above equation,
(r2 - r1)
W1 → 2 = -GMm r r
1 2

 2r r1 
W1 → 2 = -GMm r r - r r 
12 1 2

1 1
W1 → 2 = -GMm r - r 
1 2
Similarly, the work done during other steps is given by
1 1
W2 →3 = -GMmr - r 
2 3
-------------------------------------
-------------------------------------
 1 1
WN-1 → N = -GMm r - 
 N - 1 rN
Hence, the total work done in moving a body from point 1 to N is calculated by adding up
the work done during all these steps.
Wtotal = W1 → 2 + W2 → 3 + ----------- + WN-1 → N
 1 1  1 1  1 1 
Wtotal = -GMm r - r  + r - r  -------- +  r - r 
 1 2 2 3  N-1 N

1 1
Wtotal = -GMm r - r 
1 N
If the point N is at infinite distance from the Earth,
1 1
So, rN =  and = ∞=0
N r
GMm
WTotal = − r1
 The general expression for absolute gravitational P.E. of a body at a distance r from centre
GMm
of the Earth is U = − r
If the body is displaced from surface of the Earth, then r = R (radius of the Earth)
GMm
Absolute potential energy = U = − R
Significance:
The negative sign shows that earth gravitational field for mass m is attractive when r increases, U
becomes less negative i.e. U increases. It means when we raise a body above the surface of earth
its P.E. increases.
Q.4 Define escape velocity. Derive an expression for escape velocity and calculate its value on the
earth’s surface.
Ans Definition:
The minimum initial velocity of an object with which it goes out of the gravitational field
is called escape velocity.
vesc = 2gR
Derivation:
Consider a body of mass m, which is to be lifted from the surface of the Earth to infinity. For
this purpose, we have to provide initial K.E. which carries it to an infinite distance from the
surface of the Earth.
1
Initial K.E. = 2 mv2esc
The work done in lifting a body from surface of the Earth to an infinite distance is equal to
increase in its potential energy.
GMm
Increase in P.E. = 0-(- R )
GMm
= R
where M and R are the mass and radius of the Earth respectively. The body will escape out of
the gravitational field if the initial K.E. of the body is equal to the increase in its P.E.
1 2 GMm
mv esc =
2 R
2GM
v2esc = R
2GM
R ………………… (1)
vesc =
When a body is lifted up its weight is equal to gravitational force.
w = F = mg
GMm
mg = R2
GM
g = R2
Multiplying both sides with R we get
GM
R = gR
Putting this value in equation (1) we have
vesc = 2gR − − − − − − − (2)
 This is the formula for escape velocity. It is clear from the formula that escape velocity does not
depend upon mass of the body.
Value of Escape velocity:
As g = 9.8 m s −2 , R = 6.4 × 106 m
vesc = √2 × 9.8 × 6.4 × 106
vesc = 1.12 × 104
vesc = 11.2 × 103 m s−1
vesc = 11.2 km s−1
Q.5 Explain the interconversion of potential energy and kinetic energy.
Ans Case-1 for freely falling body
Consider a body of mass ‘m’ at rest, at a height ‘h’ above the surface of the Earth as shown
in figure. When it falls freely in the downward direction, its potential energy is converted into
K.E. We calculate its total energy at three different positions as follows:
At position A: P.E=mgh
m
As the body is at height h from the surface of earth its potential K.E=0
A
energy is given by
P. E𝐴 = mgh x
The body is at rest i.e v = 0 hence its kinetic energy is zero.
K. E𝐴 = 0
h
Total Energy = E𝐴 = K. E𝐴 + P. E𝐴 P.E=mg(h-x) B
= 0 + mgh K.E=mgx
E𝐴 = mgh − − − − − (1)
At position B: (h-x)
P.E=0
Now the body is allowed to fall a distance ‘x’ in downward
K.E=mgh
direction. As its height from the surface of earth is (h-x), its C
potential energy is given by
P. E𝐵 = mg (h – x)
K.E. can be calculated as follows
vi = 0, vf = vB , S = x and a = g
Applying 3rd equation of motion we get
vf 2 − vi 2 = 2aS
vB 2 − 0 = 2gx
vB 2 = 2gx
1
K. EB = 2 mvB 2
1
= 2 m (2gx) = mgx
Total Energy = EB = K. EB + P. E𝐵
EB = mgx + mg(h – x)
= mgx + mgh – mgx
EB = mgh − − − −(2)
At position C:
When the body hits the ground its height becomes zero. Hence its potential energy becomes
zero i.e., P. EC = 0
K.E. can be calculated as follows
vi = 0, vf = vc , S = h and a = g
Applying 3rd Equation of motion
 vf 2 − vi 2 = 2aS
vC 2 − 0 = 2gh
vC 2 = 2gx
1
K. E.C = 2 mvC 2
1
= 2 m (2gh) = mgh
Total Energy = EC = K. E.C + P. E.C
= mgh + 0
EC = mgh − − − − − − − (3)
From equations (1), (2) & (3) it is clear that potential energy is converted into kinetic energy but
total energy remains constant.
When body moves in the downward direction its velocity increases and height decreases. Hence
it loses P.E. and gains K.E i.e.,
Loss of P.E. = Gain in K.E.
1 2 1 2
2 mv 2 − 2 mv 1
mgh1 - mgh2 =
1 2 2
mg (h1 - h2) = 2 m(v 2 -v 1) V1
Case-2 Including air friction
When a frictional force ‘f’ is present during the downward motion, then a part of P.E.
is used in doing work against friction and it is equal to ‘f h’.
h1
Loss in P. E. – work done against friction = Gain in K. E. m
1
mgh − f h = 2 mv 2 V2
h2
1
mgh = 2 mv 2 + f h
Loss of P. E. = Gain in K. E. + Work done against Friction
 NUMERICAL PROBLEMS
4.1 A man pushes a lawn mower with a 40 N force directed at an angle of 200 downward
from the horizontal. Find the work done by the man as he cuts a strip of grass 20 m long.
Given data:
F = 40 N
d = 20 m
To find:
Work done = W =?
Solution:
W= F ⃗ ∙ ⃗d
W = Fd cos θ
W = (40)(20) cos(20°)
W = 800 × 0.94
W = 752 J
𝐖 = 𝟕. 𝟓 × 𝟏𝟎𝟐 𝐉 Ans.
4.2 -5
A rain drop (m = 3.35 x 10 kg) falls vertically at a constant speed under the influence of
the forces of gravity and friction. In falling through 100 m, how much work is done by (a)
gravity and (b) friction
Given data:
h = 100 m
g = 9.8 m s-2
m = 3.35 × 10−5 kg
To find:
(a) Work done by gravity = Wg =?
(b) Work done by friction = Wf =?
Solution:
(a) Work done by gravity
Wg = mgh
Wg = 3.35 × 10−5 × 9.8 × 100
𝐖𝐠 = 𝟎. 𝟎𝟑𝟐𝟖 𝐉 Ans.
(b) Work done by Friction is same, but it is negative because force of friction and displacement are
in opposite direction. Hence
𝐖𝐟 = − 𝟎. 𝟎𝟑𝟐𝟖 𝐉 Ans.
4.3 Ten bricks, each 6.0 cm thick and mass 1.5 kg, lie flat on a table. How much work is
required to stack them one on the top of another?
Given data:
h = 6 cm = 0.06 m
m = 1.5 kg
g = 9.8 m s-2
To find:
Work done = W = ?
Solution:
Work done on first brick is zero as h = 0
W = 0 + mgh + 2mgh + 3mgh + 4mgh + 5mgh + 6mgh + 7mgh + 8mgh + 9mgh
W = 45mgh
W = 45 × 1.5 × 9.8 × 0.06
𝐖 = 𝟒𝟎 𝐉
4.4 A car of mass 800 kg traveling at 54 km h-1 is brought to rest in 60 meters. Find the
average retarding force on the car. What has happened to original kinetic energy?
Given data:
m = 800 kg
vi = 54 km h−1 = 15 m s −1
vf = 0
d = 60 m
To find:
F= ?
Solution:
1
F d = 2 m(vf2 − vi2 )
1
F(60) = (800)[0 − (15)2 ]
2
−90000
F= 60
𝐅 = −𝟏𝟓𝟎𝟎 𝐍 Ans.
Here -ve sign indicates retarding force.
K.E will be converted into heat energy.
4.5 A 1000 kg automobile at the top of an incline 10 meters high and 100 m long is released and
rolls down the hill. What is its speed at the bottom of the incline if the average retarding
fore due to friction is 480 N?
Given data:
m = 1000 kg
h = 10 m
S = d = 100 m
f = 480 N
To find:
vf = v = ?
Solution:
1
mg(h1 − h2 ) = 2 m (vf2 − vi2 ) + fd
1
1000 × 9.8 × 10 = 1000 (v 2 ) + 480 × 100
2
f
8000 = 500 v 2 + 48000
500v 2 = 48000 − 8000 100
S=
500v 2 = 50000
50000 h = 10m
v = 500
v 2 = 100 V =?
𝐯 = √𝟏𝟎𝟎 = 𝟏𝟎 𝐦 𝐬−𝟏 Ans.
4.6. If 100 m3 of water is pumped from a reservoir into a tank, 10 m higher than the
reservoir, in 20 minutes. If density of water is 1000 Kg m-3, find
(a) the increase in P.E
(b) the power delivered by the pump.
Given data:
V = 100 m3
h = 10 m
t = 20 min
t = (20 × 60)s
t = 1200 s
To find:
(a) Increase in P.E =?
(b) Power P =?
Solution:
mass
(a) Density = volume (∵ density of water = 1000 kg m−3)
mass = density × volume
m = 1000 × 100 = 1 × 105 kg
P. E = mgh
P. E = (1 × 105 )(9.8)(10)
𝐏. 𝐄 = 𝟗. 𝟖 × 𝟏𝟎𝟔 J Ans.

P.E
(b) Power = P = time
(9.8×106 )
= 1200
𝐏 = 𝟖. 𝟐 𝐤𝐖 Ans.
4.7. A force (thrust) of 400 N is required to overcome road friction and air resistance in
propelling an automobile at 80 km h-1. What power (kW) must the engine develop?
Given data:
F = 400 N
v = 80 km h−1
80×1000
v = 3600 m s−1
v = 22.2 m s −1
To find:
Power = P = ?
Solution:
P = Fv cosθ
P = 400 × 22.2 × cos(00 ) ∵ cos(00 ) = 1
P = 8880 W
8880
P = 1000 kW
𝐏 = 𝟖. 𝟗 𝐤𝐖 Ans.
4.8 How large a force is required to accelerate an electron (m = 9.1 x 10-31 kg) from rest
to a speed of 2 x 107 m s-1 through a distance of 5.0 cm?
Given data:
m = 9.1 × 10−31 kg
vi = 0
vf = 2.0 × 107 m s −1
d = 5 cm = 0.05 m
To calculate:
F =?
Solution:
1 1
F d = 2 mvf2 − 2 mvi2
1
F (0.05) = 2 (9.1 x 10−31 )(2.0 x 107 )2 − 0
1 (9.1 x 10−31 )(2.0 x 107 )2
F=2 (0.05)
𝟏𝟓
𝐅 = 𝟑. 𝟔 𝐱 𝟏𝟎 𝐍 Ans.
4.9 A diver weighing 750 N dives from a board 10 m above the surface of a pool of water.
Use the conservation of mechanical energy to find his speed at a point 5.0 m above the
water surface, neglecting air friction.
Given data:
w = 750 N
h1 = 10 m
h2 = 5 m
To find:
v=?
Solution:
1
mv 2 = mg(h1 − h2 )
2
v= √2g(h1 − h2 )
v= √2g(h1 − h2 )
v= √2(9.8)(10 − 5)
𝐯 = 𝟗. 𝟖𝟗 𝐦𝐬 −𝟏 Ans.
4.10 A child starts from rest at the top of a slide of height 4.0 m.
(a) What is his speed at the bottom if the slide is frictionless?
(b) If he reaches the bottom, with a speed of 6 m s-1, what percentage of his total
energy at the top of the slide is lost as a result of friction?
Given data:
vi = 0
h=4m
To find:
(a) vf = v = ?
(b) % age loss of total energy =?
If v` = 6 m s-1
Solution:
1
mv 2 = mgh
2
v= √2gh
v= √2(9.8)(4)
v= √2(9.8)(4)
𝐯 = 𝟖. 𝟖 𝐦 𝐬−𝟏 Ans.
v = 8.8 ms −1
v ′ = 6 m s −1

1 1
Loss of total energy = 2 m(v 2 − v ′2 )/ 2 mv 2

20.72
Loss of total energy = 38.72 × 100 %
𝐋𝐨𝐬𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐨𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐠𝐲 = 𝟓𝟒% Ans.