Work, Power and Energy

(Work–Energy Theorem, Kinetic and Potential Energy, Power, Conservation of Energy)

Core Idea: Motion analysis via forces (F = ma) can be replaced by energy approach.
Energy methods simplify problems with variable forces, curved paths, and systems.
This chapter connects Newton’s laws with conservation principles.

1. Work

1.1 Definition

Work done by a constant force F⃗ when a body is displaced by ⃗s is:

W = F⃗ · ⃗s = F s cos θ,

where θ is the angle between F⃗ and ⃗s.

1.2 Key Observations

• W > 0 (positive work): when force has component along displacement.

• W < 0 (negative work): when force opposes displacement.

• W = 0 when F⃗ ⊥ ⃗s (e.g. centripetal force in circular motion).

1.3 Variable Force

If F⃗ varies with displacement: Z x2

W = F (x) dx,
x1

where F (x) is the component of F⃗ along direction of displacement.

Graphical Interpretation:
Work done = area under F –x curve between limits.

1.4 Work in Vector Form (General)

For motion from point A to B: Z B

W = F⃗ · d⃗r.
A

If F⃗ is conservative, this integral depends only on end points.

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1.5 Work Done by Gravitational Force

For a body of mass m moved vertically upward by height h:

Wg = −mgh.

Negative because displacement is opposite to gravitational force direction.

1.6 Work Done by Normal Force and Friction

• On a smooth surface: WN = 0 (no displacement along normal).

• Work by friction:
Wf = −fk s = −µk N s.

Always negative since it opposes motion.

2. Kinetic Energy (KE)

2.1 Definition
1
K = mv 2 .
2
Energy associated with motion.

2.2 Derivation from Newton’s Law

From F⃗ = m⃗a, Z Z
W = F⃗ · d⃗r = m ⃗a · d⃗r.

But ⃗a = d⃗
v
dt
, and d⃗r = ⃗v dt.
Hence, Z
1 1
W =m ⃗v · d⃗v = mv 2 − mu2 .
2 2

2.3 Work-Energy Theorem (WET)

Wnet = ∆K = K2 − K1 .

• Work done by all forces equals change in kinetic energy.

• Valid for variable and constant forces (including friction).

• Works in any frame using work and KE measured in same frame.

Exam Priority:
Many JEE problems simplify by replacing Newton’s equations with WET. It directly
relates work by each force to change in speed.

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3. Potential Energy (PE)

3.1 Definition

Potential energy is energy due to position/configuration in a conservative force field.

3.2 Gravitational Potential Energy Near Earth Surface

U = mgh.

Change in U : ∆U = mg(y2 − y1 ).

3.3 Spring (Elastic) Potential Energy

For spring with force F = −kx (Hooke’s law):

1
U = kx2 .
2
• x measured from equilibrium position.

• Force and displacement are opposite ⇒ restoring nature.

• Graph: parabolic rise of U with x.

3.4 Relation Between Force and Potential

F⃗ = −∇U.

The negative gradient of potential gives the force (for conservative forces).

Note:
When force is conservative: work done = −∆U .
If non-conservative: part of energy converted into heat or other forms.

4. Conservative and Non-Conservative Forces

4.1 Conservative Forces

• Work done is path independent.

• Work done in closed loop = 0.

• Examples: gravitational, spring, electrostatic.

Mathematically: I
F⃗ · d⃗r = 0.

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4.2 Non-Conservative Forces

• Work depends on path.

• Work done in closed loop ̸= 0.

• Examples: friction, air drag, viscous forces.

Energy Implication:
Conservative: Mechanical energy conserved.
Non-conservative: Mechanical energy decreases (converted to heat, sound, etc.).

5. Conservation of Mechanical Energy

If only conservative forces act:

Emech = K + U = constant.

5.1 Applications

• Falling body: U → K.

• Spring-mass: interchange of K and U periodically.

• Pendulum (ideal): Kmax at mean, Umax at extreme.

Advanced Tip:
In presence of friction,
∆Emech = −Wnon-conservative .

6. Power

6.1 Definition

Rate of doing work:

dW
P = .
dt
Instantaneous:
P = F⃗ · ⃗v .

Average:
W
Pavg = .
∆t

6.2 Units

• SI unit: watt (W) = J/s.

• 1 horsepower (HP) = 746 W.

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6.3 Graphical Meaning

Area under P –t curve gives total work done.

7. Energy Transformations and Conservation of Energy

7.1 Law of Conservation of Energy

Energy can neither be created nor destroyed, only transformed.

Total energy (mechanical + heat + light + etc.) is constant in an isolated system.

7.2 Examples

• Free fall: U → K.

• Projectile: U maximum at top, K maximum at bottom.

• Spring-mass: oscillation between K and U .

• Friction: mechanical → heat.

8. Work–Energy Theorem for Systems of Particles

8.1 For a System of n Particles

Wext = ∆KCM + ∆Kint ,

where internal work arises from internal forces (zero if purely internal conservative).

8.2 For Rigid Body (Translation Only)

If no internal energy change:

1 2 1
Wnet,ext = M vCM − M u2CM .
2 2

9. Work Done by Variable Forces – Graphical Cases

9.1 Force vs Displacement Graph

• Area under curve = work done.

• If force negative, area below x-axis is negative work.

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9.2 Example: Spring Force

F = −kx (linear).
Z x
1
W = (−kx′ )dx′ = − kx2 .
0 2
Work done by external agent (opposite) = + 12 kx2 .

JEE Focus:
Variable force graphs F –x, tension–stretch, pressure–volume (physics + chem synergy).

10. Power in Different Contexts

10.1 Power of a Constant Force Making Angle θ

P = F v cos θ.

10.2 Instantaneous Mechanical Power

If acceleration present:
 
dv d 1 2
P = F v = mav = mv = mv .
dt dt 2

Confirms work–energy link.

10.3 Average Power in Lifting/Driving Problems

Lifting: Pavg = mgh

t
.
Driving at constant speed v against resistive force fr :

P = fr v.

11. Important Special Situations

11.1 Work Done by Gravity in Projectile Motion

Work by gravity depends only on vertical displacement:

Wg = −mg(y2 − y1 ).

Independent of horizontal motion → conservative.

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11.2 Block–Spring System

• Compression xmax found by equating work of spring to initial KE:

1 2 1
kxmax = mv 2 .
2 2

• Oscillates between ±xmax .

11.3 Inclined Plane with Friction

Work-energy approach:

1 2 1
mv − mu2 = mgs(sin θ − µ cos θ).
2 2

11.4 Circular Motion

Work done by centripetal force = 0 (perpendicular to velocity).

12. Potential Energy Curve and Stability (Advanced JEE)

12.1 Stable, Unstable and Neutral Equilibrium

At equilibrium position x0 :
dU
= 0.
dx
d2 U
• If > 0: stable equilibrium (potential minimum).
dx2
d2 U
• If < 0: unstable equilibrium (potential maximum).
dx2
d2 U
• If = 0: neutral.
dx2

JEE Advanced:
Potential energy curve interpretation (turning points, equilibrium, escape speed) ap-
pears often in subjective/MCQ-II.

12.2 Mechanical Energy Graph Interpretation

• Total energy line horizontal (E = K + U ).

• Allowed region: where U ≤ E.

• Turning points: K = 0 (U = E).

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 13. Escape Speed (Extension)

13.1 Derivation

For object projected from Earth surface:

1 2 GM m
mv − = 0.
2 e R
Hence: r
2GM p
ve = = 2gR.
R

14. Common JEE Traps & Misconceptions

• Work done by friction is path dependent, not always −fk s in curved motion.

• Normal reaction can do work (e.g. car on circular hill or valley).

• Centripetal force does zero work, but tangential component can.

• Energy conservation applies only if net work of non-conservative forces = 0.

• Always include all forces while applying WET (don’t omit tension or friction).

• Don’t confuse power (F v) with rate of change of potential energy (−dU/dt).

15. Important Question Archetypes (JEE Main + Advanced)

Set A: Work and Graphs

A1. A variable force F = kx2 acts on particle along x-axis. Find work from x = 0 to
x = a.

A2. Plot F –x graph for a spring and calculate work done in stretching it by x.

A3. A force F (x) = a−bx acts on particle. Find position where kinetic energy is maximum.

Set B: Energy Conservation

B1. Block sliding down smooth incline of height h: find speed at bottom using energy
method.

B2. Projectile fired upward with velocity u: find max height via energy conservation.

B3. Spring–block system: find maximum compression and equilibrium position under
gravity.

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 Set C: Friction + Energy Mix

C1. Block slides on rough incline; find distance moved before stopping.

C2. Two-block system with friction: find final velocities using work–energy instead of
F = ma.

C3. Energy lost to friction = work done by friction.

Set D: Power and Efficiency

D1. Car of mass m moves at speed v; find power required to overcome drag F = kv 2 .

D2. Lift raises load of m kg with speed v; find power of motor.

Pout
D3. Machine efficiency: η = Pin
× 100%.

Set E: Advanced Conceptual

E1. Analyze U –x curve to identify stability and turning points.

E2. Particle moving under potential U (x) = ax2 + bx4 : find equilibrium positions and
their stability.

E3. Work done in one complete circular motion under central force:
I
W = F⃗ · d⃗r = 0.

Exam Priority:
1. Work–Energy theorem direct applications.
2. Spring problems (compression, energy exchange).
3. Friction + energy conservation combos.
4. Power and efficiency.
5. Potential energy curve (Advanced).

16. Compact Formula & Revision Sheet

• Work: W = F s cos θ = F⃗ · d⃗r.

R

• Kinetic energy: K = 12 mv 2 .

• Work–energy theorem: Wnet = ∆K.

• Potential energy:
1
Ug = mgh, Us = kx2 .
2

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• Force–potential relation: F⃗ = −∇U .

• Mechanical energy conservation: K + U = constant.

• Power: P = dW
dt
= F⃗ · ⃗v .

• Average power: Pavg = W

t
.

• Efficiency: η = Pout
× 100%.
Pin
√
• Escape velocity: ve = 2gR.
d2 U
• Stable equilibrium: dU
dx
= 0, > 0.
dx2

Final Essence:
Work–Energy approach is fastest when forces are complex or variable.
Always check energy conservation before applying direct Newtonian analysis.

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