WORK, POWER&ENERGY

“INTRODUCTION
The word work is very commonly used in our everyday life. We think that all kinds of activities whether
mental or physical are called work”
For example; If someone is studying we say he/she is working, similarly, if someone is preparing
something, we say he/she is working. However, in physics the term work is used in an entirely different
way or sense. In physics work involves two things;
i) Force
ii) Displacement
The work is said to be done on a body when it is moved or displaced through a certain distance by the
action of an applied force. We shall begin with a simple situation in which
work is done by a constant force.
Q.1. Define work and explain how work is done by a constant force? (1992,83)
WORK
The work done on a body a constant force is defined as the product f the magnitude of
the displacement and the component of the force in the direction of the displacement”
“OR”
The scalar or dot product of force and displacement is called
Work”
MATHEMATICALLY

Work =W = ⃗ F . d⃗
=> = Fd cos0
=> = (F cos0) d
Where; The quantity (F cos9) is the component of the force F in the direction of the
displacement d.
EXPLANATION
Consider an object, which is being pulled by a constant
force F at an angle "9" to the direction of motion. The
force moves the objects from position A to B through
displacement d.
Therefore;

Work = W = ⃗F . ⃗d
=> = Fd cos0
=> = (F cos0) d
F and the displacement d⃗ are in the same direction, then the work done is
If the constant force ⃗
Fd. 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 Fcos9 and d.

Q.2. Describe different cases of work?

SPECIAL CASES
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; 9 = 0°, ⃗
F and d⃗ are in the same direction.
Work = W = ⃗ F . d⃗ = ⃗
F d cos9
=> = Fd cos0° = Fd x 1 = Fd (since cos (0°) = 1)
i.e.
Work= W = Fd = maximum value

II) NEGATIVE WORK

When 9 = 180°, ⃗F and d⃗ are in opposite direction or anti parallel to each other, then work done
will be negative.

Work= W = F.d⃗ = ⃗
F d coso
⇒ = Fd cos 180°
Therefore; (since cos 180° = -1)
Work = W = Fd x (-1) =-Fd
Example of Negative Work
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.
Ill) ZERO WORK
Work done is zero when the force and displacement are at right angle to each other.
When; 0 = 0°, ⃗ F and d⃗ are perpendicular to each other, work done is equal to zero.
Work = W = F. d = Fd cos0
⇒ = Fd cos 90°
(since cos 90° = 0)
⇒ =Fd × 0

Work = W = 0
Q.3. Give units and dimension of work. (1992,83)

UNIT OF WORK
The SI unit of work is N - m known as joule (J)

JOULE
“A joule is defined as the amount of work done, when a force of one Newton acting on a body of
massione kilogram displaces it through a distance of one meter along direction of the force”
Thus; 1Joule = 1N - m

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

⇒ = [M]
( TL )
2 [L]
 ⇒ = [M][L2] [T-2]
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
It can be defined as;
“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
“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”

Example
i) Gravitational field
ii) Electric field
iii) Magnetic field
Q.7. Define a closed path?
CLOSED PATH
“A path in which a body after passing through several points and reaches the starting point is
called closed path or loop”

Q.8. show that the Gravitational field is conservative. (1991, 93, p.m. 03, P.E 08)

GRAVITATIONAL FIELD AS A CONSERVATIVE FIELD

“A conservative field is that in which total work on a body through any closed path is zero”
Hence 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.

PROOF
1n 'order to proof that gravitational field is conservative field considering the following 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 Band 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 = S
1

From equation 1: WA→B = FS1 cosa

WA→B = mgS1 S
1
(h)
WA→B = mgh
FOR WB→C
WB→C =⃗ F . ⃗S2
WB→C = FS2 cos900
W B→C = FS2 (0)
WB→C = 0

FOR WC→A WA→B = ⃗

F . ⃗S 1

WA→B = FS3 cos (1800 – B)

WA→B =FS3 (-cos B)
WA→B = -FS3 cosB → (1)

In∆ ABD cosB = AD´

´
AC
h
cosB =
S3

FROM equation 1: WA→B = - FS3 cosB

WA→B = - mgS3 ( Sh )
3

WA→B = - mgh

From equation a) WA→B + WB→C + WC→A = 0

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

0=0

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

 POWER
“The rate of doing work is known as power”
“OR”
“Power is the measure of the rate at which work is being done”
“OR”
“The dot product of force and velocity is called power.”
Formulae:
Work
Power =
Time

OR
W
⇒ P=
t
OR
power=⃗
F.⃗
V

power=FVcos 0
UNIT OF POWERS
The SI unit of power is watt.
The watt is defined as;
“If one joule of work is done second then power will be one watt

KILOWATT – HOUR
It is a practical unit of energy or work.
“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
OR 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)

BIGGER UNIT OF POWER

1 kilowatt (kw) = 100w 103w
⇒ 1megawatt (MW)= 106w
⇒ 1 gigawatt (GW) = 109w

DIMENSION OF POWER
As we know that;
WOrk Force × Displacement
Power = power =
Time Time
 Mass× Acceleration× Displacement
⇒ power =
TIme

V
[M ] [ 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
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
“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 n
instantaneous power “P” as the limit of
quotient as ∆ 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, convent to express power in terms of constant force F acting on an object
moving at constant velocity V. For 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
As we that;
∆W = ⃗
F . ∆ d⃗
limit ⃗ ∆ ⃗d
⇒P= F .
∆t→0 ∆t

Since;
∆d
=v
∆t

⇒ P= ⃗ F .V
⃗
This is the relation between force, power and velocity.

Q.12. Define Energy, Mechanical energy and Elastic potential energy, what do you
mean by Kinetic and potential energy. (2002 P.E)

ENERGY
“The energy of a body is defined as its ability to do work”
“OR”
“The capacity of a body to do work is called its Energy”

MECHANICAL ENERGY
“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
“The energy posses by a body due to motion is called kinetic energy”
“OR”
“When work is done on a body in such a way that come to rest from state of motion or
comes in motion fro state of rest them this work is converted into Kinetic energy”

MATHEMATICAL FORMULA
Consider an object of mass “m” which is thrown vertically upward with initial velocity “V”
and after reaches a height “h” body comes to rest and work is done on the object by
gravitational force.

Work = Force × Displacement

⇒ Work = Wh
W = mg

⇒ Work = mgh
⇒ K. E = mgh → (1)

In this equation we eliminate the value of “h” and consider from point “A” to point “B”
Vi = V (at point A)
 Vf = 0 (at point B)
a =- g
S=h
Using;
2as = Vf2
⇒ 2(-g) h = 02 – V2
⇒ -2gh = - V2
⇒ 2gh = V2

V2
⇒ h=
2g

Putting the value of “h” in equation 1.

K.E = mgh

V2
K.E. = mg ( )
2g

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
And if velocity twice then kinetic energy increases four times.
POTENTIAL ENERGY
It is defined as;
“When work is done on the object against the force field then this work is not waste and
converted into potential energy”

EXPLANATION
Consider a body of mass “m” placed at a height “h” near the surface earth. The potential
energy of a body due to gravitational field near the surface of the earth “h” can be expressed
as;
P . E=mgh
This is called gravitational potential energy. The gravitational P.E is always determined
relative to some P.E The earth’s surface or a point at infinity from the earth can be chosen
as zero reference level of gravitational P.E in the present case, this reference level is the
surface of the earth as position of zero P.E

ELASIC POTENTIAL ENERGY

“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 (A.G.P.E) (1992, 1998).

 Derive an expression for A.G.P.E at a distance “r” from the cantre of the earth
and at the surface of the earth and at the height “h” from the surface of the earth.

ASOLUTE GRAVITATIONAL POTENTIAL ENERGY

“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”

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

W 2 → 3= Gm M E ( r1 − r1 )
2 3

W 3 → 4 = Gm M E ( r1 − r1 )
3 4

1 1
W n −1 → n=Gm M E (r n−1
−
rn )
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
( r1 − r1 )
3
+ Gm M E
3 4
… Gm M E ( r1 − r1 )
n n

1 1
W n −1 → B =Gm M ( − ) E
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
This is the Absolute gravitational potential energy for point “1” and in general at a distance “r” from
centre 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(n−1) x 2
(1+𝑥) =1 + n𝑥 + +
2
Applying binomial series;
Then;
U h h2
⇒ −Gm M E
(1+(-1) + (−1 (−1−1 ) ) 2 +¿ )
RE
|¿|= ¿
RE 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. (1992,94,96,99 04,05)

In this figure 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 and when the body just strikes the ground and in the
absence of air friction then all its potential energy is converted into kinetic energy.
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. (94,99,07)

STATEMENT
“Energy can neither be created nor destroyed but can change from one form to another form”
PROOF
When a body is at point C which is at a height “h” from the earth surface then it has potential energy and
when the body moves towards earth surface then its potential energy is converted into kinetic energy. For
the proof of the law, we calculate the total energy at point A, point B and point C.

TOTAL ENERGY AT POINT “C”

Let ET be the total energy then;

ET K.E + P.E
At point “C” body is at rest. Therefore, its velocity is zero.

1
⇒ ET = mV 2+ mgh
2

1
⇒ ET = m (0¿2+ mgh
2

ET = 0 + mgh

ET =mgh a)
TOTAL ENERGY AT POINT “B”
When body is at point “B” it has some velocity and let “V” be the velocity at point “B” and to
Calculate kinetic energy at point “B”. Consider the motion from point “C” to point “B”
V i=0 ( at point C )
V f =V ,
S=h
a =g
Using;
2as = V 2f −V 2i
2gh =¿
2gh =¿
¿2gh
ET = K. E + P.E
1
⇒ ET = m (V , ¿ 2 +mgh (h – 𝑥)
2
Putting the values of (V , ¿ 2.
1
⇒ ET = m(2g𝑥) +mgh -mg𝑥
2
⇒ ET = mg𝑥 + mgh – mg𝑥

⇒ ET =mgh b)

TOTAL ENERGY AT POINT “A”

In order to calculate total energy at point “A” then we first find velocity at point “A”. Let V” be the
velocity at point A and consider the motion from point “C” to point “A”
V i= 0

V f = V”
 S =h

a=g
Using;
2as = V 2f −V 21
2gh = (V”¿2 - 02
2gh = (V”¿2
(V”¿2 =2 gh
And;
ET = K.E + P.E

1
⇒ ET = m (V”¿2 + 0
2

Putting the values of (V”¿2 .

1
⇒ ET = m (2gh)
2
ET =mgh b)

From equation A, B and C it is clear that;

“One form of energy is converted into other from but total energy remains constant”

This proof the law.