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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 F on an object moving through a displacement d is defined as the scalar product:

W=Fd=Fdcosθ

where F is the magnitude of the force, d is the magnitude of the displacement, and θ is the angle between F and d. The unit of work is the joule (J), where 1J=1Nm.

Properties of Work

  • Work is a scalar, not a vector, despite being derived from vectors F and d.
  • If θ=0 (force and displacement in the same direction), W=Fd (maximum positive work).
  • If θ=90 (force perpendicular to displacement), W=0 (e.g., centripetal force in uniform circular motion).
  • If θ=180 (force opposite displacement), W=Fd (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: Wnet=Fnetd.

Derivation: Work Done by a Constant Force in 2D
Consider a constant force F=Fxi^+Fyj^ acting on an object with displacement d=dxi^+dyj^. The work done is the dot product:

W=Fd=(Fxi^+Fyj^)(dxi^+dyj^)=Fxdx+Fydy

If F and d are at angle θ, then W=Fdcosθ, where F=Fx2+Fy2, d=dx2+dy2, and cosθ=Fxdx+FydyFd.

Derivation: Work Done by Gravity on an Incline
A block of mass m slides down a frictionless incline at angle θ over a displacement d along the incline. Gravity Fg=mgj^, displacement d=dcosθi^+dsinθ(j^) (down the incline). Work done by gravity:

Wg=Fgd=(mgj^)(dcosθi^dsinθj^)=0+mgdsinθ=mgdsinθ

This equals mgh, where h=dsinθ is the vertical height descended, showing work depends only on vertical displacement.

Solved Example: A JEE Main problem involves a 2kg block on a frictionless surface pushed by F=10N at 30 above the horizontal over d=5m. Find the work done by the force.

  • Solution:
    F=10N, d=5m, θ=30. Work done:W=Fdcosθ=10×5×cos30=50×3250×0.86643.3JRound to 43J (2 significant figures, April 14, 2025).
    • JEE Tip: Use the component of force along displacement; cosθ accounts for the angle. Common error: Using the total force without resolving.

Solved Example: A NEET problem involves a 3kg block sliding down a frictionless incline at 45 over d=4m (g=9.8m/s2). Find the work done by gravity.

  • Solution:
    Vertical height descended: h=dsinθ=4×sin45=4×222.828m. Work done by gravity:Wg=mgh=3×9.8×2.82883.18JRound to 83J. Alternatively, use Wg=mgdsinθ=3×9.8×4×2283.18J.
    • NEET Tip: Work by gravity depends on vertical displacement; on an incline, use dsinθ for height. Common error: Using displacement along the incline without sinθ.

Solved Example: A JEE Advanced problem involves a 1kg block on a frictionless surface with F=5i^+3j^N, displaced d=2i^+4j^m. Find the total work done.

  • Solution:
    Total work: W=Fd=(5i^+3j^)(2i^+4j^)=5×2+3×4=10+12=22J.
    • JEE Tip: Use the dot product for work in 2D; compute components separately. Common error: Using magnitudes without considering direction (FdW unless aligned).

Solved Example: A JEE Main problem involves a 4kg block pushed by F=20N horizontally, but the block moves vertically upward d=3m. Find the work done by F.

  • Solution:
    F=20i^N, d=3j^m. Work done: W=Fd=20i^3j^=0J (since i^j^=0).
    • JEE Tip: If force and displacement are perpendicular, work is zero; check directions carefully. Common error: Assuming work is done without considering θ=90.

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 (KE) is the energy of motion, defined for an object of mass m moving at speed v as:

KE=12mv2

The unit is joules (J), since 1J=1kg(m/s)2. The work-energy theorem states that the net work done on an object equals the change in its kinetic energy:

Wnet=ΔKE=KEfKEi=12mvf212mvi2

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 Wnet>0, the object speeds up (e.g., a force accelerates a block).
  • If Wnet<0, the object slows down (e.g., friction does negative work).
  • If Wnet=0, 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 m moving in a straight line under a constant net force Fnet over displacement d. Acceleration: a=Fnetm. Using kinematics (vf2=vi2+2ad, where d is along the motion), and a=Fnetm, d=d (since force and displacement are aligned):

vf2vi2=2ad=2(Fnetm)d

Multiply by 12m:

12mvf212mvi2=Fnetd

Since Wnet=Fnetd, this is:

Wnet=12mvf212mvi2=ΔKE

Derivation: Work-Energy Theorem for a General Path
For a general path, work is W=Fnetdr. Using Newton’s second law, Fnet=ma=mdvdt. The differential work is dW=Fnetdr=mdvdtvdt=mvdv. Integrate:

Wnet=vivfmvdv=mvivfvdv=m[v22]vivf=12mvf212mvi2=ΔKE

Solved Example: A JEE Main problem involves a 2kg block initially at rest on a frictionless surface, pushed by F=10N over d=5m. Find the final speed.

  • Solution:
    Work done by the net force: Wnet=Fd=10×5=50J. Initial kinetic energy: KEi=0 (at rest). By the work-energy theorem:Wnet=ΔKE50=12mvf2050=12×2×vf2vf2=50vf=507.07m/sRound to 7.1m/s (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 vf.

Solved Example: A NEET problem involves a 3kg block moving at vi=4m/s on a surface with μk=0.2 (g=9.8m/s2) over d=5m. Find the final speed.

  • Solution:
    Normal force: N=mg=3×9.8=29.4N. Friction: fk=μkN=0.2×29.4=5.88N. Work done by friction: Wfriction=fkd=5.88×5=29.4J (negative since opposite to displacement). Initial kinetic energy: KEi=12mvi2=12×3×(4)2=24J. Work-energy theorem:Wnet=ΔKE29.4=12×3×vf22429.4+24=32vf25.4=32vf2vf2=5.4×23=3.6Since vf2<0, the block stops before 5m (friction does enough negative work). Recalculate distance to stop: 24+32×0=5.88d, d4.08m. At 5m, the block has stopped, so vf=0m/s.
    • NEET Tip: Negative work reduces kinetic energy; if KE becomes zero, the object stops. Common error: Assuming the block keeps moving without checking if it stops.

Solved Example: A JEE Advanced problem involves a 1kg block at vi=6m/s, acted on by F=4i^+3j^N over d=2i^+1j^m (frictionless). Find the final speed.

  • Solution:
    Work done: Wnet=Fd=(4i^+3j^)(2i^+1j^)=8+3=11J. Initial kinetic energy: KEi=12×1×(6)2=18J. Work-energy theorem:11=12×1×vf218vf2=11+18=29vf5.39m/sRound to 5.4m/s.
    • 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 vf is the magnitude.

Solved Example: A JEE Main problem involves a 0.5kg block moving at vi=8m/s on a surface with μk=0.3 (g=9.8m/s2). Find the distance it travels before stopping.

  • Solution:
    Normal force: N=mg=0.5×9.8=4.9N. Friction: fk=0.3×4.9=1.47N. Work done by friction: Wfriction=fkd. Initial kinetic energy: KEi=12×0.5×(8)2=16J. Final kinetic energy: KEf=0. Work-energy theorem:fkd=0161.47d=16d=161.4710.88mRound to 11m.
    • 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: W=rirfFdr. A common example is the spring force, which follows Hooke’s law: F=kx (where k is the spring constant, x is displacement from equilibrium). Variable forces are frequent in JEE/NEET problems involving springs, gravitational fields, or other position-dependent forces.

Work by a Spring

For a spring stretched or compressed from x1 to x2, the force varies linearly: F=kx. The work done by the spring (not the work to stretch it) is:

Wspring=x1x2(kx)dx=12k(x22x12)

If stretched from equilibrium (x1=0), Wspring=12kx22 (negative, as the spring pulls back).

Work to Stretch a Spring

The work done on the spring by an external force to stretch it is positive: Wext=12kx22 (from x=0 to x2).

Derivation: Work Done by a Spring Force
The spring force is F=kx, where x is displacement from equilibrium. For displacement from x1 to x2, work done by the spring:

Wspring=x1x2Fdx=x1x2(kx)dx=k[x22]x1x2=12k(x22x12)

If x1=0, Wspring=12kx22. The work to stretch the spring (external work) is the negative of this: Wext=12kx22.

Derivation: Work Done by a Variable Force in 1D
For a force F(x), work from xi to xf is:

W=xixfF(x)dx

For example, if F(x)=2x+3 from x=1 to x=3:

W=13(2x+3)dx=[x2+3x]13=(9+9)(1+3)=14J

Solved Example: A JEE Main problem involves a spring with k=200N/m stretched from x=0 to x=0.1m. Find the work done by the spring.

  • Solution:
    Work done by the spring:Wspring=12k(x22x12)=12×200×(0.120)=100×0.01=1.0J
    • 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 F=kx.

Solved Example: A NEET problem involves a 0.5kg mass on a spring (k=100N/m) released from x=0.2m. Find the speed at x=0.

  • Solution:
    Work done by the spring from x=0.2m to x=0: Wspring=12k(020.22)=12×100×(0.04)=2.0J. Initial kinetic energy: KEi=0 (released from rest). Work-energy theorem:Wnet=ΔKE2.0=12×0.5×v2v2=2.0×20.5=8v2.83m/sRound to 2.8m/s.
    • 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 F(x)=3x2+2x acting from x=0 to x=2m. Find the work done.

  • Solution:
    Work:W=02(3x2+2x)dx=[x3+x2]02=(8+4)0=12J
    • 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 (k=150N/m) compressed from x=0 to x=0.15m. Find the work done to compress the spring.

  • Solution:
    Work done to compress (external work): Wext=12kx2=12×150×(0.15)2=75×0.0225=1.6875J, round to 1.7J.
    • JEE Tip: Work to stretch/compress a spring is always positive; use x2 for magnitude. Common error: Using the spring’s work (negative).

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:

P=dWdt

For a constant force F and velocity v, P=Fv=Fvcosθ. The unit is the watt (W), where 1W=1J/s. Power quantifies how quickly energy is delivered, critical in JEE/NEET problems involving engines, vehicles, and human effort.

Average and Instantaneous Power

  • Average Power: Pavg=WΔt.
  • Instantaneous Power: P=Fv, used when force or velocity varies.

Derivation: Power for a Constant Force
Work done over time dt: dW=Fdr, where dr=vdt. Power:

P=dWdt=Fdrdt=Fv

If F and v are at angle θ, P=Fvcosθ. For example, if F=10i^N, v=5i^m/s, P=10×5=50W.

Derivation: Power in a System with Friction
A block moves at constant speed v under force F, with friction fk. Net force is zero (F=fk), but power by F is: P=Fv. Work by F converts to heat via friction, not kinetic energy, since v is constant.

Solved Example: A JEE Main problem involves a 1000kg car moving at v=20m/s with a constant force F=500N in the direction of motion. Find the power.

  • Solution:
    Power: P=Fv=500×20=10000W=10kW.
    • JEE Tip: When force and velocity are aligned, P=Fv; ensure consistent units (Nm/s=W). Common error: Forgetting to check the angle between F and v.

Solved Example: A NEET problem involves a person lifting a 10kg mass at a constant speed v=0.5m/s (g=9.8m/s2). Find the power.

  • Solution:
    Force to lift: F=mg=10×9.8=98N. Power: P=Fv=98×0.5=49W.
    • 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 2kg block on a surface with μk=0.2 (g=9.8m/s2), pulled at v=3m/s by a force at 30. Find the power by the force.

  • Solution:
    Normal force: N+Fsin30mg=0. Friction: fk=μkN. Constant speed: Fcos30=fk. N=mgFsin30, fk=0.2(2×9.8F×0.5), Fcos30=0.2(19.60.5F), F×0.866=3.920.1F, 0.966F=3.92, F4.06N. Power: P=Fvcos30=4.06×3×0.86610.54W, round to 11W.
    • JEE Tip: Power uses the component of force along velocity; solve for F using constant speed condition. Common error: Forgetting the angle in power calculation.

Solved Example: A JEE Main problem involves a 500W pump lifting water at v=2m/s (g=9.8m/s2). Find the mass flow rate.

  • Solution:
    Power: P=Fv, where F=mg (force to lift mass m). Mass flow rate m˙=mt, so P=(mg)v=(m˙tg)v, P=m˙gvt/t=m˙gv. Solve:m˙=Pgv=5009.8×225.51kg/sRound to 26kg/s.
    • JEE Tip: Power relates to the rate of energy transfer; mass flow rate is mass per unit time. Common error: Forgetting to include g in the force calculation.

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: W=Fd=Fdcosθ. Units: J=Nm. Positive if force aids displacement, negative if opposes (e.g., friction), zero if perpendicular (e.g., centripetal force).
  • Kinetic Energy: KE=12mv2. Work-energy theorem: Wnet=ΔKE=12mvf212mvi2. Solves for speed without force details (e.g., friction stopping a block).
  • Variable Forces: W=Fdr. Spring: Wspring=12k(x22x12), work to stretch: Wext=12kx2. Integrate for other forces (e.g., F(x)=ax+b).
  • Power: P=dWdt=Fv. Units: W=J/s. Average power: Pavg=WΔt. Measures energy transfer rate (e.g., P=Fv for constant force).
  • SI Units: Work and energy (J=kgm2/s2), power (W=J/s), spring constant (N/m), mass flow rate (kg/s).
  • JEE/NEET Tips: Use cosθ for work, check if Wnet=0 for constant speed, integrate variable forces, use P=Fv 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

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