TUTORIAL: WORK AND ENERGY

(Past Exam Questions and Test)

1. Collar C with mass 2kg is free to move along the vertical rod as shown in
Figure 5.1. Equivalent
spring constant 3000N/m.
i)

If collar C discharged from a stationary position at B and move up through

rod consequence of the spring force, determine the velocity collar when
crossed position A. The distance AB is 0.5m, and given when crossing
there is no stretch for position spring A.

Solution:
Checklist
1) Work
Constant force
Constant force through cable
Frictional force
No external force

X
X
X
/

No external force, so that

U 12=0
2) Gravitational Potential Energy
- The collar moving up, so that

V g 12=+ mg h
s
9.81 m/ (0.5 m)
(2 kg)
9.81 J

3) Elastic Potential Energy

x 1=L1L

0.75 m

x 2=L2L

0.901 m0.75 m

0.151 m

Therefore,

1
V e 12= k ( x 22x 21 )
2

1
( 3000 N /m ) ( 020.1512 )
2

34.2015

4) Kinetic Energy
The collar is discharged from a stationary position, so initial velocity equals to
zero.

1
T 12= m ( v 22v12)
2

Therefore,

1
( 2kg ) ( v 220 )
2

1 v 22

U 12= V g 12+ V e12 + T 12

0=9.81 J 34.2015+v 22

v 22=24.2015

v 2= 24.2015

4.92 m/s