Worksheet 4

Topic: Work and Energy

Question 1

The figure below shows the free fall of a ball of mass m from positions A through B and C.

Initially, the ball is stationary at position A. It then drops through B and eventually to C on the ground.

a) Complete the table above by stating the magnitudes

Position Energy Explanation

UA = Because height is h
A
KA = Because v = 0

UB = Because height is (h – x)
B
KB = v2 = 2gx, since v2 – u2 = 2aS

UC = Because h = 0
of the gravitational potential energy U C
and kinetic energy K at each of the KC = v2 = 2gh, since v2 – u2 = 2aS

positions A, B and C respectively.

b) Assuming that no energy is transferred to the surroundings, state the sum of gravitational potential
energy (total energy) at positions A, B and C respectively.

Position Gravitational PE (U) Kinetic Energy (K) Total Energy

c) State the law of conservation of energy.

Question 2

The figure below illustrates a simple pendulum bob suspended using a string such that it is at a certain
height above the ground.

The pendulum bob is initially stationary at its mean position M.

a) When the bob is at rest at M, it has _______________________________________ ________________________ energy.

b) When the bob is pulled to position X,

i. Its height above the ground (increases / decreases / remains the same).

ii. Therefore its gravitational potential energy also (increases / decreases / remains the same).

c) When the bob is released from X, it returns to M.

i. The increased gravitational potential energy converts to _____________________ energy.

ii. At this position the kinetic energy is (maximum / minimum / zero).

d) Because the bob now has kinetic energy, it swings to the extreme position Y.

i. The kinetic energy of the bob at Y becomes (maximum / minimum / zero).

ii. This is because the kinetic energy is used to (increase / decrease) the gravitational potential
energy of the pendulum bob.

e) If there is air resistance,

i. The amplitude of the oscillations keeps on (increasing / decreasing ).

ii. This is because in every oscillation, some of the kinetic energy is converted into ____________
energy and _______________ energy.

f) If the air resistance is zero, the pendulum continues swinging _____________________.

Question 3
a) A ball has a mass of 0.5 kg. Dropped from a cliff top, the ball hits the sea below at a velocity of 10 m.s-1.
i. What is the kinetic energy of the ball as it is about to hit the sea? (25 J)
ii. What was the ball’s gravitational potential energy before it was dropped? (25 J)
iii. From what height was the ball dropped? (5 m)
b) A ball of mass 1.5 kg falls from a building whose height is 40 m. Calculate
i. The kinetic energy of the ball after 1 second. (75 J)
ii. The gravitational potential energy of the ball after 1 second (525 J)