Chapter 7: Kinetic Energy and Work
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Kinetic energy and work are fundamental concepts in physics, bridging the dynamics of Chapters 5 and 6 to the broader framework of energy. Work quantifies the transfer of energy due to a force, while kinetic energy represents the energy of motion. Together, they form the basis of the work-energy theorem, a powerful tool for solving problems without directly using Newton’s laws. For JEE Main, JEE Advanced, and NEET students, mastering these concepts is essential, as they appear in questions involving forces on inclines, spring systems, and power calculations in mechanical systems. This chapter covers the definition of work, kinetic energy and the work-energy theorem, work done by variable forces, and power, providing detailed explanations, derivations, numerous solved examples, and exam-focused strategies to ensure conceptual clarity and problem-solving proficiency.
7.1 Definition of Work and Its Relation to Force and Displacement
Work is a measure of energy transfer when a force causes a displacement. In physics, work done by a force
where
Properties of Work
- Work is a scalar, not a vector, despite being derived from vectors
and . - If
(force and displacement in the same direction), (maximum positive work). - If
(force perpendicular to displacement), (e.g., centripetal force in uniform circular motion). - If
(force opposite displacement), (negative work, e.g., friction slowing an object).
Work by Multiple Forces
The total work done by multiple forces is the sum of the work done by each force, or equivalently, the work done by the net force:
Derivation: Work Done by a Constant Force in 2D
Consider a constant force
If
Derivation: Work Done by Gravity on an Incline
A block of mass
This equals
Solved Example: A JEE Main problem involves a
- Solution:
, , . Work done: Round to (2 significant figures, April 14, 2025). - JEE Tip: Use the component of force along displacement;
accounts for the angle. Common error: Using the total force without resolving.
- JEE Tip: Use the component of force along displacement;
Solved Example: A NEET problem involves a
- Solution:
Vertical height descended:. Work done by gravity: Round to . Alternatively, use . - NEET Tip: Work by gravity depends on vertical displacement; on an incline, use
for height. Common error: Using displacement along the incline without .
- NEET Tip: Work by gravity depends on vertical displacement; on an incline, use
Solved Example: A JEE Advanced problem involves a
- Solution:
Total work:. - JEE Tip: Use the dot product for work in 2D; compute components separately. Common error: Using magnitudes without considering direction (
unless aligned).
- JEE Tip: Use the dot product for work in 2D; compute components separately. Common error: Using magnitudes without considering direction (
Solved Example: A JEE Main problem involves a
- Solution:
, . Work done: (since ). - JEE Tip: If force and displacement are perpendicular, work is zero; check directions carefully. Common error: Assuming work is done without considering
.
- JEE Tip: If force and displacement are perpendicular, work is zero; check directions carefully. Common error: Assuming work is done without considering
Application: Work quantifies energy transfer in pushing a box, lifting a weight, or stretching a spring, directly linking to mechanical energy changes.
7.2 Kinetic Energy and the Work-Energy Theorem
Kinetic energy (
The unit is joules (
This theorem is a powerful alternative to Newton’s laws for solving motion problems, especially when forces are complex or variable.
Implications of the Work-Energy Theorem
- If
, the object speeds up (e.g., a force accelerates a block). - If
, the object slows down (e.g., friction does negative work). - If
, the kinetic energy remains constant (e.g., uniform circular motion with centripetal force perpendicular to velocity).
Derivation: Work-Energy Theorem for a Constant Force
Consider an object of mass
Multiply by
Since
Derivation: Work-Energy Theorem for a General Path
For a general path, work is
Solved Example: A JEE Main problem involves a
- Solution:
Work done by the net force:. Initial kinetic energy: (at rest). By the work-energy theorem: Round to (2 significant figures). - JEE Tip: Use the work-energy theorem to find speed directly; frictionless means all work increases kinetic energy. Common error: Forgetting to take the square root for
.
- JEE Tip: Use the work-energy theorem to find speed directly; frictionless means all work increases kinetic energy. Common error: Forgetting to take the square root for
Solved Example: A NEET problem involves a
- Solution:
Normal force:. Friction: . Work done by friction: (negative since opposite to displacement). Initial kinetic energy: . Work-energy theorem: Since , the block stops before (friction does enough negative work). Recalculate distance to stop: , . At , the block has stopped, so . - NEET Tip: Negative work reduces kinetic energy; if
becomes zero, the object stops. Common error: Assuming the block keeps moving without checking if it stops.
- NEET Tip: Negative work reduces kinetic energy; if
Solved Example: A JEE Advanced problem involves a
- Solution:
Work done:. Initial kinetic energy: . Work-energy theorem: Round to . - JEE Tip: Work-energy theorem works with net work; speed is scalar, so direction of motion isn’t needed. Common error: Using components of speed without realizing
is the magnitude.
- JEE Tip: Work-energy theorem works with net work; speed is scalar, so direction of motion isn’t needed. Common error: Using components of speed without realizing
Solved Example: A JEE Main problem involves a
- Solution:
Normal force:. Friction: . Work done by friction: . Initial kinetic energy: . Final kinetic energy: . Work-energy theorem: Round to . - JEE Tip: Friction does negative work to stop the block; use work-energy to find stopping distance. Common error: Forgetting the negative sign for friction work.
Application: The work-energy theorem simplifies problems in vehicle braking (friction reduces kinetic energy), sports (e.g., a ball’s speed after a kick), and machinery (e.g., energy transfer in collisions).
7.3 Work Done by Variable Forces: Springs and Integration
When forces vary with position, work is calculated using integration:
Work by a Spring
For a spring stretched or compressed from
If stretched from equilibrium (
Work to Stretch a Spring
The work done on the spring by an external force to stretch it is positive:
Derivation: Work Done by a Spring Force
The spring force is
If
Derivation: Work Done by a Variable Force in 1D
For a force
For example, if
Solved Example: A JEE Main problem involves a spring with
- Solution:
Work done by the spring:- JEE Tip: Work by the spring is negative when it opposes displacement; use the integral formula for variable forces. Common error: Forgetting the negative sign in
.
- JEE Tip: Work by the spring is negative when it opposes displacement; use the integral formula for variable forces. Common error: Forgetting the negative sign in
Solved Example: A NEET problem involves a
- Solution:
Work done by the spring fromto : . Initial kinetic energy: (released from rest). Work-energy theorem: Round to . - NEET Tip: Spring work is positive when returning to equilibrium; use work-energy to find speed. Common error: Forgetting initial kinetic energy is zero.
Solved Example: A JEE Advanced problem involves a force
- Solution:
Work:- JEE Tip: Integrate the force function over the displacement; evaluate limits carefully. Common error: Forgetting to integrate variable forces.
Solved Example: A JEE Main problem involves a spring (
- Solution:
Work done to compress (external work):, round to . - JEE Tip: Work to stretch/compress a spring is always positive; use
for magnitude. Common error: Using the spring’s work (negative).
- JEE Tip: Work to stretch/compress a spring is always positive; use
Application: Variable forces apply to springs (e.g., shock absorbers), gravitational fields (e.g., varying force near Earth), and biomechanics (e.g., muscle forces).
7.4 Power and Its Applications in Mechanical Systems
Power is the rate at which work is done or energy is transferred:
For a constant force
Average and Instantaneous Power
- Average Power:
. - Instantaneous Power:
, used when force or velocity varies.
Derivation: Power for a Constant Force
Work done over time
If
Derivation: Power in a System with Friction
A block moves at constant speed
Solved Example: A JEE Main problem involves a
- Solution:
Power:. - JEE Tip: When force and velocity are aligned,
; ensure consistent units ( ). Common error: Forgetting to check the angle between and .
- JEE Tip: When force and velocity are aligned,
Solved Example: A NEET problem involves a person lifting a
- Solution:
Force to lift:. Power: . - NEET Tip: Constant speed means the lifting force equals the weight; power is force times velocity. Common error: Including acceleration when speed is constant.
Solved Example: A JEE Advanced problem involves a
- Solution:
Normal force:. Friction: . Constant speed: . , , , , , . Power: , round to . - JEE Tip: Power uses the component of force along velocity; solve for
using constant speed condition. Common error: Forgetting the angle in power calculation.
- JEE Tip: Power uses the component of force along velocity; solve for
Solved Example: A JEE Main problem involves a
- Solution:
Power:, where (force to lift mass ). Mass flow rate , so , . Solve: Round to . - JEE Tip: Power relates to the rate of energy transfer; mass flow rate is mass per unit time. Common error: Forgetting to include
in the force calculation.
- JEE Tip: Power relates to the rate of energy transfer; mass flow rate is mass per unit time. Common error: Forgetting to include
Application: Power applies to engines (e.g., car engines delivering horsepower), human effort (e.g., cycling), and machines (e.g., pumps, cranes), quantifying energy transfer rates.
Summary and Quick Revision
- Work:
. Units: . Positive if force aids displacement, negative if opposes (e.g., friction), zero if perpendicular (e.g., centripetal force). - Kinetic Energy:
. Work-energy theorem: . Solves for speed without force details (e.g., friction stopping a block). - Variable Forces:
. Spring: , work to stretch: . Integrate for other forces (e.g., ). - Power:
. Units: . Average power: . Measures energy transfer rate (e.g., for constant force). - SI Units: Work and energy (
), power ( ), spring constant ( ), mass flow rate ( ). - JEE/NEET Tips: Use
for work, check if for constant speed, integrate variable forces, use for constant velocity, verify significant figures (April 14, 2025), ensure directions align in dot products. - Applications: Mechanical systems (vehicles, springs), human effort (lifting, running), engineering (pumps, engines), physics problems (work-energy simplifies dynamics).
Practice Problems
Explore our extensive problem set with 100 problems inspired by JEE Main, JEE Advanced, and NEET patterns to test your understanding of kinetic energy and work.
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Note: Content regularly updated to align with current JEE/NEET syllabi.