Module 4

WORK AND ENERGY

Introduction
The previous module discusses the causes of motion of objects and the different types
of forces. You learned how to determine the resultant force acting on the object and how an
unbalanced force affects the acceleration of an object. In this module, a concept that is
closely related to force will be discussed – work. The relationship of work and kinetic energy
will be unveiled with the aid of equations of kinematics. Also, the different forms of energy
and power will be discussed. Sample problems and check your understanding are included to
see if you have understood the concepts in this module.

Objectives
At the end of this module, you should be able to:
1. Explain work-energy theorem and describe the different forms of energy.

2. Discuss the law of conservation of energy and cite some applications.

3. Use law of conservation of energy in solving problems.

4.1 Work
Work is a common word that we use in our daily activities. In our everyday
experiences, we refer work as the expenditure of muscular effort, but this is not the case in
the field of physics. Work is defined as the product of force and the displacement along the
line of force. It is a scalar quantity.

The work done on an object by a constant force F is

W = (F cos  ) d
where F is the magnitude of the force, d is the magnitude of the displacement, and θ is

the angle between the force and the displacement.

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 Units of Measurement for Work
System Force Displacement Work
SI Newton (N) Meter (m) Joule (J)
CGS Dyne (dyn) Centimeter (cm) Erg
BE Pound (lb) Foot (ft) Foot • pound (ft • lb)

In the figure above, the work done by the force applied by the man on the car is given by,
W = F cos θ d = F (cos 0°) d = F d
Note: 1 N*m = 1 Joule (J)

The figure above shows that the work done by the force applied by the woman in pulling the

suitcase is given by,

W = (F cos θ) d

Examples where there is NO work done.

1) A beam supporting a bridge.

2) A man pushing a wall.
3) A man holding 10kg sack of rice 1 meter above the ground.

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In figure (a), work is done in lifting and

lowering the barbell in the bench pressing

exercise, (b) The force F does positive

work during the lifting phase, (c) The

force F does negative work in the lowering

phase.

NOTE:

Work is positive (+) if θ is less than 90°

but greater than or equal to 0°.

Work is negative (-) if θ is greater than 90°

but less than or equal to 180°.

Work is zero (0) if θ is equal to 90°.

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 Example 4.1
The truck is accelerating at a rate of +1.50 m/s2. The mass of the crate is 120-kg and it
does not slip. The magnitude of the displacement is 65 m. What is the total work done on
the crate by all of the forces acting on it?

Given:
a = + 1.50 m/s2
m = 120 kg
d = 65 m
Required: W = ? (the total work done by all the forces acting on the crate)
Solution:
The gravitational force W and normal force FN does not do work on the crate since they
are both perpendicular to the displacement of the crate. The static frictional force fs does
work on the crate and is given by fs = ma using Newton’s Second Law of Motion.
𝑚
𝑓𝑠 = 𝑚 𝑎 = (120 𝑘𝑔) (1.50 2 ) = 180 𝑁
𝑠
Thus, the work done by the forces acting on the crate is given by
𝑊 = 𝐹 cos 𝜃 𝑑 = 180 𝑁 (cos 0°) 65 𝑚 = 11, 700 𝐽

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4.2 The Work-Energy Theorem

In our everyday language, when work is done, it always ends with a result. In physics, when

work is done, the result is a change in kinetic energy. Kinetic energy can be derived from the

definition of work and the equations of kinematics which is shown below.

𝑊 = 𝐹 cos 𝜃 𝑑 (Note: cos θ = 1 if F and d have same direction and F = ma)

𝑣𝑓2 −𝑣𝑜2
𝑊 =𝑚𝑎𝑑 (𝑎𝑑=𝑎𝑥= )
2

𝑣𝑓2 − 𝑣𝑜2 1 1
𝑊=𝑚 = 𝑚𝑣𝑓2 − 𝑚𝑣02
2 2 2

Definition of Kinetic Energy

The kinetic energy KE on an object with mass m and speed v is given by

1
KE = m v2
2

SI unit of KE: Joule (J)

Work-Energy Theorem

When a net external force does work W on an object, the kinetic energy of the object

changes from its initial value of KE0 to a final value of KEf, the difference between the two

values being equal to the work:

1 2 1 2
W = KE f − KE0 = mv f − mv0
2 2

➢ Note: The work-energy theorem deals with the work done by the net external force. The
work-energy theorem does not apply to the work done by an individual force.

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 Example 4.2
The mass of the space probe is 474-kg and its initial velocity is 275 m/s. If the 56.0-mN
force acts on the probe through a displacement of 2.42×109m, what is its final speed?

Given:
m = 474 kg
v0 = 275 m/s
F = 56.0 mN = 56.0 x 10-3 N
d = 2.42 x 109 m
Required: vf = ?
1 1
Solution: Recall 𝑊 = 𝐹𝑑 = 2 𝑚𝑣𝑓2 − 2 𝑚𝑣02

Thus we have,

2 1
𝑣𝑓 = √ (𝐹𝑑 + 𝑚𝑣02 )
𝑚 2

2 1
𝑣𝑓 = √ ((56.0𝑥10−3 𝑁)(2.42𝑥109 𝑚) + (474𝑘𝑔)(275𝑚/𝑠)2 )
474 𝑘𝑔 2

𝑣𝑓 = 805 𝑚/𝑠

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Other Types of Kinetic Energy

1. Thermal Energy – also called heat energy which is the energy associated with the

constant, random bouncing of atoms or molecules.

2. Radiant energy – is the energy of electromagnetic radiation or light which travels

through space or a medium.

3. Sound energy – a form of energy which is produced due to the vibration of an object.

This energy travels through a medium such as solid, air or water by transferring

energy from one particle to another.

4. Electrical energy – is the energy of the moving electrons.

Common Forms of Kinetic Energy

1. Rotational Kinetic Energy – energy possessed by an object due to its rotational
motion around an axis.
2. Translational Kinetic Energy – is the kinetic energy due to its motion in a straight line
from one place to another.
3. Vibrational Kinetic Energy – the kinetic energy due to an objects vibrational motion.

4. 3 Gravitational Potential Energy

Potential energy is an energy that is stored 𝑊𝑔𝑟𝑎𝑣𝑖𝑡𝑦 = 𝑚 𝑔 (ℎ0 − ℎ𝑓 )

in an object because of its location. The
most common potential energy is the
gravitational potential energy.
The gravitational potential energy
PE is the energy that an object of mass m
has by virtue of its position relative to the
surface of the earth. That position is
measured by the height h of the object
The two balls here have different path but they
relative to an arbitrary zero level: have the same work done since ℎ0 − ℎ𝑓 for the
PE = m g h two paths are the same.

SI Unit of GPE: Joule (J)

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 Example 4.3
The gymnast leaves the trampoline at an initial height of 1.20 m and reaches a maximum
height of 4.80 m before falling back down. What was the initial speed of the gymnast?

Given:
ℎ0 = 1.20 𝑚
ℎ𝑓 = 4.80 𝑚
𝑣𝑓 = 0 𝑚/𝑠
Required: 𝑣0 =?
1 1
Solution: Recall 𝑊𝑔𝑟𝑎𝑣𝑖𝑡𝑦 = 𝑚 𝑔 (ℎ0 − ℎ𝑓 ) and 𝑊 = 2 𝑚𝑣𝑓2 − 2 𝑚𝑣02

Thus we have,
1 1
𝑊𝑔𝑟𝑎𝑣𝑖𝑡𝑦 = 𝑚 𝑔 (ℎ0 − ℎ𝑓 ) = 𝑚𝑣𝑓2 − 𝑚𝑣02
2 2

𝑣0 = √(2𝑔 (ℎ0 − ℎ𝑓 ))

𝑚
𝑣0 = √−2(9.8 )(1.20𝑚 − 4.80𝑚) = 8.40 𝑚/𝑠
𝑠2

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Types of Potential Energy

1. Gravitational Potential Energy

2. Elastic Potential Energy – is the energy stored in an object that is stretched or

compressed.

3. Nuclear Potential Energy – is the potential energy of the particles such as protons

and neutrons that are present inside the nucleus of an atom. When two or more

atomic nuclei combine in order to form a large nucleus or when a nucleus splits

into two smaller nuclei, a large amount of nuclear energy is released. The process

where two or more nucleus combine to form a larger nucleus is called nuclear

fusion. Example is the generation of the sun’s energy by nuclear fusion of

hydrogen into helium. On the other hand, the process where one nucleus splits

into two smaller nuclei is called nuclear fission.

4. Chemical Potential Energy – is a type of potential energy stored in the bonds of

atoms and molecules. The chemical energy gets released in the form of heat when

the bonds between the atoms are broken. Examples of chemical energy are coal,

photosynthesis, and batteries.

5. Electric Potential Energy – is the potential or stored energy that charged particles

have because of its own electric charge and its relative position to other charged

particles.

Read Link 4.1 The Physics of Photosynthesis posted in the VLE.

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4.4 Conservative Versus Nonconservative Forces

Definition of a Conservative Force

Version 1 A force is said to be conservative when the work it does on a moving object is

independent of the path between the object’s initial and final positions.

Version 2 A force is said to be conservative when it does no net work on an object moving

around a closed path, starting and finishing at the same point.

Examples Conservative and Nonconservative Forces

CONSERVATIVE FORCES NONCONSERVATIVE FORCES

Gravitational force Static and kinetic frictional forces

Elastic spring force Air resistance

Electric force Tension

Normal force

Propulsion force of a rocket

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The figure above shows a roller coaster track which is an example of a closed path. Thus, we
can apply version 2 definition of a conservative force. Assuming the track is frictionless and
there is no air resistance, the only force acting on the car that do work is the gravitational
force (since the normal force is perpendicular to the car’s motion). From the starting point
going down (positive work) and going up (negative work) until it reaches its starting point
again, the total work done by the gravitational force is zero.

4.5 Principle of Conservation of Mechanical Energy

The total mechanical energy (E = KE + PE) of an object remains constant as the

object moves, provided that the net work done by external nonconservative forces is zero,

(Wnc = 0 J)

𝐸0 = 𝐸𝑓

1 1
𝑚𝑔ℎ0 + 𝑚𝑣02 = 𝑚𝑔ℎ𝑓 + 𝑚𝑣𝑓2
2 2

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The figure above shows a bobsled run. Ignoring friction and wind resistance, the kinetic and

potential energy can be interconverted and showing that the total mechanical energy remains

the same. The total mechanical energy at the top is equal to the mechanical energy at the

bottom.

Example 4.4
A motorcyclist is trying to leap across the canyon by driving horizontally off a cliff 38.0
m/s. Ignoring air resistance, find the speed with which the cycle strikes the ground on the
other side.

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 Continuation of Example 4.4
Given:
ℎ0 = 70.0 𝑚
ℎ𝑓 = 35.0 𝑚
𝑣0 = 38.0 𝑚/𝑠
Required: 𝑣𝑓 = ?
1 1
Solution: Recall 𝑚𝑔ℎ0 + 2 𝑚𝑣02 = 𝑚𝑔ℎ𝑓 + 2 𝑚𝑣𝑓2

2𝑔ℎ0 + 𝑣02 = 2𝑔ℎ𝑓 + 𝑣𝑓2

𝑣𝑓 = √2𝑔ℎ0 + 𝑣02 − 2𝑔ℎ𝑓

38.0𝑚 2 9.8𝑚
√ 2
𝑣𝑓 = 2(9.8𝑚/𝑠 )(70.0𝑚) + ( ) − 2( 2 )(35.0𝑚)
𝑠 𝑠

𝑣𝑓 = 46.2 m/s

➢ Reminder: In the case where the nonconservative force is not equal to zero (𝑊𝑛𝑐 = 0),
the work-energy theorem becomes
𝑊𝑛𝑐 = 𝐸𝑓 − 𝐸0
1 1
𝑊𝑛𝑐 = 𝑚𝑔ℎ𝑓 + 𝑚𝑣𝑓2 − 𝑚𝑔ℎ0 + 𝑚𝑣02
2 2

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 Example 4.5
A 0.20 kg rocket in a fireworks display is launched from rest and follows an erratic flight
path to reach the point P. Assuming that the nonconservative force generated by the
burning propellant does 425 J of work, what is the final speed of the rocket. Ignore air
resistance.

Given:
𝑊𝑛𝑐 = 425 𝐽
𝑣0 = 0 𝑚/𝑠
ℎ𝑓 − ℎ0 = 29 𝑚
𝑔 = 9.8 𝑚/𝑠 2
𝑚 = 0.20 𝑘𝑔
Required: 𝑣𝑓 =?
1 1
Solution: Recall 𝑊𝑛𝑐 = 𝑚𝑔ℎ𝑓 + 2 𝑚𝑣𝑓2 − 𝑚𝑔ℎ0 + 2 𝑚𝑣02
1
𝑊𝑛𝑐 = 𝑚𝑔(ℎ𝑓 − ℎ0 ) + 𝑚𝑣𝑓2
2

2
𝑣𝑓 = √ ( 𝑊𝑛𝑐 − 𝑚𝑔(ℎ𝑓 − ℎ0 ))
𝑚

2
𝑣𝑓 = √ (425 𝐽 − (0.20 𝑘𝑔) (9.8𝑚/𝑠 2 )(29𝑚)) = 61 𝑚/𝑠
0.20𝑘𝑔

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 Law of Conservation of Energy

Energy is not created nor destroyed, it merely transform from one form to another.

This principle influences every biological processes such as growing, thinking,

moving, digesting food, reproducing, and repairing damaged tissues. Example, the

interactions between predators and their prey and the number of species that can survive in a

habitat is affected by this principle. All living systems are masters of energy transformation.

Everyday, organisms are always transforming energy into kinetic energy, chemical energy,

and even to light energy. The total energy available controls the productivity of an ecosystem.

The main source of energy in earth is the radiant energy from the sun. The energy that the

earth absorbs is converted to heat and others are reflected as light. Solar energy helps create

the different habitats where organisms live, is responsible for global weather patterns, and

helps drive biological cycles that recycle carbon, oxygen, other chemicals, and water.

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 The trophic pyramid or energy pyramid above illustrates how energy transform. The

organism at the bottom of the pyramid – the producers, use solar energy to do biological

work such as storing chemical energy and make their own food. The other organisms in the

pyramid are all consumers. The consumers at each level feed on organism from the level

below and are themselves consumed by organism at the level above. Most of the food energy

that enters trophic level is “lost” as heat when it is used by organisms to power regular

activities of life. Thus, the higher the trophic level on the pyramid, the lower the amount of

available energy.

4.6 Power

Average power P is the average rate at which work W is done, and it is obtained by

dividing W by the time required to perform the work:

Work W
P= =
time t

SI Unit of Power: Watt (W)

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Conversion Factors for Power

746 Watt = 1 horsepower (hp)

1 kilowatt (kW) = 1000 watt

1 hp = 550 ft*lb/s

Power can also be expressed as

𝑊 𝐹𝑑 𝑑
𝑃= = 𝑣=
𝑡 𝑡 𝑡

Thus, we have

P=Fv

Example 4.6
One kilowatt* hour (kWh) is the amount of work or energy generated when one kilowatt
of power is supplied for a time of one hour. A kilowatt*hour is the unit of energy used by
power companies when figuring your electric bill. Determine the number of joules of
energy in one kilowatt*hour.
Required: W = ? (in joules)
𝑊
Solution: Recall 𝑃 =
𝑡
𝑊=𝑃𝑡

Thus, 1 𝐽 = 1 𝑊𝑎𝑡𝑡 ∗ 𝑠𝑒𝑐

1000 𝑊 3600 𝑠
1 𝑘𝑊ℎ 𝑥 𝑥 = 3,600,000 𝑊 ∗ 𝑠 = 3.6 𝑥106 𝐽
1𝑘𝑊 1ℎ𝑟

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 Check Your Understanding 4.1
1. A suitcase is hanging straight down from your hand as you ride an elevator.
Your hand exerts a force on the suitcase, and this force does work. This
work is
(a) positive when you ride up and negative when you ride down,
(b) negative when you ride up and positive when you ride down,
(c) positive when your ride up or down,
(d) negative when you ride up or down.
2. A sailboat is moving at a constant velocity. Is work being done by a net
eternal force acting on the boat?
3. A ball has a speed of 15 m/s. Only one external force acts on the ball. After
this force acts, the speed of the ball is 7 m/s has the force done
(a) positive (b) zero, or (c) negative
work on the ball?
4. In a simulation on earth, an astronaut in his space suit climbs up a vertical
ladder. On the moon, the same astronaut makes the exact same climb. Which
one of the following statements correctly describes how the gravitational
potential energy of the astronaut changes during the climb?
(a) It changes by a greater amount on earth.
(b) It changes by a greater amount on the moon.
(c) The change is the same in both cases.
5. In which one or more of the following situations is the principle of
conservation of mechanical energy obeyed?
(a) An object moves uphill with an increasing speed.
(b) An object moves uphill with a decreasing speed.
(c) An object moves uphill with a constant speed.
(d) An object moves downhill with an increasing speed.
(e) An object moves downhill with a decreasing speed.
(f) An object moves downhill with a constant speed.

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 Exercise 4
1. A person pulls a toboggan for a distance of 65.0 m along the snow with a rope directed 15°
above the snow. The tension in the rope is 94.0 N.
a) How much work is done on the toboggan by the tension force?
b) How much work is done if the same tension is directed parallel to the snow?

2. It takes 200 kJ of work to accelerate a car from 23.0 m/s to 28.0 m/s. What is the car’s
mass?

3. Starting from rest, a 1.9 x 10-4 kg flea springs straight upward. While the flea is pushing off
from the ground, the ground exerts an upward force of 0.38 N on it. This force does +2.4
x 10-4 J of work on the flea.
a) What is the flea’s speed when it leaves the ground?
b) How far upward does the flea move while it is pushing off? Ignore both air
resistance and the flea’s weight.

4. A shot-putter puts a shot (weight = 70.0 N) that leaves his hand at a distance of 1.52 m
above the ground.
a) Find the work done by the gravitational force when the shot has risen to a height of
2.3 m above the ground. Include the correct sign for work.
b) Determine the change (PE = PE f − PE0 ) in the gravitational potential energy of
the shot.

5. A 47.0 g golf ball is driven from the tee with an initial speed of 45.0 m/s and rises to a
height of 19.0 m.
a) Neglect air resistance and determine the kinetic energy of the ball at its highest
point.
b) What is its speed when it is 5.0 m below its highest point?

6. A 2.0 kg rock is released from rest at a height of 30.0 m. Ignore air resistance and
determine the kinetic energy, gravitational potential energy, and the total mechanical
energy at each of the following heights: 30.0 m, 15.0 m, and 0 m.

7. A student, starting from rest, slides down a water slide. On the way down, a kinetic
frictional force (a nonconservative force) acts on her. The student has a mass of 65.0 kg,
and the height of the water slide is 12.7 m. If the kinetic frictional force does -6.5 x 103 J
of work, how fast is the student going at the bottom of the slide?

8. You are working out on a rowing machine. Each time you pull the rowing bar (which
stimulates the oars) toward you, it moves a distance of 1.2 m in a time of 1.8s. The readout
on the display indicates that the average power you are producing is 85 W. What is the
magnitude of the force that you exert on the handle?

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References
[1] Cutnell, J.D. & Johnson, K.W. (2010). Introduction to Physics. 8th edition. John Wiley & Sons.
[2] What is Energy. (2020, October 8). Retrieved from [Link]
[Link]/[Link]/[Link]
[3] Energy flow. (2020, October 8). Retrieved from
[Link]

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