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Work, Power and Energy

1. Define work.

Ans. Work is said to be done, when a force or its component causes displacement in the direction of force.
2. State the conditions for doing work.

Ans. (i) There must be a force or component of force acting on a body.

(ii) The force or its component must produce displacement in its own direction.

3. State the mathematical expression for work when displacement is produced in its own direction.
Ans. W = F × S, where, W is the work done, F is the force applied and ‘S’ is the displacement in the direction
of force.

4. State the mathematical expression for work when the force acts at an angle to the direction of
displacement of body.

Ans. W = FS cos , where W is the work done, F is the applied force, ‘S’ is the displacement of the body and ‘’ is
the angle between force and displacement.

5. How is work done measured?

Ans. Work done is measured as a product of force and the displacement caused by it in its own direction.

6. State and define unit of work in CGS system.

Ans. Unit of work in C.G.S. system is erg.

When a force of 1 dyne causes a displacement of 1cm, in its own direction, the work done is said to be
one erg.
7. State and define unit of work in SI system.

Ans. Unit of work in SI system is Joule.

When a force of 1 N causes a displacement of 1 m, in its own direction, the work done is said to be 1
joule.

8. Derive a relation between joule and erg.

Ans. 1𝐽 = 1𝑁 × 1𝑚

= 105 𝑑𝑦𝑛𝑒 𝑐𝑚 × 100 𝑐𝑚

= 107 ergs.
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9. What should be the angle between the force and the displacement to get

(i) minimum work, (ii) maximum work.

Ans. (i) For minimum work, the angle should be 90°.

(ii) For maximum work, the angle should be zero.

10. A body is acted upon by a force, state two conditions when work done is zero.

Ans. (1) The force must not cause displacement in its own direction. (or Displacement = 0)

(2) The force must act at right angle to direction of displacement. ( or  = 90°)

11. State the condition when the work done by a force is (i) positive, (ii) negative. Explain with the help of
examples.
Ans. (i) Positive work is done, when the angle between the direction of force applied and the displacement of
body is zero.
For example, when a horse pulls a cart or an engine pulls a train, the positive work is done.
(ii) Negative work is done, when the angle between the direction of the force applied and the displacement
is 180° i.e., the displacement is in a direction opposite to the force.
For example, when brakes are applied to a moving vehicle, the work done by the applied force is
negative. Similarly, when a ball is projected vertically upward, the work done by the force of
gravity is negative.

12. Select the correct choice :

The work done by a force on a body will be positive if the :

(a) body does not move

(b) body moves perpendicular to the direction of applied force.

(c) body moves along the direction of applied force.

(d) body moves opposite to the direction of the applied force.

Ans. (c) body moves along the direction of the applied force.
13. When a body moves in a circular path, how much work is done by the body? Give a reason.
Ans. No work is done. It is because, the centripetal force acting on the body is always at right angles to the
displacement of the body along the circular path. Thus, cos 90° = 0
So, in the expression

W = FS × cos 90° = FS × 0 = Zero.

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14. A satellite revolves around the earth in a circular orbit. What is the work done by the force of
gravity?
Ans. Work done by the force due to gravity is zero, because it acts at right angles to the direction of
displacement of the satellite.

15. In which of the following cases, is the work being done and why?

(i) A man pushing a wall.

(ii) A coolie standing with a load of 12 kgf on his head

(iii) A boy climbing up a staircase

(iv) A boy carrying a box on his head and sliding over a frictionless horizontal surface.
Ans. In case (iii) work is done, because displacement is produced in the direction of applied force. In cases (i), (ii)
and (iv), no work is done as no displacement occurs in the direction of applied force.

16. Give an example when the work done by the force of gravity acting on a body is zero, even though the
body gets displaced from its initial position.
Ans. A salesman carrying a suitcase in hand and walking on a horizontal road, does no work against the force of
gravity. It is because no displacement takes place in the direction of force of gravity.
17. Is work a scalar or vector quantity?

Ans. Work is a scalar quantity.

18. One joule of work is said to be done when :

(a) a force of 1 dyne causes a displacement of 1 cm.

(b) a force of 1 dyne causes a displacement of 1 m.

(c) a force of 1 N causes a displacement of 1 cm.

(d) a force of 1 N causes a displacement of 1 m.

Ans. (d) a force of 1 N causes a displacement of 1 m.

19. A boy of mass m climbs up a staircase of vertical height h. (i) What is the force acting on the boy?
(ii) What is the work done by the boy against the force of gravity? What would have been the work
done, if he uses a lift in climbing the same height?
Ans. (i) Force acting on the boy = mg.
(ii) Work done by the boy against the force of gravity = mgh

(iii) Work done, if lift is used = mgh

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20. Define the term “Power”.

Ans. The rate of doing work is called power.

21. Write two mathematical expressions for power.
𝑊𝑜𝑟𝑘 𝑊
Ans. 𝑃𝑜𝑤𝑒𝑟 = ; 𝑖. 𝑒. , 𝑃 =
𝑇𝑖𝑚𝑒 𝑡

(ii) Power = Force × Velocity ; i.e., = F × v

22. State and define SI unit of power.

Ans. SI unit of power is watt.

When a work of 1 Joule is done in 1 second, the power is said to be one watt.

23. Name two bigger units of power and express them in watts.

Ans. (i) Kilowatt (kW) = 103 W

(ii) Megawatt (MW) = 106 W.

24. What do you understand by the term horse power? Express this unit in SI system.
Ans. Horse power is the British unit of power. It is the average power which a horse can develop.
1H.P. = 746.6 W

25. Differentiate between work and power.

Ans.
Work Power

26. 1. Work is the product of force and displacement in 1. Power is the rate of doing work.
the direction of force.
M
2. Its SI unit is joule. 2. Its SI unit is watt (Js–1)
a
ke the correct choice Kilowatt is
the unit of :
(a) work (b) power
(c) force (d) momentum

Ans. (b) is the correct choice :

27. Make the correct choice. One horse power is equal to :

(a) 647 W (b) 746 W

(c) 476 W (d) 764 W
Ans. (b)746 W is the correct choice.
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28. Complete the following sentences.

(a) The SI unit of work is ................ and of power is ............................

(b) Kilowatt is the unit of ..........................

(c) Joule is the unit of ............................. .

(d) 1 joule =....................................................... ergs.

(e) 1 HP = ....................................................... watts.

Ans. (a) (i) joule, (ii) watt.

(b) power

(c) work

(d) 107

(e) 746

29. (a) Define the term energy.

(b) Define the term potential energy. Give four examples of potential energy.
(c) Define the term kinetic energy. Give four examples of kinetic energy.
Ans. (a) The capacity of doing work is called energy.

(b) The energy possessed by a body, by virtue of its position or configuration, is

called potential energy.
Examples :

(i) A stretched bow and arrow system.

(ii) Wound up spring of a watch.

(iii) Water stored high up in reservoirs.

(iv) A stone lying on the top of the roof.

(c) The energy possessed by a body by virtue of its motion is called kinetic energy.
Examples :
(i) A running horse (ii) Speeding car

(iii) Flowing water (iv) Flying bird.

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30. Derive an expression for potential energy.

Or

Derive an expression for potential energy of a body of mass m, placed at a height ‘h’ above the
earth’s surface.
Ans. Consider a body of mass ‘m’, raised vertically upward through a height ‘h’, to a new position, against
the acceleration due to gravity ‘g’.
 Force acting on body = mg.

 Work done or energy spent = Force  displacement = mg  h.

But, work done in raising a body to the new position is called potential energy.
 P.E. = mgh.

31. Derive an expression for kinetic energy.

Or

A body of mass m is moving with a velocity v. Derive the expression for the kinetic energy.

Ans. Consider a body of mass ‘m’ initially moving with a velocity ‘v’ brought to rest through a distance ‘x’,
such that ‘a’ is the constant negative acceleration acting on the body.
𝑅𝑒𝑡𝑎𝑟𝑑𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑓𝑜𝑟𝑐𝑒 = 𝑀𝑎𝑠𝑠 × 𝐴𝑐𝑐𝑒𝑙𝑒𝑟𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 (𝑖. 𝑒. , 𝐹 = 𝑚𝑎) − − − (𝑖)

𝐹𝑜𝑟 𝑑𝑖𝑠𝑝𝑙𝑎𝑐𝑒𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑡 (𝑆), 𝐼𝑛𝑖𝑡𝑖𝑎𝑙 𝑣𝑒𝑙𝑜𝑐𝑖𝑡𝑦(𝑢) = 𝑣

𝐹𝑖𝑛𝑎𝑙 𝑣𝑒𝑙𝑜𝑐𝑖𝑡𝑦 (𝑣) = 0
𝐴𝑐𝑐𝑒𝑙𝑒𝑟𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 (𝑎) = −𝑎

𝐵𝑦 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑒𝑞𝑢𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑜𝑓 𝑚𝑜𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛;

𝑣 2 = 𝑢2 + 2𝑎𝑆
0 = 𝑣 2 − 2𝑎𝑆
2𝑎𝑆 = 𝑣 2
𝑣2
𝑆= − − − (𝑖𝑖)
2𝑎
𝑊𝑒 𝑘𝑛𝑜𝑤,
𝑊𝑜𝑟𝑘 𝑑𝑜𝑛𝑒 = 𝐹𝑜𝑟𝑐𝑒 × 𝑑𝑖𝑠𝑝𝑙𝑎𝑐𝑒𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑡
𝑣2
𝐾𝐸 = 𝑚𝑎 ×
2𝑎
1
∴ 𝐾𝐸 = 𝑚𝑣 2
2
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32. (a) State the law of conservation of energy.

(b) How can you demonstrate the law by simple experiment?

Ans. (a) The energy can neither be created, nor destroyed. It may be transformed from one form to
another form, but total energy of the system remains constant. This is the law of conservation
of energy.

(b) Diagram below shows a freely oscillating pendulum. In position A, it has

max. P.E. and zero K.E.
In position B, it has zero P.E. and max K.E. In position C,
it has max. P.E. and zero K.E.
Thus, experiment clearly proves that the sum total of energy is conserved, but it can change its form.

33. State the energy changes which occur in following cases.

(a) Burning of coal.

(b) Petrol engine of running motor car.

(c) An electric cell in a circuit.

Ans. (a) The chemical energy of coal, changes into heat energy.

(b) The chemical energy of petrol changes into heat energy. The heat energy changes into kinetic
energy and drives the car.
(c) The chemical energy of cell, changes into electric energy.
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34. (a) Give an example, when work done by a body is zero, even when body gets displaced from its
original position on the application of force.
(b) State the energy changes brought about by the following devices :

(i) Microphone

(ii) Steam engine

(iii) An electric bulb

Ans. (a) A body revolving around its own axis, such as a working electric fan.

(b) (i) In microphone, the sound energy changes into electric energy.

(ii) In steam engine, the chemical energy of coal changes into heat energy. The heat
energy changes into kinetic energy of the steam and drives the engine.
(iii) In an electric bulb the electric energy first changes into heat energy. The heat energy then
changes into light energy.
35. A tennis ball and a table tennis ball have same momentum. Which of the two has more kinetic energy
and why?
Ans. Table tennis ball has more kinetic energy.

It is because its mass is very small and hence in order to have same momentum, as tennis ball, it must
have more velocity than the tennis ball and consequently more kinetic energy.

36. A man climbs a slope and another walks same distance on level road. Which of the two
expends more energy and why?
Ans. The man moving along the slope has more energy. It is because, while moving along slope, he gains height,
and hence, has extra potential energy.

37. What kind of energy is possessed in the following situations?

(a) A locked up spring of an air gun.

(b) A stone lying on the top of a roof.

(c) A fish moving in water. Ans. (a) P.E. (b) P.E.

(d) A horse running along a level road. (c) K.E. (d) K.E.

(e) Water stored in the dams. (e) P.E. (f) K.E.

(f) An electron spinning around the nucleus. (g) K.E. (h) P.E.

(g) A shooting arrow.

(h) A stone, in a stretched catapult.

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38. Give one example in each case, when :

(a) Heat energy changes into kinetic energy.

(b) Kinetic energy changes into heat energy.

(c) Sound energy changes into electric energy.

(d) Electric energy changes into sound energy.

(e) Light energy changes into chemical energy.

(f) Chemical energy changes into light energy.

(g) Electric energy changes into mechanical energy.

(h) Mechanical energy changes into electric energy.

(i) Potential energy changes into electric energy.

Ans. (a) In the automobile engine, heat energy changes into kinetic energy.

(b) When two stones are rubbed against each other, the kinetic energy changes into heat energy.

(c) When we speak in front of microphone, the sound energy changes into electric energy.

(d) When a loudspeaker works, the electric energy changes into sound energy.

(e) During photosynthesis, the light energy changes into chemical energy.

(f) During burning of magnesium, the chemical energy changes into light energy.

(g) In an electric motor, the electric energy changes into mechanical energy.

(h) In an electric generator, the mechanical energy changes into electric energy.

(i) The P.E. of stored water in the dams, changes into the electric energy in the generators.
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39. State the energy changes which take place in the following cases :

(a) A bulb glows, when torch light is switched on.

(b) A car moves up a hill.

(c) A toy car spring is wound and the car is made to run on level floor.

(d) Water stored in the dams rotates the turbine connected to a dynamo.

(e) An air gun is loaded and then fired.

(f) A magnesium ribbon burns in air.

(g) A stone projected vertically upwards, returns back to the thrower.

(h) Water freezes in the freezing chamber of a fridge.

(i) Photographic film is exposed to the sunlight.

(j) Food is digested by animals.

Ans. (a) The chemical energy of cell changes into electric energy. The electric energy first changes to heat
and finally into light energy.
(b) The K.E. of moving car changes into potential energy.

(c) The mechanical energy changes into potential energy during winding. The potential energy is then
released in the form of kinetic energy.
(d) P.E. of stored water changes into K.E. of the flowing water. The K.E. of the flowing water rotates the
turbine. The turbine in turn rotates the coil of the generator and changes into electric energy.
(e) During loading, the mechanical energy changes into potential energy of the spring. On firing, the
P.E. of the spring changes into K.E. of the bullet.

(f) During burning of magnesium, chemical energy changes into heat energy and light energy.
(g) The kinetic energy changes into the potential energy when stone rises up. The potential energy
then changes back to the kinetic energy, when stone falls down.
(h) The kinetic energy of water molecules is released in the form of heat energy.
(i) The light energy changes into the chemical energy.

(j) The chemical energy in the food changes into the heat energy.

40. What physical quantity does the electron volt (eV) measure? How is it related to SI unit of energy?
Ans. Electron volt measures the energy possessed by electrons moving in an electric field.

1 eV = 1.6 × 10–19 J.
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41. Complete the statement.

1 joule = .......................................... calorie.

Ans. 1 joule = 0.238 calorie.

42. Name the physical quantity which is measured in calorie. How is it related to SI unit of that quantity?
Ans. Physical quantity measured in calorie is heat energy.
1 calorie = 4.2 J.
43. How much energy per second does a 40 watt bulb require?

Ans. It requires energy at a rate of 40 Joule per second.

44. What are two forms of mechanical energy?

Ans. (i) Kinetic energy (ii) Potential energy

45. What is meant by gravitational potential energy.

Ans. The potential energy possessed by a body at some height above the ground level, is called gravitational
potential energy.

46. How is gravitational potential energy measured quantitatively?

Ans. It is measured as the amount of work done in lifting a body to a certain height, against the force of gravity.

47. Name the form of energy which a body may possess, even when it is not in motion. Give an
example in support of your answer.
Ans. The body may possess potential energy. For example, a stone lying on the roof of a house is not in motion,
but possesses potential energy.

48. State the work-energy theorem.

Ans. The work done by a force is equal to the increase in its kinetic energy.

𝑊𝑜𝑟𝑘 𝑑𝑜𝑛𝑒 = 𝐶ℎ𝑎𝑛𝑔𝑒 𝑖𝑛 𝐾𝑖𝑛𝑒𝑡𝑖𝑐 𝑒𝑛𝑒𝑟𝑔𝑦

49. A body of mass ‘m’ is moving with a uniform velocity u. A force is applied on the body due to which its
velocity changes to v. How much work is being done by the force?
Ans. Work done by the force

= Change in the kinetic energy.

= Final kinetic energy – Initial kinetic energy

1 1
= 𝑚𝑣 2 − 𝑚𝑢2
2 2
1
= 𝑚(𝑣 2 − 𝑢2 )
2
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50. A light mass and a heavy mass have equal momentum. Which will have more kinetic energy? Explain.
Ans. We know, momentum = mass × velocity
𝑝 = 𝑚𝑣
Squaring both sides, we get
𝑝2 = 𝑚2 𝑣 2
𝑝2
𝑣2 = − − − (𝑖)
𝑚2
1
𝐴𝑙𝑠𝑜, 𝐾𝑖𝑛𝑒𝑡𝑖𝑐 𝑒𝑛𝑒𝑟𝑔𝑦 = 𝑚𝑣 2 − − − (𝑖𝑖)
2
𝑆𝑢𝑏𝑠𝑡𝑖𝑡𝑢𝑡𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑣𝑎𝑙𝑢𝑒 𝑜𝑓 (𝑖)𝑖𝑛 (𝑖𝑖), 𝑤𝑒 𝑔𝑤𝑒𝑡
1 𝑝2 𝑝2
𝐾𝐸 = 𝑚× 2=
2 𝑚 2𝑚
𝑝2
In the expression , for the same momentum, if m is less, then magnitude of the kinetic energy will be more.
2𝑚

Thus, the lighter body will have more kinetic energy than the heavy body for the same momentum.

51. Name three forms of kinetic energy and give one example each?

Ans. 1. Translational kinetic energy : This energy is possessed by a moving car in a straight line.

2. Rotational kinetic energy : This energy is possessed by a wheel rotating about its axis.

3. Vibrational kinetic energy : This energy is possessed by a vibrating string of a guitar or

violin.

52. What do you understand by conservation of mechanical energy?

Ans. Whenever there is an interchange between the potential energy and the kinetic energy, the total
mechanical energy (sum total of kinetic energy and potential energy) remains constant, provided
no frictional forces are acting.

53. Name two examples in which mechanical energy of a system remains constant.
Ans. 1. When a pendulum is oscillating freely about its mean position.

2. When a stone projected vertically upward it returns back to the thrower.

54. A body falls freely under the action of gravity from the position of rest. Name the kind of energy
it possessed (i) at the point from where it fell, (ii) while falling, (iii) on reaching ground.
Ans. (i) It has only potential energy.
(ii) It has both potential energy and kinetic energy.
(iii) It has only kinetic energy.
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55. A body is thrown vertically upward. Its velocity keeps on decreasing. What happens to its
kinetic energy as its velocity becomes zero.
Ans. The kinetic energy of the body completely changes into potential energy at the highest point.
56. A coolie carting a load on his head and moving on a frictionless horizontal platform does no work.
Explain the reason why?
Ans. When a coolie carrying a load on his head moves on a horizontal frictionless platform, the
displacement
is normal to the direction of force, therefore,
𝑊𝑜𝑟𝑘 𝑑𝑜𝑛𝑒, 𝑊 = 𝐹𝑆 𝐶𝑜𝑠 90° = 0 (∵ 𝐶𝑜𝑠 90° = 0)
57. A porter moving vertically up the stairs with a box on his head does work. Explain.
Ans: A box is lifted vertically to the upstairs. He has vertical displacement against weight so the porter
does work.
58. Name the physical quantity that is measured in
(a) Kilowatt and (b) Kilowatt hour

Ans: (a) Power

(b) Electrical energy

59. Can a body have momentum without energy?

Ans: No. If a body has momentum, it must be in motion and consequently possesses kinetic energy.

60. What is the energy associated with a parrot flying in the air?
Ans: A parrot flying in the air possesses both potential and kinetic energies as it is at a certain height
above the earth’s surface and also moving with a certain velocity.
61. Which part of sunlight is used in heating devices?
Ans: Infrared rays are used in heating devices.
62. Which two components of sunlight are not visible to us.
Ans: Infrared radiation and ultraviolet radiation.
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Previous Year Questions
Specimen Paper 2024
Question 1(ii)
The kinetic energy of a given body depends on the:
1. position
2. centre of gravity of body
3. momentum
4. displacement

Question 1(iii)
For burning of coal in a thermoelectric station, the energy conversion taking place is:
1. chemical to heat to mechanical
2. chemical to heat to mechanical to electrical
3. chemical to heat to light
4. heat to chemical to mechanical

Question 2(iv)
Two bodies A and B have same kinetic energies. Compare their velocities if mass of A is four times the mass
of B.
For Body A: For Body B:
Let mass of body A = ma = 4m Mass of body B = 𝑚𝑏 = m [∵ mass of A is four times the mass of B]
Let kinetic energy of body A = K Kinetic energy of body B = K [∵ A and B have same kinetic energies]
Let velocity of body A = Va Let velocity of body B = Vb
Given, A and B have same kinetic energies,
1 1
⇒ 4𝑚𝑉𝑎 2 = 𝑚𝑉𝑏 2
2 2
⇒ 4𝑚𝑉𝑎 2 = 𝑚𝑉𝑏 2

𝑉𝑎 2 1
⇒ =
𝑉𝑏 2 4

𝑉𝑎 1 1
⇒ = √ =
𝑉𝑏 4 2

∴ 𝑉𝑎 ∶ 𝑉𝑏 = 1 ∶ 2
Hence, velocity of body B is two times the velocity of body A.
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Question 2(v)
Draw a graph of potential energy vs height from the ground for a body thrown vertically upwards.
Graph of potential energy vs height from the ground for a body thrown vertically upwards is shown below:

Question 6(iii)
The figure below shows a simple pendulum of mass 200 g. It is displaced from the mean position A to the
extreme position B. The potential energy at the position A is zero. At the position B the pendulum bob is
raised by 5 m.

(a) What is the potential energy of the pendulum at the position B?

(b) What is the total mechanical energy at point C?
(c) What is the speed of the bob at the position A when released from B?
(Take g = 10 ms-2 and given that there is no loss of energy.)
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ICSE 2023
Question 1(ii)
When the speed of a moving object is doubled, then its kinetic energy:
1. remains the same
2. decreases
3. is doubled
4. becomes four times

Question 1(iii)
The energy conversion in a washing machine is from ...............
1. magnetic to electrical
2. electrical to mechanical
3. electrical to magnetic
4. magnetic to electrical

Question 2(iv)
(a) What should be the angle between the direction of force and the direction of displacement, for work to be
negative?
𝑼
(b) Name the physical quantity obtained using the formula , where U is the potential energy and h is the
𝒉
height.
(a) 180°
(b) As gravitational potential energy [U] = mgh
𝑈
Hence, = mg
ℎ
Therefore, the physical quantity obtained is weight of the object.

Question 2(v)
Calculate the power spent by a crane while lifting a load of mass 2000 kg, at velocity of 1.5 ms-1.(g = 10 m/s).
Given,
mass = 2000 kg
velocity = 1.5 ms-1
weight or downward force = mg = 2000 x 10 = 20,000 N
From formula, P = F x v
P = 20,000 x 1.5 = 30,000 W = 30 kW
Hence, power spent by the crane = 30 kW.
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Question 6(iii)
A car of mass 120 kg is moving at a speed 18 km/h and it accelerates to attain a speed of 54 km/h in 5
seconds. Calculate:
(a) the work done by the engine. (b) the power of the engine.
(a) Given, Converting km/h to m/s
Initial velocity (vi) = 18 km/h = 5 m/s 5
18 × = 5 𝑚/𝑠
Final velocity (vf) = 54 km/h = 15 m/s 18
1
𝑊𝑜𝑟𝑘 𝑑𝑜𝑛𝑒 = 𝐶ℎ𝑎𝑛𝑔𝑒 𝑖𝑛 𝑘𝑖𝑛𝑒𝑡𝑖𝑐 𝑒𝑛𝑒𝑟𝑔𝑦 = 𝑚 (𝑣𝑓 2 − 𝑣𝑖 2 )
2
1 Converting km/h to m/s
= × 120 × (152 − 52 ) 5
2 54 × = 15 𝑚/𝑠
1 18
= × 120 × (225 − 25)
2
= 60 × 200 = 12000 𝐽
Hence, work done = 12000J
𝑤𝑜𝑟𝑘 𝑑𝑜𝑛𝑒 12000 𝐽
(𝑏) 𝑃𝑜𝑤𝑒𝑟 = = = 2400 𝑤𝑎𝑡𝑡.
𝑡𝑖𝑚𝑒 5𝑠
Hence, power of engine = 2400 watt.

2023 Specimen Paper

Question 1(ii)
Which of the following is the correct expression for gain in kinetic energy, if initial velocity is not zero?
(a) k = 1/2 mv²
(b) k = mv²/4
(c) k = mv²/2t
(d) k= 1/2m(v² —u²)

Question 1(iii)
The energy conversion, when an oscillating pendulum moves from mean to extreme position is:
(a) Kinetic to potential
(b) Potential to kinetic
(c) Potential to kinetic to potential
(d) Kinetic to potential to kinetic

Question 2(v)
If kinetic energy of a moving body is 40J then what will be its kinetic energy when its velocity is doubled?
1 1 1
𝐾𝐸 = 𝑚(2𝑣)2 = 𝑚4𝑣 2 = 4 × 𝑚𝑣 2
2 2 2
The new kinetic energy becomes 4 times the original kinetic energy.
The kinetic energy of the moving body when its velocity is doubled is 160J
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Question 6(iii)
A coconut of mass 450 g falls from the top of an 80 m high tree.
(a) Calculate the potential energy possessed by the coconut when it is at the top of the tree.
(b) Without calculation, state the kinetic energy with which it strikes the ground and state the principle
involved to arrive at the answer in eg. = 10 ms-²
(a) We know,
𝑃𝐸 = 𝑚𝑔ℎ
450 𝑚
= 𝑘𝑔 × 10 2 × 80 𝑚
1000 𝑠
= 360 𝐽
The potential energy possessed by the coconut when it is at the top of the tree is 360J
(b) The kinetic energy with which it strikes the ground is zero. The principle involved is conservation of
mechanical energy (or total energy, i.e., sum of potential energy and kinetic energy).

ICSE 2020

Question 1(b)
Define a kilowatt hour. How is it related to joule? [2]
One kilowatt hour is the electrical energy consumed by an electrical appliance of power 1 kilowatt when it is
used for 1 hour.
1 kilowatt hour = 1 kilowatt x 1 hour
= 1000 J s-1 x 3600 s = 3.6 x 106 J

Question 1(c)
A satellite revolves around a planet in a circular orbit. What is the work done by the satellite at any instant?
Give a reason. [2]
The work done is zero because the centripetal force on the body at any instant is directed towards the centre of
the circular path and the displacement at that instant is along the tangent to the circular path, i.e., normal to the
direction of force on the body. Since, θ = 90° , cos 90° = 0. Therefore, work done is zero.

Question 1(e)
Give one example of each when: [2]
(i) Chemical energy changes into electrical energy.
(ii) Electrical energy changes into sound energy.
(i) Chemical energy changes into electrical energy — In a battery when current is drawn from it in the external
circuit.
(ii) Electrical energy changes into sound energy — In a loud speaker, electrical signals vibrate the diaphragm of
loud speaker to produce sound.
 19
Question 2(a)
A crane 'A' lifts a heavy load in 5 seconds, whereas another crane 'B' does the same work in 2 seconds.
Compare the power of crane 'A' to that of crane 'B'. [2]
Let the work done by both cranes be 'W'
Given,
Time taken by crane A to do work, t1 = 5 s
Time taken by crane B to do work, t2 = 2 s
𝑊
𝑃𝑜𝑤𝑒𝑟 𝑜𝑓 𝑐𝑟𝑎𝑛𝑒 𝐴, 𝑃𝐴 =
𝑡1
𝑊
𝑃𝑜𝑤𝑒𝑟 𝑜𝑓 𝑐𝑟𝑎𝑛𝑒 𝐵, 𝑃𝐵 =
𝑡2
𝑃𝐴 𝑊𝑡2
⇒ =
𝑃𝐵 𝑊𝑡1
𝑃𝐴 𝑡2
⇒ =
𝑃𝐵 𝑡1
𝑃𝐴 2
⇒ =
𝑃𝐵 5
∴ 𝑃𝐴 ∶ 𝑃𝐵 = 2 ∶ 5

Question 5(a) ---- Specimen 2024 Question 6(iii)

ICSE 2019
Question 1(b)
Two bodies A and B have masses in the ratio 5:1 and their kinetic energies are in the ratio 125:9. Find the
ratio of their velocities. [2]
Given,
𝑚𝐴 5 𝐾𝐴 125
= 𝑎𝑛𝑑 =
𝑚𝐵 1 𝐾𝐵 9
Since,
1 2
𝐾𝐴 2 𝑚𝐴 𝑣𝐴 𝑚𝐴 𝑣𝐴 2
=1 = ( ) × ( 2)
𝐾𝐵 𝑚 𝑣 2 𝑚𝐵 𝑣𝐵
2 𝐵 𝐵
Substituting the values we get,
125 5 𝑣𝐴 2
= × ( 2)
9 1 𝑣𝐵
𝑣𝐴 2 125 × 1
( 2) =
𝑣𝐵 9×5

𝑣𝐴 25 5
=√ = , 𝐻𝑒𝑛𝑐𝑒, 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑟𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜 𝑏𝑒𝑡𝑤𝑒𝑒𝑛 𝑣𝑒𝑙𝑜𝑐𝑖𝑡𝑖𝑒𝑠 𝑜𝑓 𝐴 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝐵 𝑖𝑠 5 ∶ 3
𝑣𝐵 9 3
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Question 1(c)
(i) Name the physical quantity which is measured in calories.
(ii) How is calorie related to the S.I. unit of that quantity? [2]
(i) Heat energy is measured in calories.
(ii) 1 cal = 4.2 J where joule is the S.I. unit of heat energy.

Question 5(a)
A body of mass 10 kg is kept at a height of 5 m. It is allowed to fall and reach the ground. [3]
(i) What is the total mechanical energy possessed by the body at the height of 2 m assuming it is a frictionless
medium?
(ii) What is the kinetic energy possessed by the body just before hitting the ground? Take g = 10 m s-2.
(i) The speed of the body when at a height of 2m above the ground i.e., after falling through 3 m is :
𝑣 2 = 𝑢2 + 2𝑔ℎ = (0) + (2 × 10 × 3) = 60 𝑚/𝑠

∴ 𝑣 = √60 𝑚/𝑠
1
𝑀𝑒𝑐ℎ𝑎𝑛𝑖𝑐𝑎𝑙 𝑒𝑛𝑒𝑟𝑔𝑦 𝑎𝑡 2𝑚 ℎ𝑒𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡 = 𝑃. 𝐸. + 𝐾. 𝐸. = 𝑚𝑔ℎ + 𝑚𝑣 2
2
1
= (10 × 10 × 2) + ( × 10 × 60)
2
= 200 + 300
= 500 𝐽
Hence, total mechanical energy possessed by the body at the height of 2 m = 500 J
(ii) The kinetic energy on reaching the ground will be same as the potential energy at it's highest point from
which it started falling.
𝑀𝑒𝑐ℎ𝑎𝑛𝑖𝑐𝑎𝑙 𝑒𝑛𝑒𝑟𝑔𝑦 = 𝐼𝑛𝑖𝑡𝑖𝑎𝑙 𝑝𝑜𝑡𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑖𝑎𝑙 𝑒𝑛𝑒𝑟𝑔𝑦
= 𝑚 × 𝑔 × ℎ = 10 × 10 × 5 = 500 𝐽
Hence, kinetic energy possessed by the body just before hitting the ground = 500 J

ICSE 2018
Question 1(a)
(i) State and define the S.I. unit of power. [2]
(ii) How is the unit horse power related to the S.I. unit of power ?
(i) The S.I. unit of power is watt
It is defined as the power spent when 1 joule of work is done for 1 second.
(ii) 1 horse power = 746 watt.
 21
Question 1(b)
State the energy changes in the following cases while in use: [2]
(i) An electric iron.
(ii) A ceiling fan.
(i) In an electric iron, the electrical energy changes into heat energy.
(ii) In a ceiling fan, the electrical energy changes into mechanical energy.

Question 5(a)
(i) Derive a relationship between S.I. and C.G.S. unit of work. [3]
(ii) A force acts on a body and displaces it by a distance S in a direction at an angle θ with the direction of
force. What should be the value of θ to get the maximum positive work?
(i) S.I. unit of work is joule and C.G.S. unit of work is erg.
Since, work = Force x displacement
1 joule = 1 newton x 1 metre
= 105 dyne x 100 cm
= 107 dyne x cm
= 107 erg
1 joule = 107 erg
(ii) Work W = F.S. cos θ
For maximum work, cos θ = 1 or θ = 0°

ICSE 2017
Question 1(a)
A brass ball is hanging from a stiff cotton thread. Draw a neat labelled diagram showing the forces acting
on the brass ball and the cotton thread. [2]
In the figure below, the force on the ball is the weight W acting vertically downwards and the force on the
thread is the tension T acting upwards.
 22
Question 1(b)
The distance between two bodies is doubled. How is the magnitude of gravitational force between them
affected?
The gravitational force becomes one-fourth since it is inversely proportional to the square of the distance of
1
separation (i.e., 𝐹 ∝ where F is the force and d is the distance between centers)
𝑑2

Question 1(d)
If the power of a motor be 100 kW, at what speed can it raise a load of 50,000 N? [2]
Given, power P = 100 kW = 100 x 103 W, force F = 50,000 N
Power P = Force (F) x Speed (v)
Substituting the values we get,
100 × 103 = 50,000 × 𝑣
100 × 103
⇒𝑣=
50,000
⇒ 𝑣 = 2 𝑚/𝑠

ICSE 2016
Question 1(b)
A boy weighing 40 kgf climbs up a stair of 30 steps each 20 cm high in 4 minute and a girl weighing 30 kgf
does the same in 3 minutes. Compare :-
(i) The work done by them.
(ii) The power developed by them. [2]
(i) The work done by them = ?
While climbing both the girl and boy have to do work against the force of gravity.
Force of gravity on boy = F1 = m1g = 40 x 10 = 400
Force of gravity on girl = F2 = m2g = 30 x 10 = 300
Total height climbed up
h = number of steps x height of each step
= 30 x 20 = 600 cm = 6 m
Work done by the boy = W1 = F1 x h = 400 x 6 = 2400 J
Work done by the girl = W2 = F2 x h = 300 x 6 = 1800 J
Therefore, W1 : W2 = 2400 : 1800 = 4 : 3
 23
(ii) The power developed by them = ?
𝑊1
𝑃1 𝑡1
= 𝑊2
𝑃2
𝑡2

𝑊1 𝑡2
= ×
𝑊2 𝑡1
4 3
= ×
3 4
=1∶1

ICSE 2015
Question 2 (a)
How is work done by a force measured when the force :
(i) is in the direction of displacement.
(ii) is at an angle to the direction of displacement. [2]
(i) Work done by a force when the force is in the direction of displacement, 𝑊 = 𝐹𝑆
(ii) Work done by a force when the force is at an angle [θ] to the direction of displacement, 𝑊 = 𝐹𝑆 𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝜃

Question 2 (b)
State the energy changes in the following while in use :
(i) Burning of a candle.
(ii) A steam engine. [2]
(i) Burning of a candle: Chemical energy to light energy.
(ii) Steam engine: Chemical energy of coal first changes to heat energy of steam and then heat energy charges
into mechanical energy.

Question 2 (c)
(ii) 1 kWh = ……….. J.
1 kWh = 3.6 × 106 J.

Question 2 (d)
Explain the motion of a planet around the sun in a circular path. [2]
A planet moves around the sun in a circular path for which the gravitational force of attraction on the planet by
the sun provides the necessary centripetal force. This centripetal force is always directed towards the centre of
the sun at each point of its path which is responsible for circular motion of planet.
 24
Question 2(e)
Rajan exerts a force of 150 N in pulling a cart at a constant speed of 10 m/s. Calculate the power exerted.
Given :
Force = 150 N, Speed = 10 m/s.
Power = Force × Speed
= 150 × 10
= 1500 Watt.

Question 5: (b) (i)

Name the physical quantity measured in terms of horse power.
Horse power is another unit of Power.
1 H.P = 746 watt.

Question 5: (b) (iii)

Explain briefly why the work done by a fielder when he takes a catch in a cricket match is negative.
Work done is said to be negative when a force opposes the motion or tries to stop a moving body since the
fielder also tries to stop the moving ball hence his work done is also negative.

ICSE 2014
Question 1: (c) (i) What is the weight of a body placed at the centre of the earth?
The weight of a body placed at the centre of the earth is zero.

Question 1: (e) (i) When does a force do work ?

(ii) What is the work done by the moon when it revolves around the earth ? [2]
(i) Work is said to be done only when the force applied on a body makes the body moves (i.e., there is
displacement of the body).
(ii) The work done by the moon when it revolves around the earth is zero.

Question 2:
(a) Calculate the change in the Kinetic energy of a moving body if its velocity is reduced to 113rd of the
initial velocity. [2]
(b) State the energy changes in the following devices while in use:
(i) A loud speaker.
(ii) A glowing electric bulb. [2]
 25
Answer:
(a)

(b) (i) Electrical energy converted to sound energy.

(ii) Electrical energy converted to light and heat energy.

Question 5:(a)
(i) A man having a box on his head, climbs up a slope and another man having an identical box walks the
same distance on a levelled road. Who does more work against the force of gravity and why?
Man climbs up a slope does more work because the work done by the man walking on a levelled road is zero.

Question 5: (b)
(i) A body is thrown vertically upwards. Its velocity keeps on decreasing. What happens to its kinetic energy
as its velocity becomes zero?
When a body thrown vertically upward its velocity continuously decreases, kinetic energy also decreases
and potential energy increases due to increase in height.
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