Work, Energy and Power

Starting point;
Recall the equations of linear motion you learnt in kinematics. I.e.
v = u + at
s= Many times we shall refer to these
s = ut + at 2 equations.
v2 = u2 + 2as
The words ‘work’, ‘energy’ and ‘power’ are often used in everyday English language
but they have a variety of meanings.

WORK
Introduction
The word “work” in everyday life describes any activity which requires muscular or
mental effort. But in Physics, work has a special meaning. In the scientific sense, work
involves motion and work is done when a force changes the position or speed of an
object.
Definition: Work done is the product of the magnitude of the force applied to a body
and the displacement of the body in the direction of the applied force.
Mathematically, it is expressed as:
Work done = Force (F) x Distance (s) moved in the direction of the force.
It is extremely important to include direction in the definition of work done
Consider a body of mass m being pulled on a smooth horizontal table by a force F
through a distance S.
R

S
mg
Work done = F×S
Note that if the surface is smooth, then friction is assumed to be negligible.
Consider a case when the body acts at an angle θ to the horizontal as shown below.
Assuming the floor is smooth.
R
F

S
mg
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 In this case work done, W = F cosθ x s = F x s cosθ
This means W is obtained as force x resolved part of displacement in the
direction of the force or displacement x resolved part of force in the direction of
the displacement. These two cases give the same result.
Note:
1. Work is only said to be done when a force moves its point of application along the
direction of its line of action i.e. when a force acts on an object and the object
moves in the direction of the force, we say that the force has done work on the
object.
2. If a force acts on a body and there is no motion, then there is no work done. For
example if you decide to push the wall of your class you will not be doing any work
because the wall will not move.
3. The distance must be in meters.
Thus the essential conditions that have to be satisfied for work to be done are:
 some force must act on the object and
 the point of application of force must move in the direction of force
While work is done on a body, there is a transfer of energy to the body, and so
work can be said to be energy in transit.
The S.I unit of work is joule, J. (Named after a physicist James Prescott Joule)
A Joule is defined as the work done when a force of one Newton (1N) moves through a
distance of one meter (1m) in the direction of force from the point of application.
1J = 1 N m
Larger units are: - the kilo joule (kJ) and
- the megajoule (MJ)
1 kJ = 1000 J (103 J)
1 MJ = 1000000 J (106J)
Work is also done in moving against some opposing force such as gravity and any form
of resistance to the motion of the force.
For example:
(i) When a crane is lifting a heavy load, work is done against the force of gravity. Or
when a person lifts a load to a given height.
(ii) When a nail is being driven into a wooden block by hammering, work is done
against the resistance of the wood.
Although work is a product of two vectors, work is a scalar quantity

Worked Examples
1. Calculate work done by an engine which exerts a force of 9000N over a distance
of 6 m.
Solution: Force, F = 9000 N, Distance, S = 6 m, Work done = ?
Work done = Force x Displacement = F x S= 9000 x 6
Work done = 54,000 J Or 54 kJ

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 2. A man lifts a box of mass 3kg vertically upwards through 2m. If the, gravitational
field, g is 10m/s2, calculate the work done by the man in lifting the box.
Solution: Mass of box = 3 kg, gravitational field, g = 10m/s2 Force, F = mg,
displacement, S = 2 m, Work done =?
Work done = Force x displacement
= mg x S
= 3 x 10 x 2
Even though work is a scalar, it can be positive or negative
Positive work done on an object increases kinetic energy while negative work
done decreases its kinetic energy. Zero work done means kinetic energy remains
constant
Special case
Suppose a force F is acting on an object along the x-direction and the object moves a
distance (x2 –x1) along the same direction.
F If F is constant, work done
is given by W = F (x2 –x1)
x
x1 x2
F

Work done = area under force – displacement

graph

x1 x2 x

Work done by an expanding gas

Consider a gas contained in a cylinder by means of a frictionless piston of cross-
sectional area A as shown below. Suppose the pressure P of the gas in the cylinder is
equal to the atmospheric pressure outside the cylinder.

Fgas F

gas External pressure, p

(distance moved by piston)

From pressure = , the gas produces a force Fgas on the piston given by
Fgas =

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 When the gas expands at constant pressure, the piston moves out wards through a
distance
from work done = force x displacement
W= =
W=P
where W is work done by the gas (J)
P is the external pressure (Pa)
is the change in volume of the gas (m3) = Vfinal –Vinitial
P
If P is constant, Work done is given by
W = P (V2 –V1)
Work done = area under pressure –
volume graph

V1 V2 V
Note:

When a gas expands, piston moves outwards, the gas does work on the
surrounding and the work done is positive. When a gas is compressed, piston
moves inwards, work is done by surroundings on the gas

Quick trial examples

1.
A baby mass 5kg is lifted up through a distance of 2metres. What is the work
done?(take g = 9.81m/s2)
2. Find how much work is done, when a force of 25N displaces an object through
10m, in the direction of the force applied.
3. Calculate the distance through which the object moves if a work of 250J is done
when a force of 10N is applied on the object.
4. How much work is done on a vacuum cleaner pulled 6.0m by a force of 100N at an
angle of 60o above the horizontal?
5. How much work is done when 2 litres of water are raised vertically through 4m at a
place where g = 10ms-2, density of water is 1gcm-3?
6. A body of mass 10kg is pulled a distance of 20m across a horizontal surface against
resistance totaling 40N. If the body moves with a uniform velocity find the work
done against the resistances. [Ans. 800J]
7. A man pulls a box using a string attached to the box making an angle of 30o with
the horizontal. If the tension in the string is 10N and the box moves through a
horizontal distance of 10m, calculate the work done by the man. [Ans. 87J]
8. A man pushes a box of mass 5kg with a force of 2N along a horizontal frictionless
surface. The box is moved through a distance of 3m.
Calculate the work done on the box by
(a) the pushing force; [Ans. 6J]

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 (b) the normal contact force [W= 0J, force perpendicular to displacement]
(c) the weight of the box. [Ans. W= 0J]
9. A block is pulled along a rough horizontal surface by a rope pointing at 60 o above
the horizontal. The tension in the rope is 10N and frictional force is 5N. The block
moves a distance of 2m along the surface.
Calculate the work done on the box by
(a) the tension in the rope; [Ans.10J]
(b) the frictional force [Ans.-10J]
10.How much work is done by a person who uses a force of 27.5N to move a trolley
12.3m? [Ans. 338.25J]
11.High pressure gas in a spray–can has a volume of 250cm3. The gas escapes into the
atmosphere through a nozzle, so that its final volume is four times the volume of the
can. Calculate the work done by the gas, given that atmospheric pressure is
1.0 x105Pa.
12.A gas has volume of 600cm3. The gas expands at a constant pressure of 1.4 x 105Pa
so that its volume becomes 900cm3. Calculate the work done by the gas during
expansion.
13.A gas in a cylinder is kept at a constant pressure of 1.1 x105Pa. The gas is heated
and expands by 25cm3. Calculate the work done by the gas.[Ans. 2.75J]

POWER
 Power is defined as the rate of doing work. Or
Power is the rate of performing work or transferring energy. Or
Power is the work done per unit time.
In other words Power measures how quickly work is done.
Mathematically speaking, power is equal to the work done divided by the time interval
over which the work is performed.
Workdone
I.e. Power =
Time taken

Power = F .v
When velocity is maximum then power is also maximum
In the sense of power being defined as rate of transfer of energy, we can also
mathematically express power as:
Energy converted
Power =
Time taken
 The S.I unit of power is the Watt (W).(named in honor of James Watt)
The Watt is defined as the rate of doing work at one Joule per second. Or
The Watt is the rate of working or conversion of energy of 1 Joule per second

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 1Watt = 1 Joule per second.
i.e. 1W = 1 J/s
Larger units of power are:
- The Kilowatt (kW) and
- Mega watt (MW)
1 kW = 1000W (103 W)
1MW = 1 000 000W (106 W)
1 MW = 1 000 kW
Power, like energy, is a scalar quantity
Worked Examples
1. Calculate the power of a water pump which can fill a water tank 10m height with
3000 kg of water in 20 s. (Assume g = 10 ms-2).
Solution: m = 3000 kg, h = 10 m, g = 10 ms-2, P = ?
We can solve this problem by using any one of the methods below.
Method I
Step I: First calculate the work done.
Work done = Force x Distance
= mg x s
= 3000 x 10 x 10
Work done = 300,000 J or 3 x 105J
Step II: Now calculate the power from the formula:
Workdone
Power =
Time taken
300,000
=
20
 Power = 15,000 W
Method II Substitute the values in the data collected directly as shown below.
Workdone
Power =
Time taken
Force x Dis tan ce
=
Timetaken
Mass x Accelerati on dueto gravity x Dis tan ce
=
Timetaken
mgs
=
t
3000 x 10 x 10
=
20
 Power = 15,000 W
2. A man lifts a box of mass 10 kg through a vertical height of 2 m in 4 seconds.
Calculate the power he developed.
Solution: m = 10 kg, h = 2 m, t = 4 s, g = 10 ms-2, P = ?

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 Fx s
Using the formula Power =
t
mgs
=
t
10 x 10 x 2
= = 50 W
4
3. A boy of mass 60 kg runs up a flight of 60 steps in 10 seconds. If the height of
one step is 20 cm, calculate the power he developed.
Solution
When collecting the data, always remember that the h must be in metres
20
m = 60 kg, t = 10 s, height of 1 step = 20 cm = = 0.2 m
100
Method I
Step I: First calculate work done:
Work done by the boy = Force overcome x Vertical distance climbed
= m x gh
= mg x Height of 1step x Number of steps
= 60 x10 x 0.2 x 60
Work done by the boy = 7200 J
Step II: Now calculate the power developed from the formula:
Workdone
Power =
Time taken
=
 Power = 720 W
Method II
Simply calculate the power from the formula
mg
Power = x Height of one x Number of steps
t
60 x 10
= x 0.2 x 60
10
 Power = 720 W

4. A car of mass 750kg starts from rest on a level road and is uniformly accelerated
for 10s until its speed is 18kmh-1. If the resistance to motion is 49N. Find the
power of the car 10s after the start.
Solution;
v = 18kmh-1 = 5ms-1, m = 750kg
Using; v = u + at
5 = 0 + a x 10
a = 0.5ms-2
Resultant force = driving force of the car – resistance force
ma = Fd – 49
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 Fd = ma + 49
Fd = 750 x 0.5 + 49
Fd = 424N
But power, P = F x v = 424 x 5 = 2120W
5. A truck of mass 1500kg moves with uniform velocity of 5.0ms-1 up a straight
track inclined at an angle of 30o to the horizontal. The total frictional resistance to
the motion of the truck is 580N. Calculate:
(a) the power developed by the engine.
(b) if the engine of the track in (a) above can not develop a power greater than
75kW. Calculate the maximum speed greater attainable by the track.
Solution :
R
F

1500gsin30 f
1500gcos 30
o
30
1500g
(a) Resultant force = F – (mgsin30 + f)
ma = F – (1500gsin30 +f )
since the velocity is uniform, a = 0
0 = F – (1500gsin30 +580 )
F = 7937.5N
but power, P = F. v = 7937.5 x 5
P = 39687.5W
(b) Pmax = F. vmax
vmax = 9.45ms-1
6. A train of mass 500tonnes has a maximum speed of 90kmh-1 while moving up an
incline of sin-1 against frictional resistance of 100,000N. Find the maximum
power of the engine.
R F θ = sin-1 thus sin θ =
f = 100,000N (down slope)
m = 500tonnes
= 500,000kg
mgsinθ
f vmax = 90kmh-1 = 25ms-1
mgcosθ
θ

mg
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 When velocity is maximum, acceleration is zero
Resultant force = F – f – mg sinθ
ma = F – f – mg sinθ
500,000 x 0 = F – f – mg sinθ
F = f + mg sinθ
= 100,000 + 500,000 x 9.81 x
F = 198100N
But power = F.v
When speed is maximum, power is also maximum, such that
Pmax = F. vmax = 198100 x 25 = 4952500 watts

Quick trial Examples

7. A dog of mass 30kg runs up a flight of 120 steps in 40 seconds. If each step is
10cm high, calculate its power. (take g=9.81m/s2)
8. Calculate the power of a car engine required to lift 105 kg of rice per hour from a
farm 100m away .Given g= 9.81m/s2.
9. A car uses 75kW of power and moves at uniform speed of 100kmh-1. What is the
forward thrust caused by the engine?
10.How fast should a 2000kg car move up a 30o incline to do work against gravity at
a steady rate of 200kW?
11.A car of mass 750kg starts resting on a level road is uniformly accelerated for
10s, until its speed is 18kmh-1. If the resistance to motion is 5N. Find the power
of the car 10s after the start. [2120.25Watts]
12.A small electric motor is used to lift a weight of 1.5N through a vertical distance
of 120 cm in 2.7 s. Calculate the useful power output of the motor.[Ans.0.67W]
13.A boy of mass 60kg runs up a flight of steps in a time of 1.8s. There are 22 steps
and each one is of height 20cm. Calculate the useful power developed in the
boy’s legs. (take acceleration of free fall as 9.81ms-2 )
14.The output power of the electric motors of a train is 3.6MW when the train is
travelling at 30ms-1. Calculate the total force opposing the motion of the train.
15.Calculate the electrical energy converted into thermal energy when an electric
fire, rated at 2.4kW, is left switched on for a time of 3.0minutes.
16.Calculate the electrical energy converted into thermal energy when an electric
fire, rated at 2.4kW, is left switched on for 3.0minutes
17.The output power of the electric motors of a train is 3.6MW when the train is
travelling at 30ms-1. Calculate the total force opposing the motion of the train.

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 ENERGY
Anything which is able to do work as defined above, possesses energy
Energy is therefore defined as, capacity of matter to perform work. Or simply the ability
to do work.
Like work, the SI unit of energy is joule, J.
Energy is a scalar quantity
Forms of energy
Energy exists in various forms, as described in the table below
Form of energy Explanation Example
Mechanical energy Is the type of energy - Energy stored in a book
- Potential energy possessed by a body by a resting on a table.
(gravitational & elastic) reason (virtue) of its - A stretched spring or
- Kinetic energy position at rest in a field catapult
or in motion? - A shot fired from a gun.
Chemical energy The type of energy - Energy stored in fuels and
released during a energy giving foods that
chemical reaction. It is becomes active when oxidized
released when needed by by oxygen.
conversion process called - Energy stored in battery
chemical reaction. cells.
Nuclear (atomic) energy Is the energy released by - Energy stored in the nucleus
nuclei of heavy atoms of of an atom
disintegrating radioactive
elements(it is released
during nuclear fission and
nuclear fusion)
Electrical energy The type of energy due to - Energy produced in electric
the flow of charges appliances such as cooker,
produced by electric filament lamp, heater etc.
cells, generators etc.
Radiant energy (heat and Energy from - Infra-red rays.
light) electromagnetic waves
Sound energy Type of energy produced - Vibration energy.
by vibrating objects.
Solar energy Electromagnetic radiation
from the sun
 Other forms of energy include Tidal energy, magnetic energy etc.
All forms of energy are inter –convertible by appropriate processes. In the process of
transformation either kinetic or potential energy may be lost or gained, but the sum total of
the two remains always the same. This is in accordance with the Law of Conservation of
Energy

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The law states that: Energy can neither be created nor destroyed, but can be transformed
from one form to another. Thus the total energy of an isolated system remains constant

Sources of Energy
Sources of energy are the raw materials for production of energy. They can be classified
into two main categories namely:
(i) Renewable energy sources
(ii) Non-renewable energy sources.
Renewable energy sources
These are energy sources which cannot be exhausted. They can be said to be
everlasting. These resources are capable of regeneration and always available for use.
Examples of renewable sources of energy include:
 Solar energy - energy tapped from the sun using solar panels.
 Hydroelectric energy - electric energy produced from falling water which
rotates turbines connected to generator which intern produce electricity.
 Wind energy - electric energy produced from moving air which
rotates turbines connected to generator which intern produce electricity.
All these are renewed along with exploitation. They are replenished by the
environment over a short period of time.
Non-renewable energy sources
These are energy sources which once used cannot be replaced.
Examples of non-renewable sources of energy include:
- Fossil fuels (oil, coal and natural gas. Fossil fuels are formed from remains of
plants and animals which have accumulated over millions of years).
- Nuclear energy.
These can not be regenerated along with their exploitation and so exist in limited
quantities. In fact their regeneration would take millions of years.

Energy Transformations
By means of suitable mechanisms and apparatus, energy can be transformed from one
form to another. A device which changes energy from one form to another is called a
transducer. Some examples of energy transformations are shown in the table below.
Activity Energy Transformation
1. A boy running up a stair Chemical energy in the muscles is converted to
case K.E and then to P.E. (C.E  K.E  P.E)
2. Running water at a P.E is converted to K.E and then electrical
hydroelectric power station energy. (P.E  K.E  E.E)
(water turning turbine which
finally drives a generator)
3. A stone dropped from rest at P.E is converted K.E then to heat and sound
a certain height until it hits the energy. (P.E  K.E  H.E  S.E)
ground.

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 4. A moving car Chemical energy due to the burning of fuel in the
engine is converted to heat energy which is
converted by pistons to kinetic energy.
(C.E  H.E  K.E)
5. A coal fired engine drives a Chemical energy is converted to heat energy,
dynamo which lights a bulb. kinetic energy, electrical energy and lastly to light
energy. (C.E  H.E  K.E  E.E  L.E)
6. A torch bulb flashing. Chemical energy is converted to electrical energy,
light energy and heat energy.
(C.E  E.E  L.E  H.E)
Loud speaker Electrical energy is converted to sound energy

Mechanical Energy
In mechanics, energy is divided into two kinds, namely:
- Kinetic energy and
- Potential energy.

Kinetic energy (K.E)

Energy possessed by a moving object, is known as Kinetic energy
Kinetic Energy is defined as the energy possessed by an object by virtue of its motion.
A body possessing kinetic energy does work by overcoming resistance force
when it strikes something. (Work done by a body = K.E of the body)

Formula of Kinetic energy (K.E)

Kinetic energy can be calculated from the formula;
K.E = ½mv2 Where ; m = mass (kg), v = velocity (m/s) .

The derivation of the above formula, K.E = ½mv2

Consider a body of mass, m, moving with an initial velocity, u, from rest and is acted
upon by a force, F. The force gives the body an acceleration, a, and acquires a final
velocity, v, after covering a distance, S in meters.
The work done is given by:
Work done = force distance
By Newton’s second law of motion, force = mass x acceleration of the body
That is, F = ma
So work done = (ma) x distance
= (ma) x S
Since the body began its motion from rest (u=0, initial velocity), then
from v2 = u2 + 2aS
v2
v 2
= 2aS a =
2S

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Now Work done = (m )xS
mv 2 S
Work done =
2S
= ½mv2
By the law of conservation of energy, the work done by the force F in pushing the body
through the distance, S will all be converted into kinetic energy of the body.
Hence K.E = ½mv2
Note that: Kinetic energy is directly proportional to the speed or velocity of a body.
Therefore, the faster the body moves, the more the kinetic energy it has.
If the above body had initial velocity u (not zero)
The work done =½m(v2 – u2)
Thus work done = ½mv2 - ½mu2
The above expression is called the work –energy theorem.
The work – energy theorem states that the work done by an external force on a body
is equal to the change in kinetic energy of the body.

How K.E is related to momentum of a body.

All moving objects possess momentum.
Momentum of a body is defined as the product of its mass & the velocity.
Consider a body of mass m moving with a velocity . Then, its momentum is given by:
momentum = mass x velocity
=mxv
p = mv and
v=
Then, also K.E is given by:
K.E =
K.E =

Worked Examples
1. Calculate the k.e of a bullet of mass 0.05 kg moving with velocity of 500 m/s.
Solution: m = 0.05 kg, v = 500 m/s, k.e = ?
Kinetic Energy = ½m v = ½ x 0.05 x 5002 = 6,250 J or 6.25 kJ
2

2. A 10 g bullet traveling at 400 m/s penetrates 20 cm into a wooden block. Calculate

the average force exerted by the bullet.
10 20
Solution: m = 10 g = kg, v = 400 m/s, distance = 20 cm = m, K.E = ?
1000 100
Note: This question seems to be difficult and quite different.
Hint: The work done in penetrating the block is related to the average force by
the formula:
Work Done = Fs, so find the work done first and then use the above formula to find F.

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 1 1 x 10 x 400 x 400
Kinetic Energy = ½ x m v2= x 10 x 400 2 = = 5 x 40 x 4= 800 J
2 2 x 1000

This kinetic energy is converted into work in penetrating the wooden block
Applying Work done = Force x Distance
20
800 =Fx
100
20 F = 800 x 100
800 x 100
F =
20
 F = 4 000 N
3. Calculate the kinetic energy of a body of mass 5kg, which is moving at a velocity of
15m/s. (Ans. 562.5J)
4. A dog of 20kg has a momentum of 200Ns.Calculate the K.E of the dog while it is
running. (Ans.1000J)
5. A car of mass 800kg and moving at 30ms-1 along a horizontal road is brought to rest
by a constant retarding force of 500N. Calculate the distance travelled by the car in
coming to rest.
Solution
Using work done = change in KE: Using kinematics equation:

W= ½mv2 - ½mu2

S= 72m S = 72m

6. Calculate the K.E of a car of mass 900kg moving at a speed of 20ms-1. State the
form of energy from which the kinetic energy is derived. [Ans. 1.8 x10 5J, Its
derived from chemical energy f the fuel]
7. Calculate the kinetic energy of a car of mass 800kg moving at 100km per hour
8. A trolley of mass 7kg is initially at rest at t = 0s
A cyborg pushes this trolley with a constant force of 95N along a horizontal
floor. The frictional force acting on the trolley is 11N.Calculate
(a) the acceleration of the trolley;
(b) the speed of the trolley at t = 4s;
(c) the kinetic energy of the trolley at t = 4s;
(d) the distance travelled during the first 4s;
(e) the instantaneous power supplied to the trolley by the cyborg at t= 4s;
(f) the average power supplied to the trolley by the cyborg during the first 4s;
(g) the average power dissipated by friction during the first 4s;
(h) the net average power gained by the trolley during the first 4s, and hence, the
total energy gained by the trolley during the first 4s

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 Solution:
(a) Fnet = ma 95 – 11 = 7a a = 12 m s-2
(b) v = u + at = 0 + 12 (4) = 48 m s-1
(c) Ek = = = 8064 J
(d) S = ut + =0+ = 96 m
(e) P = Fv = (95)(48) = 4560 W
(f) <Psupplied> = = 2280 W
(g) <Psupplied> = = = = 264 W
(h) <Pnet> = 2280 –264 = 2016 W
Check: <Pnet> = 8064 J = K.E. gain by trolley

Potential energy (P.E)

Potential energy is the form of energy possessed by a body by virtue of its position at
rest in a field. The potential energy is divided into categories:
- Gravitational potential energy,
- Elastic Potential energy/ Strain energy
- Electric Potential energy

Gravitational potential energy (GPE)

When something is lifted vertically upwards, work is done against the gravitational
force acting on the body (i.e. its weight) and this work is stored in the body as
gravitational potential energy.
Newton’s law of gravitation which we shall see in A’level tells us that masses attract
one another. We rely on the force of gravity to keep us on Earth. When the masses are
pulled apart, work is done on them and so they gain G.P.E. If the masses move closer
together, they lose G.P.E
Thus Gravitational potential energy is the energy possessed by a body by virtue of its
position in the gravitational field. This is the work done against gravity.

Formula of G.P.E
Suppose a body of mass m kg is raised to a height of h meters at a place where the
acceleration due to gravity is g m/s2. The work done against gravity gets stored in the
object as G P.E)
The potential energy of the body is equivalent to the work
done in raising the body through a height h. But the force
m
overcome when lifting this body is its weight
Force overcome (Weight), F = mg
h Work done on the body = Force x distance
=mg h
ground
Hence gravitational potential energy =mgh

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  G.P.E = mgh
Recall that: m = mass of the body in kg.
g= acceleration due to gravity (9.81m/s2).
h= height / vertical distance in meters

Example
1. A box of mass 5 kg is raised to a height of 2 metres above the ground. Calculate
the gravitational potential energy stored in the stone (take g = 10 ms-2)
Solution: Mass of box = 5 kg, g = 10m/s2 Height, h = 2 m,
Applying G P.e = mgh
= 5 x 10 x 2
 P.E = 100 J or 0.1 kJ
2. A man has raised a load of 25 kg on a platform 160 cm vertically above the
ground. If the value of gravity is 10m/s2, calculate the gravitational potential
energy gained by the box when it is on the platform.
Solution: Mass of stone = 25 kg, gravitational field, g = 10m/s2
160
Height, h = 160 cm = = 1.6 m, P.E = ?
100
G.P.E = mgh
= 25 x 10 x 1.6
 G.P.E = 400 J or 0.4 kJ
3. A body of mass 2kg is raised to a height of 25m. Calculate the change in
gravitational potential energy of the body. (Ans.500J)
4. A sack of beans weighs 75kg. To what height is it raised if the work done in
lifting it is 4900J. (Ans. 6.53m)
 Another example of Potential energy is the elastic potential energy stored in a
stretched spring or catapult or stretched string
Elastic potential energy/ strain energy is the energy possessed by a stretched or
compressed material.
When you stretch or compress a material, you are doing work. This is because you have
to apply a force and the material extends or squashes in the direction of the force. The
energy stored in the deformed solid is called elastic potential energy or strain energy.
Suppose the total force needed to extend or compress a spring by a distance x is F,
Work done = average force x extension or compression
= xx
Strain energy = ………..(i)
Or elastic potential energy =
According to Hooke’s law the extension of a material is directly proportional to the
applied force provided the elastic limit is not exceeded. I.e. F x
Thus F = kx ……………..(ii)
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Where k is called the elastic constant or force constant of the material.
Combining (i) and (ii) gives
2
Elastic potential energy; Ux =
Or Ux =
Electric Potential Energy: This arises in a system of charges where there are either
attractive or repulsive forces between them.

Transformation of P.E to K.E

Consider an object of mass m, which is raised through a height h above the earth’s
surface and held stationary.
The gain in P.E is given by:
m G.P.E = mgh
Since its stationary, its velocity is zero and therefore, its
kinetic energy is given by
K.E =
h =
=0
Suppose the body is released and it falls through a height
h, from the equation of motion we have:
v2 = u2 + 2as
ground v2 = 0 +2gh
v2 =2gh
Its gain in K.E is then given by:
K.E =
=
= mgh
Kinetic energy = mgh
We notice that the P.E has been transformed into K.E
Conservation of Energy
Consider the example of the hydroelectric power plant. Where water stored in a
reservoir is made to fall on to the turbines which are kept at lower level and which in
turn are connected to the coils of a generator.
In this case, the G.P.E of the water in the reservoir changes to the K.E and the kinetic
energy of the falling water changes to the K.E of the turbines which in turn is converted
to electrical energy (E.E). In this example you observe that there is transformation of
energy from one form to another. Thus it is clear that whenever energy in one form
disappears, an equivalent amount of energy in another form reappears, so that the total
energy remains constant.

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 In any mechanical system, the mechanical energy is conserved provided there is
no dissipative force acting on the system.
Dissipative forces are forces where work done against such a force can not be
recovered. E.g. frictional force, air resistance, and viscous drag etc.
The principle of conservation of energy states that; energy can neither be created nor
destroyed but may be transformed from one form to another.
Therefore the total energy of an isolated system is always constant.
This can be proved using a falling body as shown below;
Let a body of mass m placed at a height h above the ground start falling down from rest as
shown In this case we have to show that the total energy (K.E + P.E)
of a body when it is at A, B and C remains constant.
A m At A, the P.E is given by:
G.P.E = mgh
x The K.E is zero since the body is at rest (velocity =0).
The total mechanical energy at A= K.E+G. P.E
B h =0+mgh = mgh
At B G.P.E = mg (h-x)
h -x The body falls through a distance x and gains a velocity given
by:
v2 =u2+2as
C ground v2=0+2gx (u=0 as it falls from rest)
v2=2gx
Its gain in K.E is then given by:
K.E = = =mgx
The total mechanical energy at B = K.E + G.P.E
=mgx +mg(h-x) =mgx+mgh – mgx =mgh
At point C, h=0, G.P.E =mgh=m x g x 0 =0
The body by then has fallen through a distance h and gained a
velocity v given by:
v2 = u2 + 2as = 0 +2gh =2gh
Its gain in K.E is then given by:
K.E = = =mgh
Total mechanical energy =mgh as before
It is now very clear that the total energy remains constant at every point. Thus we
conclude that the law of conservation of energy holds true in the case of a free
falling body.

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This can be summarized as below

Simple pendulum
In a swinging pendulum bob, the energy of the bob can be either P.E or K.E or both.
This is explained in the diagram below.

Explanation
- At the extreme ends (A and C) of the swing, the energy is all potential energy
(G.P.E) and maximum since h is maximum at A and C.
- When passing through the rest position (i.e. B), it is all kinetic energy and
maximum. This is because at B, v = maximum and h = 0. And since h = 0, P.E = 0
- While at the intermediate points (i.e. between AB and BC) the energy is partly
kinetic and partly potential.
Note that: Potential energy decreases from maximum to zero and the kinetic energy
increases from zero to maximum. This is because as the h value decreases to zero, the
velocity increases to maximum.
Examples
1. A block of mass 3.95kg rests on a smooth horizontal surface. The wooden block is
attached to a light spring of force constant 100Nm – 1, whose other end is fixed. A

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 bullet of mass 0.02kg is fired into the block, embedded itself and the spring is
compressed by 0.4m. Find the velocity of the bullet just before it hits the block.
Solution
By conservation of mechanical energy
Kinetic energy after collision = elastic potential energy
v2 = x2
v2 = 2

v = 2ms -1 (final velocity)

From the principle of conservation of momentum
m1u1 + m2u2 = (m1 + m2)v
0.02u1 + 3.98 0 = (0.02 + 3.98) 2
u1 = 400ms-1 (initial velocity )
2. A cycle of mass 200kg travelling at 144kmh-1 on a horizontal road is brought to rest
in a distance of 80m by action of brakes, and frictional forces.
Find the;
(a) average stopping force
(b) time taken to stop the cycle.
Solution:
(a) m = 200kg, u = 144kmh-1 = 40ms-1, s = 80m , v =0 (brought to rest)
Initial K.E = = = 160000J
Final K.E = = =0
Change in K.E = 160000 – 0 = 160000J
But work done = change in K.E
F x s = 160000
F x80 = 160000
F = 2000N
(b) From F = ma then = = ms-1
(the negative sign means that the car is decelerating or retarding since it comes
to rest)
Using; v = u + at
0 = 40 + ( )t
t = 4s
Note: You could get the same result by using v2 = u2 + 2as to find the value of
acceleration. If you are disbelieving I advise you to try using this approach to
prove that the results are the same.
3. A block of mass 0.2kg is released from rest at the top of a smooth plane inclined at
30o to the horizontal. The block compresses a spring placed at the bottom of the
plane by 10cm before its momentarily brought to rest. If the force constant of the
spring is 20Nm-1, determine the distance the block has travelled down the incline
before it comes to rest, and its speed just before it reaches the spring.

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 Solution: mass = 0.2kg, u = 0, x = 10cm = 0.1m,
k = 20Nm-1
Elastic P.E = kx2 = 20 x 0.12 = 0.1J.
G. P.E = mgh
x But h = x sin30 =
h
30o Gravitational P.E = mg x
= 0.2 x 9.81 x 0.5x
= 0.981 x
30o But by conservation of energy,
G.p.e = Elastic p.e
0.981 x = 0.1
x = 0.15m
Since by conservation of energy, all G.P.E is converted to K.E when the block slides
then; K.E = G.P.E
mv2 = 0.1
v = 1ms -1

The kilowatt – hour (kWh)

Every household has to pay the ‘electricity bill’. Electricity is vital in modern living and
this energy does not come free of charge. It is important to realize that what is paid for
is electrical energy, not electrical power. Since many electrical appliances in the home
have a power of the order of kilowatts and we use them for hours, the joule, as a unit
for energy, is too small.
E.g. an electric fire of power 4kW, used for 2hours would use 4000 x 2 x 60 x 60 =
28800000 joules or 28.8 million joules of energy
Instead in many parts of the world electrical energy is purchased in kilowatt – hours
(kWh)
1kWh = 1.0kW x 1h = 1000W x 3600s
1kWh = 3.6 x 106 Ws (1Ws = 1J)
The kilowatt – hour is sometimes referred to as the unit of energy.
Electricity meters in the home are often shown as measuring units, where 1 unit =
1kWh.
Example
1. Calculate the cost of using an electric fire, rated at 2.5kW for a time of 6.0hours,
if 1kWh of energy costs 7.0cents.
Solution
Energy used = 2.5 x60 = 15kWh.
Cost = 15 x 7.0 = 105 cents.

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 2. A T.V set is rated at 280W. Calculate the cost of watching a three –hour film if 1
kilowatt – hour of electrical energy costs 8 cents.
Solution
Power =
Energy (J) = Power x time (Ws)
= 280 x 3 x 3600 = 302,400J = (302,400Ws)
Energy in kWh; 1kWh = 1000W x 3600s = 3,600,000J
1J = kWh
302,400J = kWh = 0.84kWh
Cost = 0.84 x 8 cents = 6.72 cents
3. An electric kettle is rated at 2.4kW. Electrical energy costs 8Rwf per kWh. The
kettle takes 1.0minutes to boil sufficient water for two mugs of coffee. Calculate
the cost of making this amount of coffee on three separate occasions. [0.9Rwf]
4. Electrical energy generating companies sometimes measure their output in giga-
watt – years. Calculate the number of kilowatt hours in 6.0gigawatt years.
[Ans. 5.3 x 107kWh]

Internal Energy
 Matter consists of atoms and molecules and these are made up of particles having
kinetic energy and potential energy.
 We can define the internal energy of a system as the sum of the kinetic energy of
all its constituent particles plus the sum of all the potential energy of interaction
among these particles in the system.
 Note: Internal energy does not include potential energy out of interaction
between the system and its surrounding.
In gases, K.E > P.E
o molecules are far apart and in continuous motion , this contributes to K.E
o gases also have weak intermolecular forces so very little P.E.
In liquids K.E P.E
o molecules are able to slide past each other, this contributes to K.E
o intermolecular forces present and keep shape , this contributes to P.E
In solids K.E < P.E
o molecules can only vibrate therefore K.E is very little
o There is strong intermolecular forces therefore high P.E
The implication of energy losses in practical devices and the use of the concept of
efficiency to solve problems
- For practical devices to work, energy input is needed. Most modern practical
devices run on electrical energy (e.g. television, computer) or chemical energy
(e.g. vehicle).

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 When a practical device works, it converts the energy input into both useful
energy output and wasted energy output
- Efficiency of a practical device is a measure of how much useful work that
device produces from a given amount of energy input.
Its value depends on what energy output we consider as useful
Efficiency gives a measure of how much of the total energy may be considered
useful and is not ‘lost’
For example, when a stone rolls down a slope, the total change in G.P.E is not
equal to the gain in kinetic energy because heat (thermal) energy has been
produced as a result of frictional force.
- Efficiency is always expressed as a ratio or percentage and is given as;
Efficiency, = 100%
It can also be expressed in terms of power
= 100%
- We can never make a practical device with 100% efficiency because:
For instance we have limited control over physical processes (e.g. a filament bulb
must heat up before it produces light, but the heat produced becomes wasted
energy)

Sample problems
1. A car has a mass of 800kg and the efficiency of its engine is rated at 18%.
Determine the amount of fuel used to accelerate the car from rest to 60kmh-1,
given that the energy supplied by 1 liter of fuel is 1.3 x 108J.
Solution
Note: In this case, the useful energy output is defined to be the change in kinetic
energy of the car as it accelerates from rest to 60kmh-1.
Useful energy output = K.E of car = = 111111J
= 100%
18% = 100%
energy input = 617284J
Amount of fuel = 0.0047 litres
2. A man lifts a weight of 480N through a vertical distance of 3.5m using a rope
and some pulleys. The man pulls on the rope with a force of 200N and a length
of 10.5m of a rope passes through his hands. Calculate the efficiency of the
pulley system.
Solution
work done by man = force x distance moved (in direction of the force)
= 200 x 10.5 = 2100J
work done lifting load = 480 x 3.5 = 1680J

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 efficiency = = 0.80 0r 80%

Self-Check
1. A crane raises a mass of 500 kg vertically upwards at a speed of 10 ms -1. Find
the power developed
A. 5.0x100 B. 5.0x101 C. 5.0x102 D. 5.0x104
2. A girl whose mass is 50 kg runs up a staircase 25 m high in 4 s. Find the power
she develops.
50 x 4 50 x 10 50 x 25 50 x 10 x 25
A. W B. W C. W D. W
25 25 x 4 4 4

3. A train traveling at a constant speed of 20 m/s overcomes a resistive force of 8

kN. The power of the train is
A. (8x20) W B. (8x10x20) W C. (8x100x20) W D. (8 x 1000 x 20) W
4. A pump is rated at 400W. How many kilograms of water can it raise in one hour
through a height of 72m?
A. 0.8kg B. 5.6kg C. 33.3kg D. 2000kg
5. A boy carrying a load of 6 kg runs upstairs. If the work that the boy does is 300J,
find the height of the stairs.
A. 3m B. 5m C. 6m D. 10m
6. Nawal can pull a box 2m in 5 sec. Nuran (Nawal’s sister) can pull the same box
in 10 sec. Assuming both apply the same force, what is the ratio of Nawal’s
power to the sister’s power = ?
A. 1 B. 2 C. 0.5 D. 4
-1
7. An engine exerts a force of 2000N at a speed of 15ms . Find the power
developed by the engine in kW.
A. 30000 B. 3000 C. 300 D. 30
8. A constant force of 5N acts on a body and moves it through a distance of 20m in
10 seconds. Calculate its power.
A. 2.5W B. 10W C. 40W D. 100W
9. A mouse of mass 0.03 kg climbs through a distance of 2 m up a wall in 4 s. The
power expended in watts is
0.03 x 4 x 2 0.03 x 4 x 10 0.03 x 10 x 2
A. 0.03 x 2 x 4 x 10 B. C. D.
10 2 4
10. A bullet of mass 0.02kg is fired with a speed of 40m s-1. Calculate its kinetic
energy.
A. 0.4 J. B. 0.8 J. C. 16 J. D. 32 J.
11. Which of the following statements is true about an electric motor? It changes
A. Kinetic energy to electric energy B. Electrical energy to light energy
C. Electrical energy to kinetic energy D. Chemical energy to electrical energy

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12. A body pulls a block of wood with a force of 30N through a distance of 300m in
2 minutes. Find the power he develops, if he pulls the block at a constant speed.
30 x 300 30 x 300 30 x 2 x 300 300
A. B. C. D.
2 2 x 60 300 2 x 60 x 30
13. A ball of 1kg bounces off the ground to a height of 2m after falling from a height
of 5m, find the energy lost.
A. 5 J B. 20 J C. 30 J D. 50 J
14. A man weighing 800N climbs a vertical distance of 15m in 30s. What is the
average power output?
A. 80/3 W B. 800/15 W C. 400 W D. 5 kW
15. In which action(s) below is there a work done?
I. Pushing a wall without moving it. II. Taking a book from a table to a
higher shelf. III. Walking on a bridge for 50 m
A. I only B. II only C. III only D. II and III only
-1
16. A bullet of mass 5g is fired at a speed of 400ms . How much energy does it
have?
A. ½ x 5 x 102 x 400J B. ½ x 5 x 103 x 400J
C. ½ x 5 x 10-3 x 400 x 400J D. ½ x 5 x 102 x 400 x 400J
17. Which of the following forms mechanical energy?
A. Electrical energy and kinetic energy B. Potential energy and nuclear energy
C. Nuclear energy and kinetic energy D. Potential energy and kinetic energy
18. An object, of mass 2kg, dropped from the top of a building hits the ground with
kinetic energy of 900J. The height of the building is
A. 30m B. 45m C.90m D. 180m
19. A mass attached to the end of a string moves up and down to maximum and
minimum points X and Y as shown in figure below. When the mass is at X the
A. kinetic energy is maximum, potential
energy is minimum
B. kinetic energy is zero, potential is
maximum
C. kinetic energy is equal to potential energy
D. kinetic energy and potential energy are
both zero.
20. An electric motor of power 500 watts lifts an object of 100kg. How high can the
object be raised in 20 sec?
A. 40m B. 30m C. 20m D. 10m
21. A motor can pull a 400 kg box up to a height of 10m in 4 sec. What is the power
of the motor in kW?
A. 10 B. 20 C. 30 D. 40

22. The diagram in the figure below shows an oscillation pendulum bob. Which of
the following statements is true about its motion?
Ivan Brayan MULUMBA 2016 Page 25
 A. the K.E at B is equal to the K.E at A
B. the K.E at B is less than the P.E at A
Highest level
highest level C. the K.E at B is equal to the P.E at A.
Z D. the K.E at B is greater than the P.E at Z.
Lowest
Lowestlevel
level

23. A block is pulled with a force of 10 N for 5m. If the friction force between the
block and the surface is 5N, what is the net work done on the toy car?

A. 50 J B. 100 J C. 200 J D. 25 J
24. The energy changes that take place when a stone falls freely from rest to the
ground can be orderly arranged as:
A. Kinetic energy → Potential energy → Sound energy → Heat.
B. Sound energy → Potential energy → Kinetic energy → Heat.
C. Potential energy → Sound energy → Kinetic energy → Heat.
D. Potential energy → Kinetic energy → Heat energy → Sound.
25. Ali and Veli move identical boxes equal distances in a horizontal direction. Since
Ali is a weak child, the time needed for him to carry his box is two times longer
than for Veli. Which of the following is true for Ali and Veli
A. Ali does less work than Veli B. Veli does less work than Ali.
C. Each does the same work. D. Neither Ali nor Veli do any work
26. (a) Define the following terms.
(i) Work done
(ii) Power.
(b) State and define the SI units of the terms you have defined above.
(c) A crane lifts a load of 3500 N through a vertical height of 5 m in 5 second.
Calculate: (i) the work done.
(ii) the power developed by the crane.
27. (a) Define the term energy and state the SI unit for measuring it.
(b) Distinguish between gravitational potential energy and kinetic energy.
(c) A block of mass 2 kg falls freely from rest through a distance of 3m. Find
the kinetic energy of the block.
28. (a) Define a joule.
(b) Describe briefly how you can measure your power.
(c) A boy of mass 45 kg runs up a flight of 60 steps in 5 seconds. If each step
is 12 cm,
Calculate: (i) the work done against gravity by the boy.
(ii) the power developed by the boy.
Ivan Brayan MULUMBA 2016 Page 26
29. A body of mass 6kg, initially moving with a speed of 12ms -1 experienced a
constant retarding force of 10N for 3 seconds. Find the kinetic energy of the body at the
end of this time. (Ans. 147J)
30. A car moves along a horizontal road at a constant velocity of 15ms -1. If the total
resistive force experienced by the car is 5000N, calculate the power output of the car’s
engine [Ans.75000W]
31. An electric heater converts electrical energy into heat energy. Suggest why this
process may be 100% efficient.
Solution:
All the electrical energy is changed o internal energy of the heater and the heater gets
hot. The heater releases all this energy to the surroundings so the process is 100%
efficient
32.The electric motor of an elevator uses 630kJ of electrical energy when raising the
elevator and passengers, of total weight 12500N, through a vertical height of 29m.
Calculate the efficiency of the elevator. [Ans. 58%]
31. Attempt examination style questions on pages 91to 93 (Mike and Geoff) and pages
89 to 91 (David sang)
END

© Ivan Brayan MULUMBA @ Nu –Vision High School 2016

Email: [email protected] or [email protected]

Ivan Brayan MULUMBA 2016 Page 27