Chapter 13

Kinetics of Particles:
Energy Method
 Learning Outcomes
At the end of the chapter students should be able to:
• Define work of a force (CO1:PO1)
• Solve motion of particles using Method of work and energy
(CO2:PO2)

© 2019 McGraw-Hill Education.

 Contents
Introduction Sample Problem 13.8
Work of a Force Sample Problem 13.10
Principle of Work & Energy Group Problem Solving
Applications of the Principle of Work
& Energy
Sample Problem 13.1
Sample Problem 13.2
Sample Problem 13.3
Sample Problem 13.6
Sample Problem 13.7
Potential Energy
Conservative Forces
Conservation of Energy
Motion Under a Conservative Central
Force

© 2019 McGraw-Hill Education.

 Energy Method
The potential energy of the roller coaster car is converted
into kinetic energy as it descends the track.

© 2019 McGraw-Hill Education. © Dynamic Graphics/Superstock RF, © Sandia National Laboratories/Getty Images RF
 Introduction 1

• Previously, problems dealing with the motion of particles

were solved through the fundamental equation of motion,

F = ma.
• The current chapter introduces two additional methods of
analysis.

• Method of work and energy: directly relates force, mass,

velocity and displacement.

© 2019 McGraw-Hill Education.

 Introduction 2

Approaches to Kinetics Problems

Forces and Accelerations Velocities and Displacements

Newton’s 2nd Law Work-Energy

Method Method
T1 + U1→2 = T2
 F = maG

© 2019 McGraw-Hill Education. © Tony Hertz/ Alamy

 Work of a Force 1


• Differential vector d r is the particle displacement.

• Work of the force is

 
dU = F • dr
= F ds cos 
= Fx dx + Fy dy + Fz dz
• Work is a scalar quantity, that is, it has magnitude and
begin underline end underline

sign but not direction.

• Dimensions of work are length×force. Units

are

1 J ( joule) = (1 N )(1 m )

© 2019 McGraw-Hill Education.

 Work of a Force 1

dU = F  dr = work of the force F corresponding

to the displacement dr
dU = F ds cos α

Three cases of particular interest:

• F and dr, in the same direction • F and dr, in opposite direction
 = 0, dU = + F ds  =  , dU = − F ds

• F perpendicular to dr
 = 2 , dU = 0

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 Work of a Force 2

Forces that do no work:

• reaction at a frictionless pin support when the body
supported rotates about the pin
• reaction at a frictionless surface when body in
contact moves along the surface
𝑊
• weight of a body when its center of gravity moves
horizontally
𝐹
• friction force acting on wheel rolling without
slipping
𝑁
Sum of work done by several forces can also be zero:
• pair of equal and opposite internal connection
forces at a frictionless pin
• pair of equal internal tension forces at the ends of
an inextensible cord
• internal forces holding together parts of a rigid
body
© 2019 McGraw-Hill Education.
 Work of a Couple

Small displacement of a rigid body:

• translation to AʹBʹ
• rotation about Aʹ of Bʹ to Bʹʹ

dU = − F  dr1 + F  ( dr1 + dr2 )

= F  dr2 = F ds2 = F rd
= M d

Access the text alternative for this image.

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 Work of a Force 3

What is the work of a constant force in

rectilinear motion?

a) U1→2 = F x
b) U1→2 = ( F cos  ) x
c) U1→2 = ( F sin  ) x
d) U1→2 = 0

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 Work of a Force 4

What is the work of a constant force in

rectilinear motion?

a) U1→2 = F x
b) Answer U1→2 = ( F cos  ) x
c) U1→2 = ( F sin  ) x
d) U1→2 = 0

© 2019 McGraw-Hill Education.

 Work of a Force 2

• Work of a force corresponding to an

infinitesimal displacement,
dU = F  dr
= F ds cos 

• Work of a force during a finite displacement,

A2 

U1→2 =  F • dr
A1
s2 s2
=  ( F cos  )ds =  Ft ds
s1 s1
A2
=  (Fx dx + Fy dy + Fz dz )
A1

© 2019 McGraw-Hill Education.

 Work of a Force 2

• Work is represented by the area under the

curve of Ft plotted against s.

• Ft is the force in the direction of the

displacement ds

• Similarly, for the work of a couple,

dU = Md
U1→2 = M ( 2 − 1 )

© 2019 McGraw-Hill Education.

 Work of a Force 5

• Work of the force of gravity,

dU = Fx dx + Fy dy + Fz dz
= −W dy
y2
U1→2 = −  W dy
y1
= −W ( y 2 − y1 ) = −W y

• Work of the weight is equal to product of

weight W and vertical displacement Δy.

• In the figure above, when is the work done by the weight positive?

a) Moving from y1 to y2 b) Moving from y2 to y1 c) Never

© 2019 McGraw-Hill Education.

 Work of a Force 6

• Work of the force of gravity,

dU = Fx dx + Fy dy + Fz dz
= −W dy
y2
U1→2 = −  W dy
y1
= −W ( y 2 − y1 ) = −W y

• Work of the weight is equal to product of

weight W and vertical displacement Δy.

• In the figure above, when is the work done by the weight positive?

a) Moving from y1 to y2 Answer: b) Moving from y2 to y1 c) Never

© 2019 McGraw-Hill Education.

 Work of a Force 7

• Magnitude of the force exerted by a spring is

proportional to deflection,
• Work of the force exerted by spring,

dU = − F dx = −kx dx
x2
U1→2 = −  kx dx = 12 kx12 − 12 kx22
x1

• Work of the force exerted by spring is positive

when x2 < x1 , that is, when the spring is returning to
its undeformed position.
• Work of the force exerted by the spring is equal to
negative of area under curve of F plotted against x,
U1→2 = − 12 (F1 + F2 ) x

© 2019 McGraw-Hill Education.

 Work of a Force 8

Displacement is
As the block moves from A0 to A1, is in the opposite
the work positive or negative? direction of the
force

Positive Negative

As the block moves from A2 to Ao, is

the work positive or negative?
Positive Negative
© 2019 McGraw-Hill Education.
 Work of a Force 9

Displacement is
As the block moves from A0 to A1, is in the opposite
the work positive or negative? direction of the
force

Positive Answer: Negative

As the block moves from A2 to Ao, is

the work positive or negative?
Answer: Positive Negative
© 2019 McGraw-Hill Education.
 Work of a Force 10

Work of a gravitational force (assume particle M

occupies fixed position O while particle m follows path
shown),

Mm
dU = − Fdr = −G 2
dr
r
r2
Mm Mm Mm
U1→2 = −  G dr = G −G
r1 r2 r2 r1

© 2019 McGraw-Hill Education.

 Work of a Force 11

Does the normal force do work as the

block slides from B to A?

YES NO

Does the weight do work as

the block slides from B to A? Positive or
Negative work?
YES NO
© 2019 McGraw-Hill Education.
 Work of a Force 12

Does the normal force do work as the

block slides from B to A?

YES Answer: NO

Does the weight do work as

the block slides from B to A? Positive or
Negative work?
Answer: YES NO
© 2019 McGraw-Hill Education.
 Work of a Force 13

Forces which do not do work ( ds = 0 or cos  = 0 )

• Reaction at frictionless pin supporting rotating body,

• Reaction at frictionless surface when body

in contact moves along surface,
• Reaction at a roller moving along its track, and

• Weight of a body when its center of gravity

moves horizontally.

© 2019 McGraw-Hill Education.

 Principle of Work & Energy
• Consider a particle of mass m acted upon by force F ,
dv
Ft = mat = m
dt
dv ds dv
=m = mv
ds dt ds
F t ds = mv dv

• Integrating from A1 to A2 ,
s2 v2
 t
F ds = m  v dv = 1 mv 2 − 1 mv 2
2 2 2 1
s1 v1

T1 + U1→2 = T2 U1→2 = T2 − T1 T = 12 mv 2 = kinetic energy


• The work of the force F is equal to the change in
kinetic energy of the particle.

• Units of work and kinetic energy are the same:

2
m  m
T= 1 mv 2 = kg   =  kg 2 m = N  m = J
2 s  s 

© 2019 McGraw-Hill Education.

 Applications of the Principle of Work
and Energy 1


• Force P acts normal to path and does no
work.
T1 + U1→2 = T2
1W 2
0 + Wl = v2
2 g
v2 = 2 gl
• The bob is released
from rest at position • Velocity is found without determining
A1. Determine the expression for acceleration and integrating.
velocity of the
pendulum bob at A2 • All quantities are scalars and can be added
using work & kinetic directly.
energy. • Forces which do no work are eliminated from
the problem.

© 2019 McGraw-Hill Education.

 Applications of the Principle of Work
and Energy 2

• Principle of work and energy cannot be

applied to directly determine the acceleration
of the pendulum bob.
• Calculating the tension in the cord requires
supplementing the method of work and energy with
an application of Newton’s second law.
• As the bob passes through A2 ,
 Fn = m an
W v22
P −W =
g l
W 2 gl
v2 = 2 gl P =W + = 3W
g l

If you designed the rope to hold twice the weight of the bob, what would happen?
© 2019 McGraw-Hill Education.
 Sample Problem 13.1 1

Strategy:
• Evaluate the change in kinetic energy.
• Determine the distance required for the
work to equal the kinetic energy change.

An automobile of mass 1000 kg is

driven down a 5o incline at a speed of
72 km/h when the brakes are applied
causing a constant total breaking force
of 5000 N.
Determine the distance traveled by the
automobile as it comes to a stop.

© 2019 McGraw-Hill Education.

 Sample Problem 13.1 2

Modeling and Analysis:

• Evaluate the change in kinetic energy.

v2 = 0 T2 = 0
• Determine the distance required for the work
to equal the kinetic energy change.

x = 48.3 m
© 2019 McGraw-Hill Education.
 Sample Problem 13.1 3

Reflect and Think

• Solving this problem using Newton’s

second law would require determining
the car’s deceleration from the free-
body diagram and then integrating this
to use the given velocity information.

• Using the principle of work and

energy allows you to avoid that
calculation.

© 2019 McGraw-Hill Education.

 Sample Problem 13.2 1

Strategy:

• Apply the principle of work and

energy separately to blocks A and B.

• When the two relations are combined,

the work of the cable forces cancel.
Solve for the velocity.
Two blocks are joined by an inextensible
cable as shown. If the system is released
from rest, determine the velocity of block
A after it has moved 2 m. Assume that the
coefficient of friction between block A and
the plane is μk = 0.25 and that the pulley is
weightless and frictionless.

© 2019 McGraw-Hill Education.

 Sample Problem 13.2 2

Modeling and Analysis

• Apply the principle of work and energy separately
to blocks A and B.

( )
W A = (200 kg ) 9.81 m s 2 = 1962 N
FA =  k N A =  k W A = 0.25(1962 N ) = 490 N
T1 + U1→2 = T2 :
0 + FC (2 m ) − FA (2 m ) = 12 m Av 2

FC (2 m ) − (490 N )(2 m ) = 12 (200 kg )v 2

( )
WB = (300 kg ) 9.81 m s 2 = 2940 N
T1 + U1→2 = T2 :
0 − Fc (2 m ) + WB (2 m ) = 12 mB v 2

− Fc (2 m ) + (2940 N )(2 m ) = 12 (300 kg )v 2

© 2019 McGraw-Hill Education.

 Sample Problem 13.2 3

• When the two relations are combined, the work of the

cable forces cancel. Solve for the velocity.

FC (2 m ) − (490 N )(2 m ) = 12 (200 kg )v 2

− Fc (2 m ) + (2940 N )(2 m ) = 12 (300 kg )v 2

(2940 N )(2 m ) − (490 N )(2 m ) = 12 (200 kg + 300 kg )v 2

4900 J = 12 (500 kg )v 2

v = 4.43 m s
Reflect and Think:
This problem can also be solved by applying the principle
of work and energy to the combined system of blocks.
When using the principle of work and energy, it usually
saves time to choose your system to be everything that
moves.

© 2019 McGraw-Hill Education.

 13.2 – Alternate Solution, Group Problem
Solving
Could you apply work-energy to the combined
system of blocks?
Given: v1 = 0, distance = 2 m, μk = 0.25

What is T1 of the system?

T1 = 0
What is the total work done between points 1 and 2?
U1→2 = − ( 0.25)( 200 )( 9.81)( 2 m ) + ( 300 )( 9.81)( 2 m ) = 4900 J
Note that vA = vB
What is T2 of the system?
T2 = 12 mAv 2 + 12 mB v 2 = 12 ( 200 kg ) v 2 + 12 ( 300 kg ) v 2

Solve for v
4900 J = 12 ( 500 kg ) v 2
v = 4.43 m s
© 2019 McGraw-Hill Education.
 Sample Problem 13.3
A spring is used to stop a 60 kg package
which is sliding on a horizontal surface.
The spring has a constant k = 20 kN/m
and is held by cables so that it is initially
compressed 120 mm. The package has a
velocity of 2.5 m/s in the position shown
and the maximum deflection of the
spring is 40 mm.
Determine (a) the coefficient of kinetic
friction between the package and surface
and (b) the velocity of the package as it
passes again through the position shown.
© 2019 McGraw-Hill Education.
1
Strategy:
• Apply the principle of work and
energy between the initial position
and the point at which the spring is
fully compressed and the velocity is
zero. The only unknown in the
relation is the friction coefficient.
• Apply the principle of work and energy
for the rebound of the package. The
only unknown in the relation is the
velocity at the final position.
 Sample Problem 13.3 2

Modeling and Analysis:

• Apply principle of work and energy between initial
position and the point at which spring is fully compressed.
T1 = 12 mv12 = 12 (60 kg )(2.5 m s )2 = 187.5 J T2 = 0
(U1→2 ) f = −  kW x

( )
= −  k (60 kg ) 9.81m s 2 (0.640 m ) = −(377 J ) k

Pmin = kx0 = (20 kN m )(0.120 m ) = 2400 N

Pmax = k ( x0 + x ) = (20 kN m )(0.160 m ) = 3200 N
(U1→2 )e = − 12 (Pmin + Pmax )x
= − 12 (2400 N + 3200 N )(0.040 m ) = −112.0 J

U1→2 = (U1→2 ) f + (U1→2 )e = −(377 J )k − 112 J

T1 + U1→2 = T2 :
187.5 J - (377 J ) k − 112 J = 0
k = 0.20
© 2019 McGraw-Hill Education.
 Sample Problem 13.3 3

• Apply the principle of work and energy for the rebound

of the package.

T2 = 0 T 3= 12 mv32 = 12 (60kg )v32

U 2→3 = (U 2→3 ) f + (U 2→3 )e = −(377 J ) k + 112 J

= +36.5 J
T2 + U 2→3 = T3 :
0 + 36.5 J = 12 (60 kg )v32 v3 = 1.103 m s

Reflect and Think:

You needed to break this problem into two segments. From the first segment you were
able to determine the coefficient of friction. Then you could use the principle of work
and energy to determine the velocity of the package at any other location. Note that the
system does not lose any energy due to the spring; it returns all of its energy back to the
package. You would need to design something that could absorb the kinetic energy of the
package in order to bring it to rest.

© 2019 McGraw-Hill Education.

 Sample Problem 13.6
A 1000 kg car starts from rest at point
1 and moves without friction down the
track shown.
Determine:
a) the force exerted by the track on
the car at point 2, and
b) the minimum safe value of the
radius of curvature at point 3.
© 2019 McGraw-Hill Education.
1
Strategy:
• Apply principle of work and energy to
determine velocity at point 2.
• Apply Newton’s second law to find
normal force by the track at point 2.
• Apply principle of work and energy to
determine velocity at point 3.
• Apply Newton’s second law to find
minimum radius of curvature at point 3
such that a positive normal force is
exerted by the track.
 Sample Problem 13.6 2

Modeling and Analysis:

• Apply principle of work and energy to determine
velocity at point 2.

• Apply Newton’s second law to find normal force by

the track at point 2.
+   Fn = m an :

N = 49.05 kN
© 2019 McGraw-Hill Education.
 Sample Problem 13.6 3

• Apply principle of work and energy to determine

velocity at point 3.

• Apply Newton’s second law to find minimum radius of

curvature at point 3 such that a positive normal force is
exerted by the track.

+   Fn = m an :

© 2019 McGraw-Hill Education.

 Sample Problem 13.6 4

Reflect and Think

This is an example where you need both
Newton’s second law and the principle of
work and energy.
Work–energy is used to determine the
speed of the car, and Newton’s second law
is used to determine the normal force.
A normal force of 5W is equivalent to a
fighter pilot pulling 5g’s and should only
be experienced for a very short time.
For safety, you would also want to make
sure your radius of curvature was quite a
bit larger than 15 m.

© 2019 McGraw-Hill Education.

 Sample Problem 13.7
The dumbwaiter D and its load have a
combined mass of 300 kg, while the
counterweight C has a mass of 400 kg.
Determine the power delivered by the
electric motor M when the dumbwaiter
(a) is moving up at a constant speed of
2.5 m/s and (b) has an instantaneous
velocity of 2.5 m/s and an acceleration of
1 m/s2, both directed upwards.
© 2019 McGraw-Hill Education.
1
Strategy:
Force exerted by the motor
cable has same direction as
the dumbwaiter velocity.
Power delivered by motor is
equal to FvD, vD = 2.5 m/s.
• In the first case, bodies are in uniform
motion. Determine force exerted by
motor cable from conditions for static
equilibrium.
• In the second case, both bodies are
accelerating. Apply Newton’s
second law to each body to
determine the required motor cable
force.
 Sample Problem 13.7 2

Modeling and Analysis:

• In the first case, bodies are in uniform motion.
Determine force exerted by motor cable from
conditions for static equilibrium.
Free-body C:
+   Fy = 0 :2T - 400g = 0 T = 200g = 1962 N
Free-body D:
+   Fy = 0 : F + T - 300 g = 0
F = 300 g - T = 300 g - 200 g = 100 g
= 981 N
Power = FvD = (981 N )(2.5m s )
= 2452 W

Power = 2450 W

© 2019 McGraw-Hill Education.

 Sample Problem 13.7 3

• In the second case, both bodies are accelerating. Apply

Newton’s second law to each body to determine the required
motor cable force.

Free-body C:
+   Fy = mC aC : 400g - 2T = 400 (0.5) T = 1862 N

Free-body D:
+   Fy = m D a D : F + T - 300g = 300 (1)
F + 1862 - (300)(9.81) = 300
F = 1381 N
Power = FvD = (1381 N )(2.5m s ) = 3452 W

Power = 3450 W
© 2019 McGraw-Hill Education.
 Sample Problem 13.7 4

Reflect and Think

As you might expect, the motor needs to deliver more
power to produce accelerated motion than to produce
motion at constant velocity.

© 2019 McGraw-Hill Education.

 Group Problem Solving 1

Strategy:
The problem deals with a change in
position and different velocities, so use
work-energy.

• Draw FBD of the box to help us

determine the forces that do work.
Packages are thrown down an
incline at A with a velocity of 1 • Determine the work done between
m/s. The packages slide along points A and C as a function of d.
the surface ABC to a conveyor
belt which moves with a • Find the kinetic energy at points A
velocity of 2 m/s. Knowing that and C.
μk = 0.25 between the packages
and the surface ABC, determine • Use the work-energy relationship and
the distance d if the packages solve for d.
are to arrive at C with a
velocity of 2 m/s.
© 2019 McGraw-Hill Education.
 Group Problem Solving 2

Modeling and Analysis:

Given :VA = 1m / s, VC = 2 m / s, μ K = 0.25
Find :Distance d
Will use : TA +U A→ B +U B →C = TC

Draw the FBD of the Determine work done A → B

block at points A and C N AB = mg cos30
FAB = k N AB = 0.25 mg cos 30
U A→ B = mg d sin 30 − FAB d
= mg d (sin 30 − k cos 30)

Determine work done B → C

N BC = mg xBC = 7 m
FBC = k mg
U B →C = − k mg xBC

© 2019 McGraw-Hill Education.

 Group Problem Solving 3

Determine kinetic energy at A and at C

1 2 1 2
TA = mvA and vA = 1 m/s TC = mvC and vC = 2 m/s
2 2

Substitute values into TA + U A→ B + U B →C = TC

1 2 1 2
mv A + mg d (sin 30 − k cos30) − k mg xBC = mv0
2 2
Divide by m and solve for d

vC2 /2 g + k xBC − v A2 /2 g 
d= 
(sin 30 − k cos30) d = 6.71 m
(2)2/(2)(9.81) + (0.25)(7) − (1) 2/(2)(9.81)
=
sin 30 − 0.25cos30
© 2019 McGraw-Hill Education.
 Group Problem Solving 4

Reflect and Think

μ K = 0.25

If you wanted to bring the package to a complete stop at the

bottom of the ramp, would it work to place a spring as shown?
No, because the potential energy of the spring would turn into kinetic energy
and push the block back up the ramp

Would the package ever come to a stop?

Yes, eventually enough energy would be dissipated through the friction
between the package and ramp.
© 2019 McGraw-Hill Education.
 Potential Energy 1

The potential energy stored at the top of the ball’s path is transferred to
kinetic energy as the ball meets the ground. Why is the ball’s height
reducing?

© 2019 McGraw-Hill Education.

 Potential Energy 2

If the work of a force only depends on differences in

position, we can express this work as potential energy.
Can the work done by the following forces be expressed as
potential energy?

Weight Yes No
Friction Yes No

Normal force Yes No

Spring force Yes No

© 2019 McGraw-Hill Education.

 Potential Energy 3

If the work of a force only depends on differences in

position, we can express this work as potential energy.
Can the work done by the following forces be expressed as
potential energy?

Weight Yes No
Friction Yes No

Normal force Yes No

Spring force Yes No

© 2019 McGraw-Hill Education.

 Potential Energy 4

• Work of the force of gravity W

• Work is independent of path followed; depends

only on the initial and final values of Wy.
Vg = Wy
= potential energy of the body with respect
to force of gravity.
( )1 − (Vg )2
U1→2 = Vg

• Choice of datum from which the elevation

y is measured is arbitrary.

• Units of work and potential energy are the same:

Vg = Wy = N  m = J

© 2019 McGraw-Hill Education.

 Potential Energy 5

• Previous expression for potential energy of a body

with respect to gravity is only valid when the
weight of the body can be assumed constant.

• For a space vehicle, the variation of the force of

gravity with distance from the center of the earth
should be considered.

• Work of a gravitational force,

GMm GMm
U1→2 = −
r2 r1
• Potential energy Vg when the variation in the
force of gravity can not be neglected,

GMm WR 2
Vg = − =−
r r
W = Weight on surface of earth, R = radius of earth
© 2019 McGraw-Hill Education.
 Potential Energy 6

• Work of the force exerted by a spring depends

only on the initial and final deflections of the
spring,

U1→2 = 12 kx12 − 12 kx22

• The potential energy of the body with respect

to the elastic force,
Ve = 12 kx 2
U1→2 = (Ve )1 − (Ve )2

• Note that the preceding expression for Ve is

valid only if the deflection of the spring is
measured from its undeformed position.

© 2019 McGraw-Hill Education.

 Conservative Forces
• Concept of potential energy can be applied if the
work of the force is independent of the path
followed by its point of application.
U1→2 = V ( x1 , y1 , z1 ) − V ( x2 , y 2 , z 2 )

Such forces are described as conservative forces.

• For any conservative force applied on a closed path,

 
 • dr = 0
F

• Elementary work corresponding to displacement

between two neighboring points,
dU = V ( x, y, z ) − V ( x + dx, y + dy, z + dz )
= −dV ( x, y, z )
 V V V 
Fx dx + Fy dy + Fz dz = − dx + dy + dz 
 x y z 
  V V V 
F = − + +  = −gradV
 x y z 
© 2019 McGraw-Hill Education.
 Conservation of Energy
• Work of a conservative force,
U1→2 = V1 − V2

• Concept of work and energy,

U1→2 = T2 − T1

• Follows that
T1 + V1 = T2 + V2
E = T + V = constant

T1 = 0 V1 = W • When a particle moves under the action of

T1 + V1 = W conservative forces, the total mechanical
energy is constant.
T2 = 12 mv22 =
1W
(2 g ) = W V2 = 0 • Friction forces are not conservative. Total
2g mechanical energy of a system involving
T2 + V2 = W friction decreases.
• Mechanical energy is dissipated by friction
into thermal energy. Total energy is constant.

© 2019 McGraw-Hill Education.

 Sample Problem 13.8 1

Strategy:
• Apply the principle of conservation of
energy between positions 1 and 2.
• The elastic and gravitational potential
energies at 1 and 2 are evaluated from
the given information. The initial kinetic
energy is zero.
A 10 kg collar slides without friction • Solve for the kinetic energy and
along a vertical rod as shown. The velocity at 2.
spring attached to the collar has an
undeflected length of 100 mm and a
constant of 200 N/m.
If the collar is released from rest at
position 1, determine its velocity after
it has moved 150 mm to position 2.
© 2019 McGraw-Hill Education.
 Sample Problem 13.8 2

Modeling and Analysis:

• Apply the principle of conservation of energy between
positions 1 and 2.

Position 1:

Position 2:

Conservation of Energy:

© 2019 McGraw-Hill Education.

 Sample Problem 13.8 3

Reflect and Think

If you had not included the spring in your
system, you would have needed to treat it as
an external force; therefore, you would
have needed to determine the work.

Similarly, if there was friction acting on the

collar, you would have needed to use the
more general work–energy principle to
solve this problem. It turns out that the
work done by friction is not very easy to
calculate because the normal force depends
on the spring force.

© 2019 McGraw-Hill Education.

 Sample Problem 13.10 1

Strategy:

• Since there is friction along the

rough patch from A to B,
conservation of energy cannot be
used. Instead, apply the more general
work-energy principle.

The 250-g pellet is pushed against the

• For the pellet to remain in contact
spring at A and released from rest. It
with the loop, the force N exerted on
moves along a 1.2 m rough horizontal
the pellet by the loop must be equal
section, then into a smooth 600 mm-radius
to or greater than zero. Therefore,

vertical loop. On the rough surface, K you also need to use Newton’s
is 0.3, and the spring is initially second law.
compressed 75 mm. What is the
minimum spring constant k for which
the pellet remains in contact with the
loop?
© 2019 McGraw-Hill Education.
 Sample Problem 13.10 2

Modeling and Analysis:

• Setting the force exerted by the loop to zero, solve for the
minimum velocity at D.

+   Fn = man : W = man mg = m vD2 r

( )
vD2 = rg = (0.6 m ) 9.81 m s 2 = 5.886 m 2 s 2

• Apply the work-energy principle between positions 1

and 2.

V1 = Ve + Vg = 12 kx 2 + 0 = 12 (k )(0.075 m) 2 = 2.8125 ´ 10 - 3 k
T1 = 0

( )
V2 = Ve + Vg = 0 + Wy = (0.25 kg ) 9.81m/s 2 (1.2 m ) = 2.943J
1
( )
T2 = 12 mvD2 = (0.25 kg) 5.886 m 2 s 2 = 0.73575 J
2

© 2019 McGraw-Hill Education.

 Sample Problem 13.10 3

Because the normal force is equal to the

weight on a horizontal surface, you can find
the work done by the non-conservative
friction force, U NC1− 2, to be:

U1NC
-2 = - mk Nd = - 0.3(0.25 kg)(9.81 m / s 2
)(1.2 m) = - 0.8829 J
T1 + V1 + U1NC
- 2 = T2 + V2
0 + 2.8125 ´ 10- 3 k - 0.8829 J = 0.73575 J + 2.943 J

This can be solved for k to give:

k = 1622 N/m

© 2019 McGraw-Hill Education.

 Sample Problem 13.10 4

Reflect and Think

A common misconception in problems
like this is assuming that the speed of
the particle is zero at the top of the loop,
rather than that the normal force is equal
to or greater than zero. If the pellet had a
speed of zero at the top, it would clearly
fall straight down, which is impossible.

© 2019 McGraw-Hill Education.

 Group Problem Solving
A section of track for a roller coaster
consists of two circular arcs AB and CD
joined by a straight portion BC. The radius
of CD is 72 m. The car and its occupants,
of total mass 250 kg, reach Point A with
practically no velocity and then drop freely
along the track. Determine the normal
force exerted by the track on the car at
point D. Neglect air resistance and rolling
resistance.
© 2019 McGraw-Hill Education.
5
Strategy:
• This is two part problem – you
will need to find the velocity of
the car using work-energy, and
then use Newton’s second law
to find the normal force.
• Draw a diagram with the car
at points A and D, and
define your datum. Use
conservation of energy to
solve for vD.
• Draw FBD and KD of the car
at point D, and determine the
normal force using Newton’s
second law.
 Group Problem Solving 6

Modeling and Analysis:

Given: vA= 0 m/s, rCD= 72 m, m = 250 kg
Find: ND

Define your datum, sketch the

situation at points of interest
Datum

Use conservation of energy to find vD TA + VA = TD + VD

Find TA v A = 0 TA = 0
Solve for vD
Find VA VA = Wy A = (250 kg)(9.81 m/s )(27m +18m)
2

= 110,362.5 N  m 125vD2 = 110,362.5

mvD = ( 250) vD2 = 125vD2
1 2 1
Find TD TD =
2 2
vD = 29.714 m/s

Find VD yD = 0 VD = 0

© 2019 McGraw-Hill Education.

 Group Problem Solving 7

Draw FBD and KD at point D

en
et
man
W
mat
ND
Use Newton’s second law in the normal direction

 29.7142 
F n = man N D = (250)(9.81) + 250 
 72 
 vD2 
N D − W = m  
 R  N D = 5520 N

© 2019 McGraw-Hill Education.

 Group Problem Solving 8

Reflect and Think:

What happens to the normal

force at D if….
…we include friction?
a) ND gets larger
b) ND gets smaller
c) ND stays the same

…we move point A higher? …the radius is smaller?

a) ND gets larger a) ND gets larger
b) ND gets smaller b) ND gets smaller
c) ND stays the same c) ND stays the same
© 2019 McGraw-Hill Education.
 Group Problem Solving 9

Reflect and Think:

What happens to the normal

force at D if….
…we include friction?
a) ND gets larger
b) ND gets smaller
c) ND stays the same
…we move point A higher? …the radius is smaller?
a) ND gets larger a) ND gets larger
b) ND gets smaller b) ND gets smaller
c) ND stays the same c) ND stays the same
© 2019 McGraw-Hill Education.