Chapter 5: Work, Energy, and Power

Answers Key
Practice 1
1. W = Fs, where F = mg (force applied is the weight of the luggage) and s is the distance over which the force
is applied.
So, W = mgh
Here, m = 18 kg, h = 1.7 m, g = 9.8 m/s2
Substituting we get, W = 299.88 J
Therefore, the work done by the porter is 299.88 J.
2. Here, F = 250 N and s = 95 m
Work done, W = F × s = 250 N × 95 m = 23,750 J
Therefore, the horse did 23,750 J of work.
3. (a) Force, F = mg = 15 × 9.8 = 147 N.
Therefore, the force required to lift the bucket is 147 N.
(b) Work done, W = Fs = 147 N × 70 m = 10,290 J
Therefore, the work done by the man is 10,290 J.
4. On level ground, the displacement is horizontal, and the force of gravity is vertical, so no work is done against
gravity in the horizontal motion.
While climbing the ladder, work done = W = Fs = 90 N × 8 m = 720 J
5. (a) Since the object moves horizontally, there is no displacement in the vertical direction. Hence, the work
done by the gravitational force is 0 J.
(b) Work done, W = Fs = 10 × s J where s is the distance travelled.
(c) Work done, W = −Fs = −2 × s J where s is the distance travelled.
(d) The normal force acts perpendicular to the direction of displacement, so no work is done by the normal
force.

Practice 2
1
1. Let the initial velocity be v and the initial mass be m. So, the initial kinetic energy Ek1 = mv 2
2
When the velocity is tripled and the mass is decreased by a factor of 3, the new kinetic energy is:
1m 1 
Ek2     3v   3  mv 2   3Ek1
2

2 3  2 
The kinetic energy becomes 3 times the original kinetic energy.
2. The potential energy at the top: Ep  mgh  5  9.8  80  3920 J
1 2
=
At the bottom, the potential energy is converted to kinetic energy: Ek =mv 3920 J
2

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 Chapter 5: Work, Energy, and Power

1
Solving for velocity v:  5  v 2  3920
2
3920  2
v
5
v  39.6 m/s
The speed of the object just before it hits the ground is approximately 39.6 m/s.
3. When a person bounces on a trampoline, several energy transfers occur:
Gravitational potential energy to kinetic energy: As the person falls from the highest point of the bounce,
their gravitational potential energy is converted into kinetic energy.
Kinetic energy to elastic potential energy: Upon reaching the trampoline’s surface, the person’s kinetic energy is
transferred to the trampoline, stretching it and storing the energy as elastic potential energy.
Elastic potential energy to kinetic energy: As the trampoline springs back to its original shape, the elastic
potential energy is converted back into kinetic energy, pushing the person upwards.
Kinetic energy to gravitational potential energy: As the person rises, their kinetic energy is converted into
gravitational potential energy.
4. As the height increases, the gravitational potential energy of the object also increases. So, the gravitational
potential energy increases when an object is lifted higher.
5. A system is efficient when it converts a high percentage of the input energy into useful work with minimal
energy losses, typically as heat, friction, or sound.
In homes, efficient systems reduce energy consumption, leading to lower electricity bills and reduced
environmental impact.
In factories, efficient systems ensure that more work is done with less energy, improving productivity, reducing
costs and minimising waste of resources.
6. Efficiency in energy conversion is crucial because it ensures that more of the input energy is converted into
useful forms, reducing wastage. This helps in conserving resources, lowering operational costs and minimising
the environmental footprint.
The mathematical formula for efficiency is given by
 Useful energy output 
Efficiency    1000%
 Total energy input 

Practice 3
1. Power is a fundamental concept in physics and engineering. It describes the rate at which work is performed or
energy is transferred over time. It measures how quickly energy is used or converted from one form to another.
The mathematical formula for power is given by: The mathematical formula for power is given by:
Work Energy
=
Power =
Time Time
Mechanical power: Mechanical power is often calculated based on the relationship between force and velocity.
If a force F moves an object at a certain speed v, the power P exerted by the force can be determined. This
relation can be derived from the formula of power:
P = Fv
For example, if a car engine exerts a force to move the car at a certain speed, the power output of the engine can
be measured by the product of force and velocity.
Electrical power: In electrical systems, power is calculated using the voltage and current. The basic principle is
that electrical power P is the product of the voltage V applied to a circuit and the current I flowing through it.
It is given by:
P = VI

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where V is measured in volts (V) and I is measured in amperes (A).

This calculation is crucial for designing and analysing electrical circuits and devices.
Thermal power: Thermal power refers to the rate of heat transfer. In systems involving heat, power can be
calculated by considering the temperature difference, thermal conductivity, and the area through which heat
is transferred. This calculation helps in determining the efficiency of heating or cooling systems and is vital in
thermodynamics and heat transfer studies.
Rotational power: For systems involving rotation, such as engines and turbines, power is calculated using torque
and angular velocity. This calculation is essential in mechanical engineering, particularly in the design and
analysis of machinery.
2. Non-conservative forces like friction and air resistance dissipate mechanical energy as heat, sound, or
deformation, leading to reduced efficiency and longevity in machines and devices. These forces alter motion,
wear down components and require more energy input to maintain performance. Understanding and managing
these forces through design improvements and regular maintenance is crucial to enhancing the efficiency and
lifespan of mechanical systems.
3. In elastic collisions, both momentum and kinetic energy are conserved. The objects collide and then separate
without any loss of kinetic energy to deformation, heat, or sound. In inelastic collisions, momentum is
conserved, but kinetic energy is not. Some kinetic energy is converted into other forms of energy, such as heat
or sound, and the colliding objects may stick together after impact.
4. In vertical circular motion, the forces acting on an object include gravity, tension, and centripetal force.
Engineers use these principles to design systems where motion along a circular path is required.
Amusement Park Rides: Roller coasters and pendulum rides use vertical circular motion to create thrilling
experiences. Engineers ensure that the centripetal force at the top of the loop is sufficient to keep the riders in
their seats by controlling the speed and height.
Mechanical Systems: In cranes and pulleys, the principles of circular motion are used to move objects efficiently
in circular paths, ensuring stability and safety.
Practical Considerations: Engineers must account for varying forces at different points along the circular path to
ensure safety and optimal performance.
5. Air resistance is a non-conservative force that opposes the motion of a projectile, reducing its speed and
range. This force affects both the trajectory and energy distribution of moving objects in significant ways. Air
resistance alters the trajectory of a projectile by causing it to deviate from its ideal parabolic path, resulting
in a shorter, steeper arc compared to its trajectory in a vacuum. Additionally, air resistance converts some of
the projectile's kinetic energy into heat, reducing the overall energy available for forward motion. Practical
applications of understanding air resistance include:
• Ballistics: Engineers take air resistance into account when designing projectiles like bullets and missiles to
accurately predict trajectories and ensure precision targeting.
• Sports: In sports such as baseball or soccer, understanding the impact of air resistance on a ball's flight helps
players optimize their techniques for better performance.
• Aerospace: Aircraft and spacecraft are designed to minimise air resistance, improving fuel efficiency,
stability, and achieving desired flight paths.
6. In elastic collisions, kinetic energy is conserved because no energy is lost to deformation, heat, or sound.
The objects bounce off each other without any lasting changes in shape or temperature. All the energy remains
in the form of kinetic energy.
In inelastic collisions, part of the kinetic energy is transformed into other forms of energy:
• Deformation: The objects may change shape, absorbing energy.
• Heat and sound: Some energy is lost as heat or sound during the collision.

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 Chapter 5: Work, Energy, and Power

As a result, the total kinetic energy after an inelastic collision is less than it was before the collision, although
momentum is still conserved.

Exam‒Style Questions
1. Correct answer: c
Explanation: The principle of conservation of mechanical energy states that the total mechanical energy
remains constant if only conservative forces are acting.
2. Correct answer: a
Explanation: Critical velocity refers to the minimum speed an object must have at the top of a vertical circular
path in order to maintain its motion without the tension in the string becoming zero. At this velocity, the
centripetal force needed to keep the object in circular motion is entirely provided by the object’s weight.
3. Correct answer: c
Explanation: W = Fs cos(θ). If the force is perpendicular to the displacement (i.e., θ = 90°), the cosine of 90° is
zero, meaning no work is done in this situation.
4. Correct answer: c
Explanation: Energy = Power × Time = 60 W × 7200 s = 432,000 J.
5. Correct answer: b
Explanation: At the bottom of the circle, the object is experiencing both the centripetal force required to keep
it in circular motion and the gravitational force pulling it down. The tension in the string must compensate for
both these forces, making the tension highest at the bottom of the circle.
6. Correct answer: d
Explanation: The work done in lifting the object is given by
W = mgh = 500 kg × 9.8 m/s × 10 m = 49,000 J
The power output is the rate of doing work:

Work 49, 000 J

=
Power = = 9800 W
Time 5s

7. Correct answer: b
Explanation: According to the principle of conservation of mechanical energy, if only conservative forces (like
gravity) were acting, the total mechanical energy would remain constant. However, since the total energy has
decreased from 2000 J to 1500 J, this suggests that some energy has been lost to non-conservative forces such as
friction and air resistance. These forces dissipate mechanical energy as heat, sound, or other forms, explaining
the reduction in total energy.
8. Correct answer: d
Explanation: A crane lifting a steel beam: This involves positive work because the force applied by the crane is
in the direction of the displacement (upwards).
A person pushing a box forward: This also involves positive work because the force applied to the box and the
displacement are in the same direction (forward).
A car accelerating on a highway: Here, the work is positive, as the engine’s force is in the forward direction,
and displacement is also in the forward direction.
A person holding a box stationary at shoulder height: No work is done in this case since there’s no displacement.
The force exerted is vertical, but the box is stationary, so the displacement is zero.

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9. Correct answer: b
Explanation: The braking force can be calculated using the work-energy principle:

1
W  Fs  mv 2
2
1000 kg   20 m / s 
2

F
2  50 m
F  4000 N

10. Correct answer: b

Explanation: Efficiency is defined as the ratio of useful output energy to input energy. An 80% efficiency means
that 80% of the energy is converted into useful work (such as light or mechanical motion), while 20% is lost as
heat, sound, etc.
11. Correct answer: d
Explanation: As the ball ascends, its kinetic energy is converted into gravitational potential energy. At the peak,
the ball has maximum potential energy and zero kinetic energy. As it falls, the potential energy is converted
back into kinetic energy.
12. Correct answer: c
Explanation: In an inelastic collision, some of the kinetic energy is transformed into other forms of energy,
such as heat, sound, or deformation, meaning the total kinetic energy is not conserved. However, the momentum
is conserved.
13. Correct answer: a
Explanation: Friction can do both positive and negative work, depending on the situation. For instance, when
friction helps stop a moving object, it does negative work. However, if an object is sliding with friction in the
same direction as displacement, friction might do positive work.
14. Correct answer: b
Explanation: In a vacuum, there is no air resistance or friction, so energy losses through heat or other non-
conservative forces do not occur. The mechanical energy of the pendulum is conserved, converting perfectly
between potential and kinetic energy.
15. Correct answer: c
Explanation: Negative work occurs when the force applied opposes the direction of motion. In this case, the
brakes apply a force opposite to the car’s movement, reducing its kinetic energy and bringing it to a stop, which
is an example of negative work.
16. Correct answer: d
Explanation: According to the equation P = Fv, applying a large force at high speed maximises both the force
and velocity, resulting in maximum power.
17. Correct answer: b
Explanation: Kinetic energy refers to the energy of macroscopic or bulk objects in motion. Thermal energy
arises from the random motion of particles within a substance. At the molecular level, this random motion
contributes to temperature.
18. Correct answer: b
Explanation: Non-conservative forces, such as friction or air resistance, cause a loss of mechanical energy from
the system by converting it into heat, sound, or deformation.

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 Chapter 5: Work, Energy, and Power

19. Correct answer: b

Explanation: Power measures the rate at which energy is transferred or work is done. It is crucial in
determining how efficiently a system operates over time. Power specifically relates to the speed of energy
transfer or work done in a given time.
20. Correct answer: c
Explanation: On a frictionless track, mechanical energy is conserved. As the roller coaster moves, its kinetic
energy and potential energy continuously transform into one another, but their sum (total mechanical energy)
remains constant.

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