WORK, POWER & ENERGY

The term ‘work’ is frequently used in our daily life. We consider that a wide range of exercises we do
whether mental or physical are called work. For instance; studying, cooking, teaching etc. However, the
term ‘work’ in Physics stands for ’mechanical work’. It involves two things:
i) Force
ii) Displacement

Q.1 Define work and explain how work is done by a constant force?

WORK
Definition:
When a force ‘F’ acts upon a body and displaces it to a certain distance ‘s’ then the work is said to be
done by the force on the body. OR The scalar or dot product of force and displacement is called work.

MATHEMATICAL REPRESENTATION:
F . s⃗
Work = W= ⃗
Where F is the magnitude of force and s is the magnitude of distance.

F
⃗

⃗s
EXPLANATION:
Suppose a constant force ‘F’ acting on a body produces a displacement‘s’ in the body at an angle θ in the
direction of motion, then

F
⃗

θ
F cos θ
⃗

⃗s

If force ‘F’ makes an angle θ with the direction of displacement‘s’ then component of force in the
direction of displacement is (F cos θ). As work done by the force is the product of component of force in
the direction of the displacement and the magnitude of the displacement, then

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 Work= W= (F cos θ) s ------- (1)

If displacement is in the direction of force applied, θ = 0°. Then equation (1) can be rewritten as:
Work= W = (F cospaint 0°) s
Work= W = ⃗ F . s⃗ ------------- (2)

If the constant force ⃗F and the displacement ⃗s are in the same direction, then the work done is F.s. The
area under the force - displacement curve can be taken to represents the work done by the force. But in
case the force F is not in the direction of displacement, the graph is plotted between F cosθ and s.

Q.2. Describe different cases of work?

I. POSITIVE WORK:

The work is positive when force and displacement are in the same direction or the force has same
component in the direction of displacement. When; θ = 0°, ⃗F and ⃗s are in the same direction.

Work = W =⃗F . ⃗s
= Fscosθ
= Fs cos0°
=Fs x 1 (since cos (0°) = 1)
W = Fd = maximum value

Examples:
1) Kicking a football         
2) Moving a chair

II. NEGATIVE WORK:

If the force and displacement vectors are in opposite direction or anti parallel to each other, then work
done will be negative. When; θ = 180°, ⃗F and ⃗s are in the opposite direction.

Work= W =⃗F . ⃗s
= Fs cosθ
=Fs cos 180°
= Fs (-1) (since cos 180° = -1)
W = -Fd

Examples:
1) If a body is lifted gravity very slowly, the angle between gravity and displacement is 180°.
Therefore, work will negative.
2) When a body moves against the force of friction on a horizontal plane, the work is done by the
body against the force of friction, and is, therefore negative.

III. ZERO WORK OR MINIMUM WORK:

Work done is zero when the force and displacement are at right angle to each other. When; θ = 90°, F
⃗
and ⃗s are perpendicular to each other, work done is equal to zero.
Work = W =⃗ F . ⃗s
=Fs cosθ

2
 =Fs cos 90°
= Fs x 0 (since cos 90° = 0)
W=0

Example:
1) When we hold an object and walk, the force acts in a downward direction whereas displacement
acts in the forward direction.

IV. MAXIMUM WORK:

If the angle θ between the applied force and distance covered by the body is zero then work done by the
body will be maximum.
Work = W =⃗ F . ⃗s
=Fs cosθ
=Fs cos 0°
= Fs x 1 (since cos 0° = 1)
W = Fs

Q.3. Give units and dimension of work.

UNITS OF WORK:
 The SI unit of work is Newton meter (Nm) also known as Joule (J).
 In C.G.S system its unit is ‘erg’.

One- Joule:
Definition:
A joule is defined as the amount of work done, when a force of one Newton acting on a body of
mass of one kilogram displaces it through a distance of one meter along direction of the force.
Thus;
W = F s cos θ
1Joule = 1N x 1m cos 0°
1Joule = 1N x 1m

Relation B/W Joule and Erg:

1Joule = 107 erg

DIMENSION OF WORK:
As we know that;
Work= Force x Displacement
= Mass x Acceleration × Displacement
L
= [M]
T2( )
[L]

L
( )
= [M] 2 [L]
T
= [M] [L2] [T-2]

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Hence, the dimension of work are;

[W] = [M] [L2] [T-2]

Q.4.What do you mean by gravitational field and conservation field?

GRAVITATIONAL FIELD
Definition:
The space or region around the earth in which its gravitational force act on a body is called gravitational
field OR The space region around the earth within which a body can experience a force of attraction due
to gravity.

CONSERVATIVE FIELD
Definition:
The field in which the work is done is independent of the path followed or work done in a closed path is
zero is called conservative field.

Examples:
i) Gravitational field
ii) Electric field
iii) Magnetic field

Q.7. Define a closed path?

CLOSED PATH
Definition:
A path in which a body after passing through several points ends at the same point is called closed path or
closed loop.

Q.8. Show that the Gravitational field is conservative.

CHARACTERISTICS OF GRAVITATIONAL FIELD AS A CONSERVATIVE FIELD

A conservative field is that in which total work on a body through any closed path is zero. A conservative
force has following characteristics.
1. The work done is independent of the path followed
2. The work done is independent of the speed of the body.
3. The work done is independent of the time taken.
So, work done in a conservative field depends only on two positions (initial and final position) of a body.

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DIAGRAM:

MATHEMATICAL REPRESENTATION:
1n order to proof that gravitational field is conservative field, consider the above diagram. We have to
prove that work done in moving an object from A to C is equal to the sum of work done in moving
the object from A to B and B to C.

WA→C = WA→B + WB→C

WA→B + WB→C + Wc→A = 0 -------- (a)

FOR WA→B
WA→B = ⃗
F . ⃗S1
WA→B = F S1 cosa −−−¿ (1)

In ∆ ABD
´
Cosa = AD
´
AB

h
Cosa =
S1

From equation 1:
WA→B = FS1 cosa

WA→B = mgS1 ( Sh )
1

WA→B = mgh

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 FOR WB→C
WB→C =⃗ F . ⃗S2
WB→C = FS2 cos900
W B→C = FS2 (0)
WB→C = 0

FOR WC→A
WC→A = ⃗
F . ⃗S 3

WC→A = FS3 cos (1800 – B)

WC→A =FS3 (-cos B)
WC→A = -FS3 cosB −−−−¿ (2)

In∆ ABD
´
cosB = AD
´
AC
h
cosB =
S3

From equation 2:
WC→A = - FS3 cosB

WC→A = - mgS3 ( Sh )
3

WC→A = - mgh
Putting the values of WA→B, WB→C and WC→A in equation (a)

WA→B + WB→C + WC→A = 0

mgh + 0 + (- mgh) =0
mgh + 0 – mgh = 0

0=0

Hence proved L.HS. = R.H.S

Q.9 Define power, and give its unit and dimension.

POWER
Definition:
The rate of doing work is known as power OR work done in a unit time is called power OR the dot
product of force and velocity is called power.

Formula:
Work
Power =
Time

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 W
P=
t

OR
P ower=P=⃗
F .V
⃗
P ower=P=FVcos 0

UNIT:
The SI unit of power is watt.

One- Watt:
Definition:
If one joule of work is done second then power will be one watt.

One-Kilowatt Hour
Definition:
If a power of one kilowatt is maintained for one hour, the work done is one kilowatt hour. This unit of
energy is also known as board of trade unit (BTU).

As we know that;
W
P=
t
W=P×t
1 kilowatt – hour = 1 kilowatt × 1hour
⇒ 1kwh = 1000 W ×3600S
= 36 ×105 WS
j
⇒ 1 kwh =3.6 ×106
S
⇒ 1 kwh = 3.6 MJ (Sine 1 W =1 J/S)

OTHER UNITS OF POWER

 1 kilowatt = 1kW= 103 watts

 1megawatt = 1 MW = 106 watts
 1 gigawatt = 1GW = 109 watts
 1 horse power = 1hp = 746 watts

DIMENSION OF POWER
As we know that;
WOrk
Power =P=
Time
Force× Displacement
Power = P=
Time

Mass× Acceleration× Displacement

Power =P=
TIme

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 [ M ] V [ L]
P= T
[T ]

V 1
[M ] [ L]
P= T T
[T ]
P = [ M ] [ L2 ] [ T 3 ]
P = [ M L2 T 3 ]

Hence, the dimensions of power are;

P= [ M ] [ L2 ] [ T 3 ]

Q.10 Define the following term.

1. AVERAGE POWER
Definition:
If a quantity of work ∆ W is done in a time interval ∆ t, then average power P avg is defined as;
Work done
Power =
Time interval
∆W
Pavg =
∆t

2. INSTANTANEOUS POWER
Definition:
If the rate of doing work is not uniform, the power at an instant is the ratio of the work done to the
time interval, when both are extremely small In this case, we can define an instantaneous power “P”
as the limit of ∆ t →0”

limit W
P(INS) =
∆t →0 ∆t

Note: When the work is done at uniform rate, the average power and instantaneous power are equal

Q.11 Derive the relation between force, power and velocity.

RELATION BETWEEN FORCE, POWER AND VELOCITY

It is sometimes, convenient to express power in terms of constant force F acting on an object moving at
constant velocity V.
Example: When the propeller of a motorboat causes the water to exert a constant force F on the boat, it
moves with a constant velocity V. The power delivered
by the motor at any instant is, then, given by:

limit W
P=
∆t →o ∆t

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As we know that;
∆W = ⃗
F . ∆ d⃗
limit ⃗ ∆ ⃗d
⇒P= F.
∆t→0 ∆t
Since;
∆d
=v
∆t

⇒ P= ⃗
F .V
⃗

Q.12.Define Energy, Mechanical energy and Elastic potential energy, what do you mean by Kinetic and
potential energy.

ENERGY
Definition:
The ability of a body to do work is called its Energy.

UNIT:
It is measured in Joules.

MECHANICAL ENERGY
Definition:
It is defined as the energy possessed by a body due to its state of rest or motion.

TYPES OF MECHANICAL ENERGY

There are two types of mechanical energy.
1) Kinetic Energy (K.E)
2) Potential Energy (P. E)

KINETIC ENERGY (K.E)

Definition:
The energy possessed by a body by virtue of its motion is called kinetic energy OR When work is done
on a body in such a way that the body comes to rest from state of motion or vice versa then, the work
done is called Kinetic energy.

Example:
A car or a bullet in motion, a stream of water or a revolving flywheel has Kinetic energy.

DERIVATION OF K.E
Suppose a body of mass “m” which is moving with initial velocity “v” under the action of force. The
force acting on the body is suddenly removed and its velocity decreases until it comes to rest due to the
force of friction.

f V

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S
If f is the force of friction and S is the distance covered by the body before it comes to rest, then the work
done by the body against friction will be:
Work = Force × Displacement
Work = f.S
Since this work is done due to the motion of the body, therefore it is equal to the kinetic energy of the
body, i.e.
K. E = f.S −−¿ (1)

Let ‘a’ be the acceleration of the body as produced by the force of friction, then according to the
Newton’s second law of motion,

f = m (-a)
a= -f/m

Now the data available is,

Initial velocity of the body= Vi = V
Final velocity of the body = Vf = 0
Deceleration of the body = a =- f/m
Distance covered by the body = S = S
Substituting the values in the third equation of motion;
2as = Vf2 – Vi2
⇒ 2(-f/m) S = 02 – V2
⇒ -2(f/m)S = - V2
⇒ 2fS = V2m

V 2m
⇒ fS= ---------- (2)
2

Substituting the value of f.S from equation (2) in equation (1).

V 2m
fS=
2

mV 2
⇒ K. E =
2
1
K . E= mV 2
2

This formula shows that kinetic energy depends on:

1) Mass of the body
2) Square of velocity
So, if the velocity twice then kinetic energy increases four times.

POTENTIAL ENERGY
Definition:
Energy possessed by the body by virtue of its position is called potential energy. OR Ability of a body to

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do work due to its position is called its potential energy.

TYPES OF POTENTIAL ENERGY

Two important types of potential energy are:
1. Gravitational potential energy
2. Elastic potential energy

GRAVITATIONAL POTENTIAL ENERGY

Definition:
Gravitational potential energy of a body is the energy possessed by the body by virtue of its position
above the surface of the earth.

MATHEMATICAL EXPRESSION
To calculate gravitational potential energy, suppose m = mass of a body g = acceleration due to gravity on
the surface of earth. h = height through which the body is raised,

If we assume that height h is not too large and the value of g is practically constant over this height, then
the force applied just to overcome gravitational attraction is
F = mg
As the distance moved is in the direction of the force applied, therefore,

Work done = force × distance W = F × h = mgh

Note that we have taken the upward direction to be positive. Therefore, work done by applied force = +
mgh. However, work done by gravitational force = – mgh. This work gets stored as potential energy. The
gravitational potential energy of a body, as a function of height (h) is denoted by V (h), and it is negative
of work done by the gravitational force in raising the body to that height.

Gravitational P.E. = V (h) = mgh

ELASIC POTENTIAL ENERGY

Definition:
The energy stored a compressed spring is the potential energy possessed by the spring due to its
compressed or stretched state. This form of energy is called the Elastic potential Energy.

Q.13 Define Absolute Gravitational Potential Energy. Derive an expression for A.G.P.E at a distance “r”
from the center of the earth and at the surface of the earth and at the height “h” from the surface of the
earth.

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ASOLUTE GRAVITATIONAL POTENTIAL ENERGY
Definition:
Work done is moving the object from infinity to a point in the field is called Absolute gravitational
potential energy. OR It is the work done between the two points, one is situated at infinity and other is in
the field.

DIAGRAM

DERVIATION
Let “RE” be the radius of the earth and “ME” be the mass of the earth and consider two points A and B and
those two points are far from each other and are in the gravitational field. And we have to displace a body
of mass “m” from point A and B and in displacing the object force is variable. Therefore; we cannot use
the formula of work in one step to overcome this difficulty we divide the total displacement into “n”
small intervals and length of each interval is ∆ r and ∆ r is so small that we can neglect ∆ r2 is it assume
that the force is to be nearly constant for such a small interval.

Force at point 1
By Law of gravitation:

Gm M E
F1 =
r 12
Force at point 2

By Law of gravitation:

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 Gm M E
F2 =
r 22
The average force of F1 and F2 is “Favg”
F1+ F2
Favg =
2
1
⇒ Favg = F1 + F2
2
1 Gm M E Gm M E
⇒ Favg =
2 r 21(+
r 22 )
Gm M E 1 1
⇒ Favg =
2
+
(
r 21 r 22 )
2 2
Gm M E r 2 r 1
⇒ Favg =
2
+
r 21 r 22 ( )
since r2 =∆ r + ¿r1

Gm M E
⇒ Favg = ¿
2
2 2
Gm M E ( ∆+2 ∆ r r 1+ r ) +r 1
⇒ Favg =
2 ( r 21 r 22 )
Neglecting ∆ r 2
2
Gm M E 2 ∆ r r 1+ 2r 1
⇒ Favg =
2 (
r 21 r 22 )
Gm M E 2 r 1 ∆ r +r 1( )
⇒ Favg =
2 (
r 21 r 22 )
Gm M E 2 r 1r
⇒ Favg =
2 r 21 r 22 ( ) 2

Gm M E
⇒ F avg=
r1 r2
This is the average force between point 1 and point 2; Now we displace the object from point 1 to point 2
and calculate work.
W 1 → 2 = Favg × displacment

Gm M E
W 1→2 = ×∆r
r1 r2
(∴ ∆ r=r 2−r 1 ¿
Gm M E
W 1→2 = × (r 2−r 1)
r1 r 2

r 2−r 1
W 1 → 2= Gm M E
( r 1 r2 )
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 r2 r
W 1 → 2=Gm M E
( − 1
r1 r2 r1 r 2
)
W 1 → 2=Gm M E ( r1 − r1 )
1 2

1 1
W 2 → 3= Gm M E ( −
r2 r3 )
W 3 → 4 = Gm M E ( r1 − r1 )
3 4

W n −1 → n=Gm M E ( r 1 − r1 )
n−1 n
The total work displacement the object from point A to point B is the sum all the work for each small
interval.
W 1 → n = W 1 → 2+ ¿ W 2 → 3+ ¿ …+W n −1 → n

Favg = Gm M E ( r1 − r1 )
1 2
+ Gm M E ( r1 − r1 )
2 3
+ Gm M E( r1 − r1 ) 3 4
… Gm M E ( r1 − r1 ) W
n n
n −1 → B =Gm M E

1 1
(r −r )
1 n
The work is stored in the object in the form of gravitational potential energy at point B with respect to point
A.

U =Gm M E ( r1 − r1 )
1 n
And the potential energy at point A with respect to point B is;
1 1
U = - Gm M E ( −
r1 rn )
If point B is situated at infinity then:
rn = ∞
and
1 1
⇒ Uabs = - Gm M E ( ) −
r1 ∞
1
⇒ Uabs = - Gm M ( −0 )
E
r 1

1
⇒ Uabs = - Gm M ( ) E
r 1
U −Gm M E
⇒ |¿|= ¿
r1

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This is the Absolute gravitational potential energy for point “1” and in general at a distance “r” from center
of the earth. The absolute gravitational energy is;

U Gm M E
⇒ |¿|= ¿
r
AT EARTH SURFACE
If a body is at earth surface then A.G.P.E is:
U Gm M E
⇒ |¿|= ¿
RE
AT A HEIGH (h) EARTH SURFACE
If the body is at height “h” from earth surface then A.G.P.E
Gm M E
⇒ Uabs =
( RE+ h)

⇒ Uabs = - Gm M E (RE +h¿−1

⇒ Uabs = - Gm M E ¿ ¿

Gm M E
⇒ Uabs = - ¿
RE
Using binomial series;
n(n−1) x 2
(1+𝑥) n =1 + n𝑥 + +
2
Applying binomial series;
Then;
U h h2
⇒ −Gm M E
(1+(-1) + (−1 ( −1−1 ) ) +¿ )
RE R2E
|¿|= ¿
RE

h2
Neglecting and its higher power
RE
U −Gm M E h
⇒ |¿|=
(1+ ¿
)
RE RE
This is the A.G.P.E at a height “h”

Q.14 Discuss inter conversion of kinetic energy and potential energy by an example of free Falling body
and derive work -energy relation.

EXPLANATION
In the figure below a body of mass “m” is at height “h” from the earth surface and point B is “𝑥” below
from point C. When the body moves towards earth surface then its height decreases and speed increases
and its potential energy is converted into kinetic energy but when the body just strikes the ground and in
the absence of air friction then all its potential energy is converted into kinetic energy.

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 P.E =K. E

1 2
⇒ mgh = mV
2
⇒ 2gh = V 2
⇒ V 2 =2gh
⇒ V 2= √2 gh
This is the speed by which body strikes the ground.

IN THE PRESENCE OF AIR FRICTION

When air friction is present then all the potential energy is not converted into kinetic energy and the part
of potential energy is used against friction and we when the body is at B then it has lost some potential
which is “mgx” and when the body just strike the ground and “f ” be the average frictional force.
Lost in K.E = (Gain in P.E) + (Work done against friction)
Gain in K.E = (Lost in P.E) + (Work done against friction)
Gain∈K . E=mgh−fh
This equation is called work – energy equation or relation.

Q.15 State and prove law of conservation of energy.

LAW OF CONSERVATION OF ENERGY

Definition:
Energy can neither be created nor destroyed but can be changed from one form to another form. OR In
an isolated system net amount of energy remains constant.

EXPLANATION:
Consider a body of mass m lying at a height “h” above the ground (At point A) As the body is at rest
therefore kinetic energy at Point A will be zero. For the proof of the law, we calculate the total energy at
point A, point B and point C.

AT POINT “A”

KINETIC ENERGY:
K.E. = 0
POTENTIAL ENERGY:
Potential energy at height h will be mgh.
P.E. = mgh

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TOTAL ENERGY:
Total energy will be the sum of K.E. and P.E. Let ET be the total energy then,
ET = K.E + P.E
ET = 0 + mgh
ET = mgh ------- (a)

AT POINT “C”

Let the body be allowed to fall freely under under gravity, when it strikes the ground at C with a V
velocity ‘V’. According to equation of motion
V 2f −V 2i = 2 a s
v 2 – 0 = 2 (g) h
v 2 = 2 gh -------- (1)
KINETIC ENERGY:

K.E. = ½ mv2
Substituting the value of v2 from equation (1) we get’

K.E = ½ m (2gh)
K.E. = mgh

POTENTIAL ENERGY:
P.E. = mgh
= mg (0)
P.E. = 0

TOTAL ENERGY:
Total energy will be the sum of K.E. and P.E. Let ET be the total energy then,
ET = K.E + P.E
ET = mgh + 0
ET = mgh ------- (b)

AT POINT “B”
During the downward motion the body loses potential energy but its kinetic energy increases. Suppose the
body falls through a distance AB = x. Its new height will be BC = (h-x).

KINETIC ENERGY:
Suppose the velocity acquired in falling through the distance ‘x’ be ‘v’
1
K.E. = m v 2 ------- (2)
2

In order to calculate kinetic energy at point “B” we find velocity V by the following equation
V i=0
V f =V ,
S=x
a =g
According to equation of motion
2as = V 2f −V 2i

17
 2gx =¿
2gx =¿
¿2gx ------------------ (3)
Substituting the value of V2 from equation (3) in equation (2)

1
K.E. = mv2
2
1
= m 2gx
2
K.E. = mgx
POTENTIAL ENERGY:
Since the height of the body at point B from the surface is h-x therefore its potential energy at point B
will be
P.E. = mgh
= mg (h-x)
P.E. = mgh- mgx

TOTAL ENERGY:
Total energy will be the sum of K.E. and P.E. Let ET be the total energy then,

ET = K. E + P.E
ET =mgx + mgh - mgx
ET = mgh ----------- (c)

Equation (a), (b) & (c) shows that the total energy of the body remains same i.e. mgh. This shows
that the total energy of the system remains constant.

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