Module 2. Work, Energy, and Conservation of Energy

Module 2 –
Work, Energy, and

Conservation of
Energy
(Credit: "Rotatebot"/Wikimedia Commons)

2.0 Introduction to Work, Energy, and Momentum
• Many motions in the universe can be explained by Newton’s Laws of Motion,
using the concepts of force acting on an object, the acceleration produce, and the
law of ‘action-reaction.’
• However, when the motion becomes quite complex, then the application of
Newton’s laws becomes lengthy and tedious.
• Newton’s laws require differential equations and often analytic solution is
intractable or impossible, requiring expanded numerical solutions or simulations
to get approximate results.
• Hence, in such situations, the concepts of work, energy, and momentum turn out
to be friendlier. Making use of these concepts and their relationships are more
practical and concise.
• Even if the trajectory of particles are complicated, with the work-energy theorem,
conservation of energy and conservation of momentum principles, fewer
equations can suffice in describing and explaining the motion of a particle.
Lessons and Learning Outcomes
2.1 Work
By the end of this lesson, you will be able to:
• Represent the work done by any force
• Evaluate the work done for various forces
2.2 Kinetic Energy and Work-Energy Theorem

• Apply the work-energy theorem to find information about the motion of a
particle, given the forces acting on it
• Use the work-energy theorem to find information about the forces acting on a
particle, given information about its motion
2.3 Gravitational Potential Energy
• Relate the difference of potential energy to work done on a particle for a
system without friction or air drag
• Calculate and apply the gravitational potential energy for an object near
Earth’s surface
2.4 Conservation of Mechanical Energy

• Formulate the principle of conservation of mechanical energy, with or without
the presence of non-conservative forces
• Use the conservation of mechanical energy to calculate various properties of
simple systems
2.5 Linear Momentum
• Explain what momentum is, physically
• Calculate the momentum of a moving object
2.6 Impulse-Momentum Theorem

• Explain what an impulse is, physically
• Describe what an impulse does
• Relate impulses to collisions
• Apply the impulse-momentum theorem to solve problems
2.7 Conservation of Linear Momentum
• Explain the meaning of “conservation of momentum”
• Correctly identify if a system is, or is not, closed
• Define a system whose momentum is conserved
• Mathematically express conservation of momentum for a given system
• Calculate an unknown quantity using conservation of momentum
Work
• In physics, work is done on an object when energy is transferred to the object.
• In other words, work is a physical entity that inputs (adds) or extracts energy from
a system aside from heat.
• It either increases or decreases the energy (mechanical or internal) of the system.
• Work is done when a force acts on something that undergoes a displacement from
one position to another.
• Forces can vary as a function of position, and displacements can be along various
paths between two points.
Work
• We first define the increment of work done by a force acting through an
infinitesimal displacement as the dot product of these two vectors:
Work
• We can add up the contributions for infinitesimal displacements, along a path
between two positions (A and B), to get the total work.
Work
• Recall that the magnitude of a force times the cosine of the angle the force makes
with a given direction is the component of the force along that direction.
• So, work done by can be positive, negative, or zero, depending on the
component of the force and the direction of displacement.
• The units of work are units of force multiplied by units of length, which in the SI
system is newtons times meters, N⋅m which is equivalent to joule, abbreviated J.
WORK DONE BY CONSTANT FORCE
• The simplest work to evaluate is that done by a force that is constant in magnitude
and direction.
• In this case, we can factor out the force; the remaining integral is just the total
displacement, which only depends on the end points A and B, but not on the path
between them:
Work is dependent on magnitudes of and , and the angle 𝜃 between these vectors.
Here are common situation where 𝜃 varies while F and s are constant.
(b)Total work done
WORK DONE BY VARYING FORCE
In general, forces may vary in magnitude and direction at points in space, and paths
between two points may be curved. The infinitesimal work done by a variable force
can be expressed in terms of the components of the force and the

displacement along the path,
Hooke’s Law
One very important and widely applicable
variable force is the force exerted by a
perfectly elastic spring, which satisfies
Hooke’s law
where
k is the spring constant
is the displacement from the equilibrium
position
Work done by a spring
To calculate the work done by the spring force,
we can choose the x-axis along the length of
the spring, in the direction of increasing length,
as in the Figure, with the origin at the
equilibrium position, 𝑥𝑒𝑞. Then positive 𝑥
corresponds to a stretch and negative 𝑥 to a
compression. With this choice of coordinates,
the spring force has only an 𝑥-component, 𝐹𝑥
=−𝑘𝑥 , and the work done when 𝑥 changes
from initial 𝑥𝐴 to final 𝑥𝐵.
To calculate the work done by the spring force,
we can choose the x-axis along the length of
the spring, in the direction of increasing length,
as in the Figure, with the origin at the
equilibrium position, 𝑥𝑒𝑞. Then positive 𝑥
corresponds to a stretch and negative 𝑥 to a
compression. With this choice of coordinates,
the spring force has only an 𝑥-component, 𝐹𝑥
=−𝑘𝑥 , and the work done when 𝑥 changes
from initial 𝑥𝐴 to final 𝑥𝐵.
[ ]
𝐵 𝐵 𝐵 𝐵
𝑥2 1
𝑊 𝐴𝐵=∫ 𝐹 𝑥 𝑑𝑥=∫ − 𝑘𝑥𝑑𝑥=−𝑘∫ 𝑥𝑑𝑥 =−𝑘 =− 𝑘 ( 𝑥 2𝐵 − 𝑥 2𝐴 )
𝐴 𝐴 𝐴 2 𝐴 2
Work done on the spring
The work done on the spring is equal to the negative
work done by the spring. Therefore:
𝟏
𝒌 ( 𝒙 𝑩 − 𝒙 𝑨)
𝟐 𝟐
𝑾 𝑨𝑩 =
𝟐
Kinetic Energy and Work-Energy Theorem
• Like work, energy is calculated in Joules and is a scalar quantity. Energy, when
attain by an object allows the object to perform work.
• This energy can be stored and measured in many forms: kinetic energy, thermal
energy, sound. Light, and other forms.
• The kinetic energy of a particle, mathematically, is define to be one-half the
product of the particle’s mass m and the square of its speed.
• Technically, it is an energy attain by object by virtue of its motion.
• We then extend this definition to any system of particles by adding up the kinetic
energies of all the constituent particles:
Work-Energy theorem states that the net work done on a particle equals the change
in the particle’s kinetic energy, i.e
The equation above implies that if the change in kinetic energy, , positive
(speed/kinetic energy of the particle increases), the net work done is positive and
vice versa.
In contrast when the change in kinetic energy, , negative (speed/kinetic energy of

the particle decreases), the net work done is negative and vice versa.
Derivation of Work-Energy Theorem
From the general definition of the total work done:
By Newton’s second law:
Apply the component form of the dot product:
Note that .
Derivation of Work-Energy Theorem
By Chain rule:
Same for and . Consequently

Work-Energy theorem states that the net work done on a particle equals the change
in the particle’s kinetic energy, i.e
The equation above implies that if the change in kinetic energy, , positive
(speed/kinetic energy of the particle increases), the net work done is positive and
vice versa.
In contrast when the change in kinetic energy, , negative (speed/kinetic energy of

the particle decreases), the net work done is negative and vice versa.
15.0 𝑚/ 𝑠
𝑣 3 =0 𝑚/ 𝑠
𝑣 2=15.0 𝑚/ 𝑠
𝑣 3 =0 𝑚/ 𝑠
𝑣 2=15.0 𝑚/ 𝑠
𝑣1
𝑣 3 =0 𝑚/ 𝑠
𝑣 2=15.0 𝑚/ 𝑠
𝑣1
𝑥 2=− 0.025 𝑚𝑥1 =0 𝑚
=0.072 J
𝑥 2=− 0.025 𝑚𝑥1 =0 𝑚 (b) What is the speed of the block after it leaves the spring?
When the spring is released, it reaches its equilibrium position (point

1). And the block of ice gained kinetic energy from point 2 to point 1.
1
𝑚 ( 𝑣1 − 𝑣2 )
2 2
𝑊 12 = 𝑊 𝑡𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑙 =
2
At point 2,
1 2
0.072 𝐽 = 𝑚 𝑣1
2
2 2 ⋅ 0.072 𝐽
𝑣 1=
𝑚
𝑣 1=
√
2 ⋅0.072 𝐽
5.1 𝑘𝑔
≈ 0.17 𝑚/ 𝑠
𝑥 2=− 0.025 𝑚𝑥1 =0 𝑚 (b) What is the speed of the block after it leaves the spring?
When the spring is released, it reaches its equilibrium position (point

1). And the block of ice gained kinetic energy from point 2 to point 1.
1
𝑚 ( 𝑣1 − 𝑣2 )
2 2
𝑊 12 = 𝑊 𝑡𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑙 =
2
At point 2,
1 2
0.072 𝐽 = 𝑚 𝑣1
2
2 2 ⋅ 0.072 𝐽
𝑣 1=
𝑚
𝑣 1=
√
2 ⋅0.072 𝐽
5.1 𝑘𝑔
≈ 0.17 𝑚/ 𝑠
Seatwork #3
Change Potential Energy General Definition
• Is the work done on an object against a conservative force without
accelerating or changing its kinetic energy.
• A conservative force is a force that does not change the total energy
of the system.
Mathematically, the change in potential energy
Gravitational Potential Energy
• In a projectile motion, Figure 2.3, friction and air
resistance are ignored. Only the gravitational force acts on
the football.
• When the object rises, work done by the gravitational
force on the football is negative since the displacement
is directed up while the force of gravity is directed
down.
• As the football rises, speed decreases, hence decreasing
kinetic energy. The loss of kinetic energy is converted
into a gain in gravitational potential energy of the football-
earth system.
• The gravitational potential energy of the football at point 1
is zero and maximum at the highest point (point 2).
• So, we define potential energy difference to be the negative
of the work done by gravity:
Based on the equation above, the gravitational potential

energy at a point relative to the Earth is:
• Gravitational potential energy always involves the Earth,

so it is not appropriate to say the it is an energy possessed
by the object alone.
• In fact, it is a shared energy between the Earth and the
object. As the object rises above the Earth, it increases,
and decreases when the object moves closer to the Earth.
Gravitational Potential Energy Sample Problem
A crane lifts a 80. kg mass a height of 8.0 m. Calculate the gravitational potential
energy gained by the mass (g = 9.8 N/kg).
Elastic Potential Energy
Using the same definition for the change in potential energy, the elastic potential
energy stored in an elastic spring is:
Therefore
Elastic Potential Energy Sample Problems
By Newton’s First Law:
Solving for 𝑘:
Solving for the total length:
First, solve for how much it has to stretched or compressed to
correspond to 10.0 J of elastic potential energy.
Second, add this 𝑥 value to the original length of the spring;
When stretched: total length=12.00 cm + 9.52 cm = 21.52 cm

When compressed: total length= 12.00 cm – 9.52 cm = 2.48 cm
Conservation of Total Mechanical Energy
If only conservative forces are acting on a body, then
By work-energy theorem:
Rewriting as:
Conservation of Total Mechanical Energy
Rewriting as:
Here is the total mechanical energy, and the above equation implies that this quantity is conserved in the
absence of nonconservative forces, i.e,
Conservation of Total Mechanical Energy Sample Problems
1 2
𝐾 1= 𝑚 𝑣 1 ; 𝑣 1=12.0 𝑚/ 𝑠
2
1 2
𝐾 2= 𝑚 𝑣 2 ; 𝑣 2=? ?
2
(a) What is the speed of the ball Solution:

just before it strikes the ground? Assuming only the force of gravity acts on the object, then by
conservation of mechanical energy:
Set the ground as reference such that the potential energy is zero at
that point (U2 =0). Hence,
(b) What is the answer for part (a) if the initial velocity is at an angle 52.0obelow the horizontal?
The speed will still be the same as the conservation of mechanical energy is not dependent
on the direction of velocity.
2
𝑚 𝑣 𝐵
∑ 𝐹 𝑦 =− =− 𝐹 𝑁 − 𝐹 𝑔
𝑅
Solving for the normal force :

Work done by Non-conservative Forces
If non-conservative forces acts () on an object, e.g. friction or air
resistance, aside from conservative forces. The net work done becomes:
By Work –Energy Theorem:
If non-conservative forces acts () on an object, e.g. friction or air resistance, the total mechanical
energy will not be conserved or it will change, i.e,
In summary
Comparison of 𝑬𝟏 and 𝑬𝟐 𝑾𝒐𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒓 Implication
Positive The direction of is the same with the

displacement (ex. Applied force)
Negative The direction of is opposite with the
direction of displacement (ex. Friction)
Zero Only the force of gravity/conservative forces
are acting on the object.
Work done by Non-conservative Forces Sample Problems
𝐸 𝐴=3.14 𝐽 ; 𝐸 𝐵 =2.30 𝐽 ; 𝐸 𝐶 =0
(a) What is the coefficient of kinetic friction on the horizontal surface? Between points B and
C
𝐸 𝐴=3.14 𝐽 ; 𝐸 𝐵 =2.30 𝐽 ; 𝐸 𝐶 =0
Situations with Both Gravitational and Elastic Potential Energy
What happens when we have both gravitational and elastic forces, such as a block
attached to a spring? And if there is work done by other force such as friction or air
resistance? If this situation occur then the total work becomes
By work-energy theorem:
By the definition of potential energy:
Consequently
Rearranging,
where + =
The same equation holds true:
where
Sample Problems
Sample Problems
Solution:
There is no friction between surface and block, so
𝑊 𝑜𝑡h𝑒𝑟 = Δ 𝐸 → Δ 𝐸 =0
Total mechanical energy

Sample Problems

Sample Problems

Sample Problems
Δ 𝐸 =0 ⇒ 𝐸 1 = 𝐸 2= 𝐸 3
(a) What is the speed of the block as it slides along the horizontal surface after having left the
spring?
Sample Problems
Δ 𝐸 =0 ⇒ 𝐸 1 = 𝐸 2= 𝐸 3
(b) How far does the block travel up the incline before starting to slide back down?
𝐸 3= 𝐸 1
Sample Problems
Sample Problems
Point 2: the point along the horizontal surface where the
block comes to rest.
Sample Problems
Point 1: when the block pushed the spring to the wall and
the spring was compressed
Sample Problems
Conservative and Non-conservative Forces
• Forces can also be categorized as conservative force or non-conservative
force.
• A force is considered conservative if the work this force does on an object will
not depend on the path the object takes.
• Rather this force is dependent only on the initial and final positions of a motion.
First principle: conservative force is independent of path

Second principle: conservative force does zero work in any closed loop.
Example:
Take path no. 2, the work done by the conservative force in moving the object from
point A to point B back to point A.
The total work for the entire loop A-B-A becomes

Example:
Gravitational force is a conservative force. Consider
calculating the work done for path 1-2-1.
where
• With each conservative force, we can associate a stored energy.
• The energy stored depends on the relative position(s) of the object(s).
• The stored energy is called potential energy as it has the potential to do work.
• Forces considered conservative are: a) gravitational force, b) Elastic spring force,
and c) electrostatic force.
• Non‐conservative forces, on the other hand, is dependent of path, the
longer the path, the greater its work.
• The total work done by a nonconservative force in any closed loop is not zero.
• Non‐conservative forces, on the other hand, is dependent of path, the
longer the path, the greater its work.
• The total work done by a nonconservative force in any closed loop is not zero.
Ex.
• Non-conservative force are dissipative forces, as they dissipate mechanical energy
into other forms.
• For instance, the work done by friction cannot be transform into useful work.
Friction can dissipate energy as heat and sound.
• Forces considered non-conservative are: a) Friction, b) Water drag on a moving
boat, c) Air resistance, d) viscosity, e) non-elastic material stress
Summary
Use when there is no work done against/by a conservative force or

there is no change in potential energy (i.e., )
Use when you want to determine the work done by the conservative
force using the change in potential energy. The potential energy is
just the work done against the associated conservative force.
Use when there is no work done by non-conservative forces.
Use when there are work done by non-conservative forces and

change in potential energy.
Summary
Conservative Forces Non-conservative Forces
1. Force of Gravity
1. Applied Force
Associated Potential Energy:
2. Force from an elastic spring
2. Friction
Elastic Potential Energy
3. Coulomb Force
3. Force from air drag
Electric Potential Energy which is
related to Voltage.
Seatwork #4

Module 2. Work, Energy, and Conservation of Energy

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Module 2. Work, Energy, and Conservation of Energy

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Module 2 –

Work, Energy, and

(Credit: "Rotatebot"/Wikimedia Commons)

2.2 Kinetic Energy and Work-Energy Theorem

2.4 Conservation of Mechanical Energy

2.6 Impulse-Momentum Theorem

can be expressed in terms of the components of the force and the

In contrast when the change in kinetic energy, , negative (speed/kinetic energy of

By Newton’s second law:

Apply the component form of the dot product:

Same for and . Consequently

In contrast when the change in kinetic energy, , negative (speed/kinetic energy of

𝑥 2=− 0.025 𝑚𝑥1 =0 𝑚

When the spring is released, it reaches its equilibrium position (point

When the spring is released, it reaches its equilibrium position (point

Based on the equation above, the gravitational potential

• Gravitational potential energy always involves the Earth,

Second, add this 𝑥 value to the original length of the spring;

When stretched: total length=12.00 cm + 9.52 cm = 21.52 cm

(a) What is the speed of the ball Solution:

Solving for the normal force :

Positive The direction of is the same with the

Total mechanical energy

Total mechanical energy

Total mechanical energy

First principle: conservative force is independent of path

The total work for the entire loop A-B-A becomes

Use when there is no work done against/by a conservative force or

Use when there is no work done by non-conservative forces.

Use when there are work done by non-conservative forces and

Conservative Forces Non-conservative Forces

You might also like