WORK ENERGY AND POWER

2025/04/08
WEEK 1 -3
MATSUKUBAYNE SECONDARY SCHOOL
BY:MR NDHLOVU T.D
RUSTENBURG
NORTH WEST PROVINCE
0768575459
SOLUTIONS
ACTIVITY
 ➢ POWER

✓ Power is the rate at which work is done or energy is expended.

KEY!

o P → Power in Watts(W)
o W → work done in Joules (J).
o Δt → change in time in seconds
(s).

✓ Be in the position to calculate the power involved when work is done.

✓ Perform calculations using when an object moves at a constant speed
 along a rough horizontal surface or a rough inclined plane.

➢ AVERAGE POWER (CONSTANT VELOCITY)

✓ We can calculate the average power needed to keep an object moving at

constant speed.
✓ If the car is driven at a constant speed, the magnitude of the forward force is
equal to the magnitude of the frictional force.
✓ If the car is driven at constant speed then the force of the engine up the slope
must be equal in magnitude to the force down the slope.
✓ Be in a position to calculate the power output for a pump lifting a mass (e.g.
lifting water through a height at constant speed).
✓ Velocity is given by displacement over time:

∆x
vav = ∆t
❖ PRINCIPLE OF CONSERVATION OF MECHANICAL ENERGY

✓ Principle of conservation of mechanical energy: The total mechanical

energy in an
isolated system remains constant.
✓ Mechanical energy is sum of gravitational potential energy and kinetic
energy.
✓ A system is isolated when the resultant/net external
force acting on the system is zero.
✓ Be in the position to use the principles of energy to show
that in the absence of non- conservative forces, mechanical
energy is conserved.

KEY!

o The mechanical energy of a system is conserved when

only conservative forces are present in the system.
o The mechanical energy of a system is not conserved when
non-conservative forces are present in the system (e.g.
friction, air resistance, applied forces and tension). The work
done by these non-conservative forces is equal to the
change in the total mechanical energy of the system

21
2 Work, energy and power

The work done on an object by a constant force F is F ∆x cos Θ , where F is the magnitude of
the force, ∆x the magnitude of the displacement and Θ the angle between the force and the
displacement. W = F∆x cos θ

W = F ∆x cos θ

Work MAGNITUDE MAGNITUDE angle between the

in Joule of the force of the displacement
force and displacement
scalar in Newton in meter

W scalar (no direction): A negative W is energy removed from object.

Net work: Wnet = Wg + WT + Wf ric + WN (use the whole force)

Wnet = Fnet ∆ x cos θ (use components and calculate Fnet )

Work-energy theorem:
The net/total work done on an object is equal to the change in the object’s kinetic energy.
In symbols: Wnet = ∆ EK
Wnet = 21 m(vf 2 - vi 2 )

Conservative force: The work done by the force in moving an object between 2 points
is independent of the path taken ex. gravitational, electrostatic and elastic forces.
Non-conservative force: The work done by the force in moving an object between 2 points
depends the path taken ex. frictional force, air resistance, tension in a chord.

Work done by non-conservative forces: Wnc = ∆ EK + ∆ EP since Wg = −∆ EP

All the W useful when ‘no corner‘

except Wg is given for an inclined plane

Mechanical energy: Emech = Ek + Ep

Kinetic energy energy due to movement: Ek = 12 mv2
Gravitational potential energy: energy due to position: Ep = mgh
The principle of conservation of mechanical energy:
The total mechanical energy (sum of gravitational potential energy and kinetic energy) in an
isolated system remains constant. Emech(i) = Emech(f ) (Only Fg )
Epi + Eki = Epf + Ekf
(g and v no + or −) mgh + 12 mv2 = mgh + 12 mv2

Power: rate at which work is done/energy is expended. P= W

∆t
or Pave = Fvave
(For v constant)
(A power of 200 W means 200 J energy is used/work is done per second.)
 Work

The work done on an object by a constant force F is F ∆x cos Θ , where F is the magnitude of
the force, ∆x the magnitude of the displacement and Θ the angle between the force and the
displacement. W = F∆x cos θ

W = F ∆x cos θ

Work MAGNITUDE MAGNITUDE angle between the

in Joule of the force of the displacement force and displacement
scalar in Newton in meter

Example

A crate, with mass 10 kg, is pulled 4 m up an inclined

plane that makes an angle of 30◦ with the ground. The F
crate is pulled with a force of 180 N and experiences a
frictional force of 10N. Calculate the work done by each
of the forces working on the crate. 30o

Applied force:
WF = F ∆x cos θ
= 180(4) cos 0◦
= 720 J

Friction:
Wf = f ∆x cos θ
= 10(4) cos 180◦
= −40 J

Gravity:
Wg = Fg ∆x cos θ
= (10 × 9,8)(4) cos 120◦
= −196 J

Normal force:
WN = N ∆x cos θ
= N ∆x cos 90◦
= 0J

Junior Tukkie Winter School 11 Dr. S. Swanepoel (2020)

 f(
Just before
Fx = F cos θ and Fy = F sin θ moving

f
Fg⊥ = Fg cos θ and Fgk = Fg sin θ
moving
fk

ill
st
θ relative to horisontal

g
in
nd
a
st
fs(max) = µs N fs(max) = µs N
FT (

N N N
N
Fy ◦
fk F fk fk
• • Fx •F Fx
y
40◦◦
Fgk
Fg Fg Fg Fg⊥
Vertical: Vertical: Vertical: 40◦ Fg
Fnet = 0 Fnet = 0 Fnet = 0
N + (−Fg ) = 0 N + Fy + (−Fg ) = 0 N + (−Fg ) + (−Fy ) = 0 N = Fg⊥
N = Fg N = Fg − Fy N = Fg + Fy

Different methods to calculate Wg

A 10 kg toy car is pulled 3 m up an inclined plane. The plane is at a

30◦ angle to the ground and the height is
1,5 m. Calculate the work done by gravity.

Method 1 Method 2 Method 3

Accoding to definition Fg components Fg conservative force

Wg = Wg|| + Wg⊥ Wg routeA = Wg routeB

Wg = Fg ∆x cos θ
= Fg|| ∆x cos θ + 0 Wg = Wg(BI) + Wg(BII)
= 98(3) cos(90◦ + 30◦ )
= (98 sin 30◦ )(3) cos 180◦ = 0 + Fg (h) cos 180◦
= 98(3) cos(120◦ )
= 49(3) cos 180◦ = 98(1,5) cos 180◦
= −147,00J
= −147,00J = −147,00J
A man pulls a 50 kg-washing machine 3 m up an inclined plane by F

exerting a force of 2000 N parallel to the plane. The plane makes an

angle of 40◦ with the horizon. The washing machine experiences
20 N frictional force.

a. Draw a free body-diagram of all the forces a. Draw a free body-diagram of all the forces
acting on the machine. (No components) on the machine. Use components of Fg .

b. Calculate the work done by every force. b. Calculate the net force on the machine.

c. Use the previous answers to calculate the c. Use the Fnet to calculate the net work.
net work.

The washing machine starts from rest. Use the work-energy principle to prove that after 3 m the magni-
tude of the velocity is 14,14 m·s−1 .

Calculate the average power of the man with Calculate the average power of the man with
W
p = ∆t pave = F vave

(Most teachers prefer Pave = F vave only for constant v.)

 Closed system Any system
No friction or applied force With or without friction

Conservation of mechanical Work-energy principle

energy

∆x given
Emech(i) = Emech(f )
Wnet = ∆EK
Epi + Eki = Epf + Ekf 1
1 1 WT + Wf + WN + Wg = m(vf 2 − vi 2 )
mghi + mvi2 = mghf + mvf2 | {z } 2
2 2 Every W =F ∆x cos θ
1 2 1 2 N o components
ghi + vi = ghf + vf
2 2
or Wnet = ∆EK
Pendulums & free fall
1
Inclined planes & curved planes Fnet ∆x cos θ = m(vf 2 − vi 2 )
| {z } 2
U se components
v and g only magnitude (no sign) v only magnitude (no sign)

Conservation of momentum Impulse-momentum principle

Collisions and explosions ∆t given

NB: Directions!!! NB: Directions!!!

Σpi = Σpf Fnet ∆t = ∆p

p1i + p2i = p1f + p2f Fnet ∆t = pf − pi
m1 vi1 +2 mvi2 = m1 vf + m2 vf Fnet ∆t = m(vf − vi )

Sometimes Elastic collisions Work-energy principle

(Conservation of kinetic energy) for non-conservative forces

ΣEk(i) = ΣEk(f ) Wnet = ∆EK

Ek1i + Ek2i = Ek1f + Ek2f Wnc = ∆EK + ∆EP

1
1 2 1 2 1 2 1 2 WT + Wf + WN = m(vf 2 − vi 2 ) + mg(hf − hi )
m1 v1i + m2 v2i = m1 v1f + m2 v2f | {z } 2
2 2 2 2 All W except Wg

v only magnitude (no sign) v and g only magnitude (no sign)

If collision is elastic: ΣEk(i) = ΣEk(f ) Inclined planes with no angle

Is the collision elastic? Calculate
ΣEk(i) and ΣEk(f ) and compare

Junior Tukkie Winter School 14 Dr. S. Swanepoel (2020)

 The script of a new James Bond movie includes the following scenario:

James Bond (80 kg) starts from rest and skis down a 25 m slope with a villain at
his heels. The slope makes an 38◦ angle with the ground and James experiences a
frictional force of
10 N. At the bottom of the slope he covers a horizontal plane for 15 s and experiences
a 15 N frictional force. It brings him to a parcel (1 kg) fixed to an inelastic rope. He
grabs the parcel and swings up to the window on the second floor 5,2 m above the
ground. He releases the parcel, breaks the window and escapes through the building.
5,4 × 105 J is required to break the window.

You are the technical advisor to the producer and must determine if the
scenario is possible.

Junior Tukkie Winter School 15 Dr. S. Swanepoel (2020)

2 Worksheet: Work, energy and power

QUESTION 1

1.1 A girl with mass 60 kg slides 3 m down an inclined plane as shown in the picture.

a. Calculate the work done on the girl by gravity.

b. Calculate the work done on the girl by the normal force.

1.2 A block (5 kg) is pulled by a force of 60 N at an angle of 30◦ to the ground.

The block moves 3,25 m.
a. Calculate the work done on the block by gravity.

b. Calculate the work done on the block by the applied force.

1.3
A 1200 kg car is pulled 3 m up an incline (30◦ with
the ground) by a rope exerting a force of 8000 N
on the car. The car experiences a 20 N frictional force.

a. Draw a labelled free body diagram of all the forces

acting on the car.

b. Calculate the net work done on the car.

1.4
A block (5 kg) is pulled by a 50 N at an angle of 30◦ to
the ground. The block experiences a 4,2 N frictional force
and moves 2,60 m. The block starts from rest. Use the
work-energy principle to calculate the speed of the block after
the 2,60 m.

1.5 A film star in a car (together 720 kg) drives 4,8 m down an inclined plane as indicated in
the picture. She starts from rest. The car experiences a frictional force of 23 N. and the
engine exerts a force of 200 N.
a. Calculate the work done on the car by the engine.
b. Calculate the velocity of the car after
moving 4,8 m.
o
42

Junior Tukkie Winter School 1 Dr. S. Swanepoel (2020)

QUESTION 2

(The rest of the questions focus on study material covered in Video 3 and 4)

2.1

a. State the principle of conservation of mechanical energy.

b. A girl slides down a slide. She begins 2 m above the ground from rest and
experiences no friction. Use the principle of conservation of mechanical energy
to calculate her speed when she is 50 cm above the ground.

QUESTION 3

3.1 A Bus (2000 kg) is driving up an inclined plane. The engine exert a force of 20 000 N on
the bus and the bus experiences a 1 200 N frictional force. The bus travels at X with a
speed of 3 m·s−1 and at Y with a speed of 3,1 m·s−1 . The distance between X and Y is
4 m. Calculate the difference in height between X and Y.

3.2 A man pulls a wood block up an inclined plane. The mass of the block is 10 kg and the
kinetic friction coefficient between the block and the surface is 0,18. The block acceler-
ates from 2 m·s−1 to 3 m·s−1 while travelling a distance of 3 m.

F Y

3m

kg
10 X
a. Use energy principles to calculate the mag-
o nitude of the applied force.
30
b. Calculate the power dissipated by the man.

Junior Tukkie Winter School 2 Dr. S. Swanepoel (2020)

 48(67,21 '%(0DU
The diagram below shows a bullet of mass 20 g that is travelling horizontally. The
bullet strikes a stationary 7 kg block and becomes embedded in it. The bullet and block
together travel on a rough horizontal surface a distance of 2 m before coming to a stop.

20 g
7 kg

2m

4.1 Use the work-energy theorem to calculate the magnitude of the velocity of the
bullet-block system immediately after the bullet strikes the block, given that
the frictional force between the block and surface is 10 N. (5)

4.2 State the principle of conservation of linear momentum in words. (2)

4.3 Calculate the magnitude of the velocity with which the bullet hits the block. (4)
>@

48(67,21 '%(0DU
A 5 kg block is released from rest from a height of 5 m and slides down a frictionless
incline to point 3 as shown in the diagram below. It then moves along a frictionless
horizontal portion 34and finally moves up a second rough inclined plane. It comes to
a stop at point 5 which is 3 m above the horizontal.

5 kg

5
5m

3m
3 4 θ

The frictional force, which is a non-conservative force, between the surface and the
block is 18 N.

5.1 Using ENERGY PRINCIPLES only, calculate the speed of the block at
point 3. (4)
5.2 Explain why the kinetic energy at point 3 is the same as that at point 4. (2)
5.3 Explain the term non-conservative force. (2)
5.4 Calculate the angle (θ) of the slope 45. (7)
>@

Junior Tukkie Winter School 3 Dr. S. Swanepoel (2020)

2 Memorandum: Work, energy and power

1.1 a. Wg = Fg ∆xcosΘ b. WN = N ∆xcos90◦

= (60)(9,8)(3)cos(90 − 40)◦ = 0J
= (60)(9,8)(3)cos(50))◦
= 1133,88 J
1.2 a. Wg = Fg ∆xcosΘ b. WF = F ∆xcos90◦
= Fg ∆xcos90◦ = 60(3,25)cos30◦
= 0J = 168,87 J

1.3
Method 1: Method 2:
N
F WN = N ∆xcos90◦ N
F
= 0J

f WF = F ∆xcosΘ
f
= 8000(3)cos0◦ Fg ll

= 24000 J Fg ┴
Fg

Wf = fk ∆xcosΘ
Fnet = F + (−f ) + (−Fg|| )
= 20(3)cos180◦
= 8000 − 20 − (1200 × 98 × sin30◦ )
= −60 J
= 2100,00 N,up the slope
Wg = Fg ∆xcosΘ
= (1200)(9,8)(3)cos(90 + 30)◦ Wnet = Fnet ∆xcosΘ
= (1200)(9,8)(3)cos(120)◦ = (2100,00)(3)cos0◦
= −17640 J = 6300,00 J

Wnet = WF + Wf + Wg + WN
= 24000 − 60 − 17640 + 0
= 6300,00 J

1.4
Option 1 Wnet = ∆EK
1
WN + WF + Wf + Wg = (m)(vf2 − vi2 )
2
1
◦ ◦ ◦
0 + 50(2,60)cos30 + 4,2(2,60)cos180 + (5)(9,8)(2,60)cos90 = (5)(vf2 − 0)
2
1
0 + 112,58 − 10,92 + 0 = (5)(vf2 − 0)
2
101,66 = 2,5vf2
vf = 6,38 m · s−1

Junior Tukkie Winter School 1 Dr. S. Swanepoel (2020)

 1.4
Option 2 Wnet = ∆EK
1
Fnet ∆xcosθ = (m)(vf2 − vi2 )
2
1
(Fx + (−f ))(2,60)cos0◦ = (5)(vf2 − 0)
2
1
((50cos30◦ ) − 4,2)(2,60)cos0◦ = (5)(vf2 − 0)
2
vf = 6,38 m · s−1

1.5 a. WF = F ∆xcosθ
= (200)(4,8)cos0◦
= 960,00 J
b. The angle with the ground is 90 - 42 = 48◦

Option 1 Wnet = ∆EK

1
WN + WF + Wf + Wg = (m)(vf2 − vi2 )
2
1
◦ ◦
0 + 960,00 + 23(4,8)cos180 + (720)(9,8)(4,8)cos(90 − 48) = (720)(vf2 − 0)
2
1
0 + 960,00 + 23(4,8)cos180◦ + (720)(9,8)(4,8)cos42◦ = (720)(vf2 − 0)
2
0 + 960,00 − 110,40 + 25169,42 = 360vf2
vf = 8,50 m · s−1

Option 2 Wnet = ∆EK

1
Fnet ∆xcosθ = (m)(vf2 − vi2 )
2
1
◦
(F + Fg|| + (−f ))(4,8)cos0 = (720)(vf2 − 0)
2
(200 − 720(9,8)sin48◦ − 23)(4,8)cos0◦ = 360vf2
vf = 8,50 m · s−1

2.1 a. The principle of conservation of mechanical energy:

The total mechanical energy (sum of gravitational potential energy and kinetic energy) in
an isolated system remains constant.
2.2 b.
Emechi = Emechf
1 1
mghi + mvi2 = mghf + mvf2
2 2
1 2 1 2
ghi + vi = ghf + vf
2 2
1
9,8(2) + 0 = 9,8(0,5) + vf2
2
vf = 5,42 m · s−1

Junior Tukkie Winter School 2 Dr. S. Swanepoel (2020)

 3.1
Wnc = ∆Ek + ∆Ep
1
(WN ) + WF + Wf = m(vf2 − vi2 ) + mg(hf − hi )
2
1
0 + 0 + 20000(4)cos0◦ + 1200(4)cos180◦ = (2000)(3,12 − 32 ) + 2000(9,8)h
2
80000 − 4800 = 610 + 19600h
h = 3,81 m
3.2 a.
fk = µk N
= 0,18Fg⊥
= 0,18(10 × 9,8cos30◦ )
= 0,18(84,87)
= 15,28 N

Wnet = ∆Ek
1
(WN ) + WF + Wg + Wf = m(vf2 − vi2 )
2
1
0 + F (3)cos0◦ + (10 × 9,8)(3)cos(90 + 30)◦ + 15,28(3)cos180◦ = (10)(32 − 22 )
2
F = 72,61 N
b.
vi + vf W
∆t = ( )∆t P =
2 ∆t
2+3 72,16(3)cos0◦
3=( )∆t =
2 1,20
∆t = 1,20 s = 181,53 W

4.1
Wnet = ∆Ek
1
(WN ) + Wg + Wf = m(vf2 − vi2 )
2
1
0 + 0 + 10(2)cos180◦ = (7,02)(0 − vi2 )
2
vi = 2,39 m · s−1
4.2 Principle of conservation of linear momentum: The total linear momentum of a closed
system remains constant (is conserved).

4.3
Σpi = Σpf
p1i + p2i = p1&2
mv1i + mv2i = (m1 + m2 )vf
0,02v1i + 0 = (7 + 0,02)(2,39)
v1i = 838,89 m · s−1

Junior Tukkie Winter School 3 Dr. S. Swanepoel (2020)

 5.1 Emechi = Emechf
1 1
mghi + mvi2 = mghf + mvf2
2 2
1 1
ghi + vi2 = ghf + vf2
2 2
1
(9,8)5 + 0 = 0 + vf2
2
vf = 9,90 m · s−1

5.2 Fnet =0 ∴ a = 0 (Newton I) ∴ v constant ∴ Ek constant or

Fnet =0 ∴ Wnet = 0 (Newton I) ∴ Ek constant

5.3 A conservative force is a force for which the work done in moving an object between
two points is independent of the path taken. Examples are gravitational force, the elastic
force in a spring and electrostatic forces (coulomb forces).

5.4 Wnc = ∆EK + ∆EP

1
(WN ) + Wf = m(vf2 − vi2 ) + mg(hf − hi )
2
1
(0) + 18∆xcos180◦ = (5)(0 − (9,90)2 ) + 9,8(5)(3 − 0)
2
∆x = 5,45 m
3
sinθ =
5,45
θ = 33,40◦

Junior Tukkie Winter School 4 Dr. S. Swanepoel (2020)

 1

SUMMARY
p. 147–169
WORK, ENERGY AND POWER
MECHANICAL ENERGY

WORK

 Work is done on an object when

 a force works on the object, and
 the object moves in a direction parallel to the force.

 Energy is the ability to do work. (Work and energy are both joule quantities.)

 Work (W) is defined as Fx cosϴ: the product of the magnitude of the displacement
(∴ distance) and the component of the force in the direction of the displacement.

 The angle between the force and the displacement is ϴ.

W = F x cosϴ and Wnet = Fnet x cosϴ

Use this formula when object moves Use this formula when object
at constant velocity experiences changing velocity

 F and x are magnitudes and are always positive. Direction is represented in cosϴ.
 Work is positive when you, for example, apply the accelerator when driving.
 Work is negative when you, for example, apply the brakes when driving.

F F
x x
Work is positive Work is negative

 F works in the direction of x  F works against the direction of x

 The object gains energy under the  ϴ = 180°
action of F.  The object loses energy under the
 ϴ = 0° action of F.
 F works with motion  F works against motion

 When the displacement of an object is perpendicular to the force, no work is done by the force on
the object, because cos 90° = 0. (E.g. No work is done by the upward force with which you carry
a box forward.

FRICTION

 Frictional forces (𝑓) always oppose the motion.

 When the work done by friction is calculated, the magnitude of ϴ is ALWAYS 180°.

 Remember that kinetic friction can be calculated by: fk = μk FN

DIAGRAMS FOR FORCES

 When is it asked to indicate all the forces exerted on an object, all the forces are drawn, even
those that are not involved in the motion.
 A forces diagram shows all the forces exerted on the object.
 A free body diagram resembles the sketch of a forces diagram, but the object is not drawn –
a dot represents the object. All the forces are drawn as pulling forces.
 2

E.g. Show all the forces on an object that accelerates to the right under the influence of friction:

FN FN Fg: Weight / gravitation

FN: Normal force of floor on object
ƒ FT ƒ FT
FT: Applied force
forces diagram freeabody diagram f: Friction
Fg Fg

Note that on slopes either the weight (Fg) or the components of the weight (F|| and F) are
indicated – not all three! E.g. For an object on a slope (without an applied force):
no friction with friction
FN FN FN 𝑓 FN 𝑓

OR F|| OR F||
Fg F Fg F

THE WORK ENERGY THEOREM Fnet

m
 When a NET force works on an object and the objects moves faster
(or slower) over distance x, then the object experiences a change in x
kinetic energy (ΔEk). vi vf

 The work–energy theorem : The net work done on an object is equal to the change in kinetic
energy of the object.
Ek = (Ek)f – (Ek)i
Wnet = Ek with
= mvf – mvi
2 2

● When the final velocity vf is asked, the problem is done in 3 steps:

NB! 1. First determine Fnet.
2. Then calculate Wnet.  Wnet = Fnet Δx cosϴ.
3. Then calculate vf .  Wnet = mvf – mvi .
2 2

 If the acceleration (a) of the object is given,

nd
Fnet can be calculated by Newton’s 2 law: Fnet = ma

 If the object moves faster (Newton 2 situations):

Fnet
 Fnet is in the direction of x, ∴ ϴ = 0°;
 W net has a positive value. It means that F net works with the movement.
 The final velocity (vf) is greater than the initial velocity (vi). ϴ = 0° x

 If the object moves slower (Newton 2 situations):

Fnet
 Fnet is against the direction of x, ∴ ϴ = 180°;
 W net has a negative value. It means that F net works against the movement.
 The final velocity (vf) is less than the initial velocity (vi). ϴ = 180° x

 If the object moves at constant velocity (Newton 1 situations):

 △Ek = 0 J; therefore Wnet = 0 J and Fnet = 0 N.
 Apply the work energy theorem in 2 ways: In terms of force:
W net = △Ek
F1 F2 In terms of work: ∴ W net = 0
W net = △Ek ∴ Fnet x cosϴ = 0
x ∴ W net = 0 ∴ Fnet = 0
W F1 + W F2 = 0 F1 = F 2
 Note that all the forces still work on the object while W net = 0 J. Each force works according
to the work formula:
W = F x cosϴ
 3

STRATEGY WITH THE WORK ENERGY THEOREM

1. First write down the work energy theorem: Wnet = △Ek.

2. TYPE OF MOTION : Now determine from the question the type of motion:
 Changing velocity, ∴ faster or slower – Newton 2!
 The principle is: 1. Write expression for F
net
2. Wnet = FnetxcosӨ
3. Wnet = Ek
= mvf – mvi
2 2

 Constant velocity – Newton 1!

 The principle is: Ek = 0 J ∴ Wnet = 0 J or Fnet = 0 N

3. DETERMINE THE DIRECTION OF x : Draw a free body diagram and indicate the direction
of x. That is also the direction of the motion.

4. FIND THE FORCES INVOLVED : Now identify all the forces which are exerted on the object
and indicate them on the diagram. Look for:
① FA: applied forces, e.g.
 strings that pull / tension strings;
 the engine or the breaking force of a car;
 the pedal or the breaking force or a cyclist on a bicycle.
② f: friction.
 Friction is ALWAYS against the motion, ∴ against the direction of x.
 For motion to the left, f is to the right; for motion to the right, f is to the left.
 For motion down the slope, f is up the slope; for motion up the slope, f is down the slope.
③ components of forces.
 If the force is exerted at an angle: Change the situation to horizontal motion and calculate
the component of the force parallel to x.

F

Fx Fx = F cos 
These
formulae
 If the object is moving on a slope: Calculate the component of the weight parallel are NOT on
the data
to the slope (F||). sheet!

m m
F|| F|| = mg sin ϕ
ϕ ϕ
m m
 F|| is ALWAYS present with objects on a slope and is ALWAYS downwards.
2
 Use the sine–ratios if ϕ is not given, e.g. sin ϕ =
3
3m
2
ϕ h=2m ∴ F|| = mg x
3

5. DETERMINE ϴ : Choose ϴ either equal to an 0°; or 180°.

 If the object is moving faster, the angle between Fnet and x is equal to 0°.

F1 F2 Fnet
ϴ = 0° Fnet
ϴ = 0°
x
Fnet ϴ = 0° x x

 If the object is moving slower, the angle between Fnet and x is equal to 180°.

F1 F2 Fnet
Fnet
ϴ = 180° ϴ = 180°
x
Fnet
ϴ = 180° x x
 4

MECHANICAL ENERGY

CONSERVATIVE AND NON–CONSERVATIVE FORCES

 A conservative force is a force for which the work done in moving an object between two points
is independent of the path taken. E.g.
 weight (or components of weight, such as F||) ;
A
 electrostatic forces (coulomb forces). AB is
fricitonless
E.g. For the work done to have the ball on the ground: h
the work done by gravitation on path AC is equal to
the work done by gravitation on path AB. C B
 A non-conservative force is a force for which the work done in moving an object between two
points depends on the path taken. E.g.
 friction;
 air resistance;
 any applied force FA, such as tension in a string.

CONSERVATION OF MECHANICAL ENERGY

 Mechanical energy (ME) = sum of kinetic and potential energy: ME = Ek + Ep

 Ep = mgh and Ek = mv

2

 A system is closed when the net external forces on the acting on the system, is zero. (It usually
indicates a frictionless system.)

 Principle of Conservation of Mechanical Energy: The total mechanical energy in a closed

system remains constant.

 Suppose a ball, with mass m, slides down a slope from A to B.

Mechanical energy is conserved until it reaches B. A
AB is
The SAME mass m
is ALWAYS in ALL
ME (A) = ME (B) frictionless
the terms. (m can ∴ (Ep + Ek)A = (Ep + Ek)B h
2 2
also be eliminated.)
∴ (mgh + mv )A = (mgh + mv )B
B
 The only force involved is weight, which is a conservative force. Mechanical energy is
conserved/maintained/preserved. (That is what the word “conservative” implies.)

 When a question is answered using mechanical energy conservation, always look for a place
where the mechanical energy can be calculated, ∴ a place where the velocity and the height of
the object are known.

 In the equations above the mass of the object can be eliminated (“canceled”) in all four terms.
The equation can still be solved, even if the mass is not known.

APPLICATION OF MECHANICAL ENERGY CONSERVATION: THE PENDULUM

 The only force acting on a swinging pendulum is its weight. As weight is

a conservative force, the mechanical energy is conserved.

 Top: v = 0; and h = hmax. top

 Botom: v = vmax; and h = 0. m
hmax m
bottom
vmax
 5

 In the pendulum question conservation of energy is

sometimes combined with conservation of momentum.
At the bottom the mass collides with a second mass, which
experiences a change in momentum. top
m1
 The link between the swing (conservation of mechanical hmax m1 m2
energy) and the collision (conservation of momentum), is
vmax. vmax occurs in both of the conservation statements. bottom
vmax
 For swing: ME (top) = ME (bottom)
The SAME mass is ∴ (Ep + Ek)top = (Ep + Ek)botoom
2 2 swing collision
ALWAYS in ALL the ∴ (m1gh + m1v )top = (m1gh + m1v )bottom conservation of conservation of
terms in the “swing” 2
equation ∴ m1ghmax + 0 = 0 + m1vmax mechanical energy momentum
m1 only m1 and m2

 For collision: Σpi = Σpf

p=mv: m1vmax + m2vi2 = m1vf1 + m2vf2

THE EFFECT OF FRICTION

 When friction is involved, a system is not closed. The principle of conservation of mechanical
energy does not apply. Mechanical energy is lost.

 Suppose the ball glides from A over a rough surface. A

Then the mechanical energy at A will be greater than at AB is
B. Non–conservative forces (friction) are now involved, is a rough
therefore mechanical energy is NOT conserved/NOT h surface
maintained. You may NOT use the conservation of
mechanical energy – it does not apply! B

 The effect of friction:

 Without friction the mechanical energy is conserved, and
 the loss in potential energy = the gain in kinetic energy.
 That means that △Ep = –△Ek; or △Ep + △Ek = 0.
 But now, because mechanical energy is lost from A to B as a result of the work done by a
non–conservative force (friction), △Ep + △Ek is not equal to 0 anymore. The “difference” is
“made up” by the work done by the non–conservative force (friction) ∴ Wnc.
This formula is also a work energy
Wnc = △Ep + △Ek
2 2 theorem and can be used as an alternative
= mg(hf – hi) + m(vf – vi ) for Wnet = △Ek

 Wnc is calculated when the question is asked to calculate the work done by friction.

 W nc has a positive value if the force adds mechanical energy to the system, e.g.
 applied forces that work with the motion (such as engines and pumps).

 W nc has a negative value if the force removes mechanical energy from the system, e.g.
 friction;
 applied forces that work against the motion (such as applying the brakes).

 It is clear that in the absence of non–conservative forces (∴ frictionless), the mechanical energy is
conserved. (With frictionless: W nc = 0.)
W nc = △Ep + △Ek
With Wnc = 0: △Ep + △Ek = 0
∴ (EpB – EpA) + (EkB – EkA) = 0
∴ EpB + EkB = EpA + EkA
∴ MEB = MEA
 6

POWER

 Power (P) = the rate at which work is done or energy is expended.

 For the same quantity of work done, the power for the shortest time is the greatest.

For constant W, P
△

 When a force (F) moves an object with constant

velocity (v), the average power (P) of the force is: Pave = Favev

 It is not necessary to distinguish between minimum and maximum power.

 To calculate power, 2 strategies can be followed:

① If information on forces or a constant velocity is given, work from newton to watt.
Use: P = F v
ave ave

 Identify all the forces involved and look for relationships between them.
E.g. For constant velocity Fnet = 0 N; ∴ Fup = Fdown, etc.

② If information time is given, work from joule to watt.

Use:

 First calculate the work done by the force: W = F x cosϴ then

 Power is delivered by engines, strings and pumps that work non–conservatively.

Therefore, the work done by the appliance can be calculated by:

Wnc = △Ep + △Ek Then:

2 2
= mg(hf – hi) + m(vf – vi )

APPLICATION OF POWER: PUMPS

 Calculate the power output for a pump lifting a mass, e.g. the power output of a pump lifting water
to a certain height and final velocity.

top Wnc = △Ep + △Ek

2 2
vf W nc = mg(hf – hi) + m(vf – vi )

hf 𝐖𝐧𝐜
then 𝐏
bottom 𝚫𝐭
vi = 0
hi = 0

SYMBOLS AND UNITS

work (W, Wnc) joule (J) kinetic energy (Ek) joule (J)
force (F) newton (N) potential energy (Ep) joule (J)
horizontal displacement (x) meter (m) height (h) meter (m)
frictional force (𝑓) newton (N) mass (m) kilogram (kg)
-1
power (P) watt (W) time (△t) ms
-1
velocity (v, vi, vf) ms