MICA PU COLLEGE, Mysuru Kiran Rao G

Work Power and Energy

Work (or) Work done:
Work is said to be don when force is applied on the body and the body displaces in the direction of the
applied force.

⃗ ⃗
Where F is the force acting on the body
S is the displacement of the body
is the angle between F and S

 S I unit of work is Joule (J).

 Work is a scalar quantity.
 Dimensional formula for work is [M1 L2 T – 2]

Expression for work done by the constant force

S
In the above figure
 F is the constant force acting on the body
 S is the displacement of the body
 θ is the angle between the F and S
 F cos θ is the component of F along displacement
 F sin θ is the component of F perpendicular to displacement
By the definition

Note:

1) If θ = 00 ⇒ Cos 00 = 1 ∴ W = F S (Maximum work done)

2) If θ = 900 ⇒ Cos 900 = 0 ∴ W = 0 (minimum work done)

Nature of work
Work can be zero (or) positive (or) negative

KiranRao G Mechanical properties of solids Page 1

MICA PU COLLEGE, Mysuru Kiran Rao G

Zero work:
 Work done is zero when the force and displacement are perpendicular to each other (θ = 900).
 If the displacement of the body is zero, work done is zero.

Example:

 When we push a rigid wall there is no displacement of the wall therefore work done is zero.
 The work done by the coolie in carrying a suitcase on horizontal smooth surface is zero. Since the
applied force and displacement are perpendicular to each other.

Positive work:

 Work done by the force is said to be positive if the applied force and the displacement are in the
same direction. (θ < 900)

Examples:

 When a horse pulls a cart the applied force and the displacement are in the same direction. So work
done by the horse is positive.

 When a body falls freely, the force of gravity and displacement are in the same direction. So work
done by the gravity is positive.

Negative Work:

 Work done by the force is said to be negative, if the force and the displacement are in the opposite
directions.

Examples:

 When breaks are applied to the moving vehicle, the work done by the breaking force is negative. This
is because the breaking force and the displacements are in opposite directions.

 When a body is lifted, the work done by the gravity is negative. This is because the gravitational force
acts vertically downwards and the displacement is in the vertically upwards.

Joule:

Work done is said to be 1 Joule, when a force of 1N displaces a body through 1m in the direction of force.

 1 erg = 10 – 7 J
 1eV (electron volt) = 1.6 X 10 – 16 J
 1 calorie (cal) = 4.186 J
 1 Kilowatt hour (KWh) = 3.6 X 10 6 J

KiranRao G Mechanical properties of solids Page 2

 MICA PU COLLEGE, Mysuru Kiran Rao G

Work done by a variable force:

B
F (x)
S
R

dx
X
X1 P Q X2

Consider a variable force F (x) is acting on a body and it is displaced from A (x1) to B (x2) in the direction of
force.

Let dW be the work done in displacing body by small distance dx

dW = Area under the curve RS

dW = length X breadth

dW = F(x) dx

Total work done from X1 to X2

∫ ( )

Energy:

Energy is the capacity to do work.

 S I unit of energy is Joule (J).

 Energy is a scalar quantity.
 Dimensional formula for energy is [M1 L2 T – 2]

Types of Energy:

 Kinetic Energy
 Potential Energy

Kinetic Energy:

The energy possessed by the body by virtue of its motion is known as Kinetic energy.

KiranRao G Mechanical properties of solids Page 3

MICA PU COLLEGE, Mysuru Kiran Rao G

Examples:

 Flowing water possess kinetic energy. (This kinetic energy is used to run water mills)

 Moving Air possess kinetic energy. (This kinetic energy is used to run wind mills)

 A bullet fired from a gun possesses kinetic energy. (Due to this kinetic energy the bullet penetrates
into a target)

Potential Energy:

The energy possessed by a body by virtue of its position is known as potential energy.

Examples:

 A stone placed on the roof of the house possess potential energy

 Water stored in the overhead tank possess potential energy.

Derive an expression for kinetic energy

u=0 v
F
S
Let a body of mass m is initially at rest, is acted upon by a constant force F.

Let it acquires final velocity V after displacement S.

KiranRao G Mechanical properties of solids Page 4

MICA PU COLLEGE, Mysuru Kiran Rao G

Obtain the relation between kinetic energy and linear momentum

Divide and multiply by m

( )

State and prove work energy theorem

“The work done by the net force in displacing a body is equal to the change in kinetic energy of the body.”

F u v

Consider a body of mass m moving with an initial velocity u along a straight line.

Let F be the force acts on the body in the same direction.

Let v be the final velocity of the body after covering a distance S.

( )

KiranRao G Mechanical properties of solids Page 5

MICA PU COLLEGE, Mysuru Kiran Rao G

( )

Types of potential energy

 Gravitational potential energy

 Elastic potential energy

Gravitational potential energy:

The energy possessed by a body due to its position in the gravitational field is called as gravitational
potential energy.

F h
a=g

Let a force F is required to raise a body of mass m to height h against gravitational force.

Elastic potential energy:

The energy possessed by a body due to its configuration is called elastic potential energy.

Where K = spring constant

X = increase in length of the spring

KiranRao G Mechanical properties of solids Page 6

MICA PU COLLEGE, Mysuru Kiran Rao G

Derive an expression for potential energy of a spring

Let a spring of spring constant “K” is stretched or compressed by distance “x”.

Now the spring develops a force called spring force Fs. This force Fs is always opposite to displacement “x”.

Restoring force Fs = – K x
Now external force is equal and opposite to restoring force

F = – Fs
F=Kx
If “dw” is small work done in small displacement “dx”

dW = F dx
dW = K x dx
Total work in displacing spring through x is

KiranRao G Mechanical properties of solids Page 7

MICA PU COLLEGE, Mysuru Kiran Rao G

Conservative Forces:
A force is said to be conservative if the work done by the force in moving a body depends only on the initial
and final positions of the body.
Example:

 Gravitational force
 Electrostatic force
 Spring force
Note: Conservative force does not depend on path

Non conservative force:

A force is said to be non – conservative if the work done by the force depends upon the path followed by a
body.
Example

 Frictional force
 Air resistance
 Viscous force

Distinguish between conservative and non conservative force

Conservative force Non – Conservative force

Work done by this force depends on the initial Work done by this force depends on the path
and final positions of the body. followed by the body.
Work done in a round trip is zero. Work done in a round trip is not zero.
Work done is completely recoverable. Work done is not recoverable.
It is central in nature. It is retarding in nature.

Properties of conservative force:

 Work done depends on the initial and final positions of the body.
 Work done in moving a body through a round trip is zero.
 Work done is completely recoverable.
 It is central in nature.

Properties of non conservative force

 Work done depends on the path followed by the body.

 Work done in moving a body through a round trip is not zero.
 Work done is not completely recoverable.
 It is retarding in nature.

KiranRao G Mechanical properties of solids Page 8

MICA PU COLLEGE, Mysuru Kiran Rao G

State and prove the law of conservation of mechanical energy for a body falling freely under gravity.
(OR) Verification of law of conservation of mechanical energy in the case of freely falling body.

“The total mechanical energy of an isolated system remains constant”

Proof: A

x
h
B
h-x
C
Consider a body is falling freely from the height h.

At the point A

KE = 0 TE = KE + PE
PE = mgh TE = 0 + mgh
TE = mgh -------- (1)
At the point B

PE = mg (h - x) TE = KE + PE
( ) TE = mgx + mg (h – x)
TE = mgx + mgh – mgx
TE = mgh --------- (3)

Substitute V2 in eqn (2)

( )
K E = mgx

At the point C

PE= 0 TE = KE + PE
-------- (4)
TE = mgh + 0
TE = mgh --------- (5)

Substitute V2 in eqn (4)

( )
K E = mgx

KiranRao G Mechanical properties of solids Page 9

MICA PU COLLEGE, Mysuru Kiran Rao G

From eqn (1), eqn (3) and eqn (5) it is found that the total energy of the body remains constant at all points
in the path of the body.

Thus the law of conservation of energy is verified.

Potential energy of a spring

It is the energy stored in the spring, when it is stretched or compressed.

Mention various forms of energy

 Heat energy
 Chemical energy
 Electrical energy
 Nuclear energy

State and explain mass – energy equitation

“According to Einstein mass can be converted into energy and energy can be converted into mass.”

E = m C2

Where m = mass and C = speed of light

State the principle of conservation of energy

“Energy can neither be created nor be destroyed but it can be transformed from one form to another form.”

Power:

Power is the rate of doing work. (OR) Power is defined as the ratio of the work done and the time taken.

 SI unit of power is Watt (W).

 Power is the scalar quantity.
 Dimensional formula for power is [M1 L2 T – 3]
 1 KiloWatt (1KW) = 1000 W
 1 Horse Power (1HP) = 746 W
 1 MegaWatt (1MW) = 106 W

Show that the power is equal to the dot product of force and velocity

KiranRao G Mechanical properties of solids Page 10

MICA PU COLLEGE, Mysuru Kiran Rao G

⃗ ⃗

Collisions:

Collision is the physical striking between the bodies. (OR) Collision is the interaction between two bodies for
a short interval of time.

Types of collision

 Elastic collision
 In elastic collision

Elastic collision:

Elastic collision is the collision in which momentum and kinetic energy are conserved.

Example

 Collision between atoms.

 Collision between the two glass balls.

Characteristics of elastic collision

 The total energy of the system is conserved.

 The momentum is conserved.
 Kinetic energy is conserved.

In elastic collision:

In elastic collision is the collision in which momentum is conserved but kinetic energy of the system is not
conserved.

Example
 Collision between the two wet clay balls.
 Collision between a proton and electron.

Characteristics of in elastic collision

 The total energy of the system is conserved.

 The momentum is conserved.
 Kinetic energy is not conserved.

KiranRao G Mechanical properties of solids Page 11

MICA PU COLLEGE, Mysuru Kiran Rao G

Collision in one dimension:

It is collision in which the initial velocities and final velocities of the two colliding bodies are along the same
straight line.

Derive an expression for final velocities of two bodies in one dimensional elastic collision. (OR) Derive
expression for final velocities for particles under going elastic collisions

m1 m2 m1 m2
u1 u2 v1 v2

Before Collision After Collision

Consider two bodies having masses m1 and m2 collide elastically and move in same direction.

We know that momentum is conserved.

( )

( ) ( ) ( )

KE is also conserved

( ) ( )

( ) ( ) ( )

( )
( )

( ) ( )
( ) ( )

( )( )

KiranRao G Mechanical properties of solids Page 12

MICA PU COLLEGE, Mysuru Kiran Rao G

( )( ) ( )( )
( ) ( )

( )

Put eqn (4) in eqn (1)

( )

( )

( ) ( )

( ) ( )

Similarly

( ) ( )

Derive an expression for loss in kinetic energy for two bodies colliding in elastically

m1 m2 m1 + m 2
u1 u2 = 0 v

Before Collision After Collision

Consider two bodies having masses m1 and m2 collide in elastically and move together.

Momentum is conserved

( )

( ) ( )

But KE is not conserved. Therefore loss in KE is

( )

KiranRao G Mechanical properties of solids Page 13

MICA PU COLLEGE, Mysuru Kiran Rao G

( )( )
( )

( )

( )

( )

Question Bank
February 2014

1. Write the SI unit of Power. (1M)

2. Obtain an expression for potential energy of a spring. (3M)
3. State and explain the law of conservation of energy in the case of freely falling body. (5M)

February 2015

1. Define the SI unit of work. (1M)

2. What are conservative and non conservative forces. Give one example for non – conservative force.
(3M)
3. State and prove law of conservation of energy for a freely falling body. (5M)

February 2016

1. What does the area under force – displacement curve represents? (1M)
2. Distinguish between elastic and inelastic collisions with one example each. (3M)
3. State the law of conservation of mechanical energy and illustrate the same in case of freely falling
body. (5M)

February 2017

1. Write SI unit of work done. (1M)

2. Prove work energy theorem for a constant force. (3M)

February 2018

1. What is elastic collision? (1M)

2. Derive an expression for potential energy of a spring. (3M)
3. When is work done by the force positive? (1M)
4. Distinguish between conservative and non conservative forces. (3M)
KiranRao G Mechanical properties of solids Page 14
MICA PU COLLEGE, Mysuru Kiran Rao G

February 2019

1. What is elastic collision? (1M)

2. Prove the work – energy theorem in the case of constant force. (3M)
3. Prove law of conservation of mechanical energy for freely falling body. (5M)
4. Name the type of energy stored in a stretched or compressed spring. (1M)

February 2020

1. How many watts are in 1 HP? (1M)

2. State and prove work – energy theorem for a constant force. (3M)
3. State the principle of conservation of mechanical energy and illustrate in case of freely falling body.
(5M)
4. What is elastic collision? (1M)
5. What are conservative and non – conservative forces? Give example. (3M)
6. Derive an expression for the potential energy of an elastic stretched spring. (5M)
7. Give example for zero work done. (1M)
8. Prove work – energy theorem for a constant force. (3M)

March 2022

1. State and prove Work – Energy theorem for a constant force. (3M)
2. Show that the total mechanical energy of a freely falling body under gravity is conserved. (5M)

March 2023

1. 1 Hp is equal to (1M)
a) 746 W b) 764 W c) 467 W d) 476 W
2. Mention the two characteristics of elastic collision. (2M)
3. Calculate the amount of work is done in raising a body of mass 1Kg through 2m? (3M)
4. Verify the law of conservation of energy in the case of a freely falling body. (5M)

KiranRao G Mechanical properties of solids Page 15