WORK, ENERGY AND POWER

Work is energy transferred to an object as a result of a force acting on the object. Work is done
when a force acts upon an object and causes the object to move some distance from the start
point (also called displacement).
In order for a force to qualify as having done work on an object, there must be a displacement
and the force must cause the displacement. The amount of work done on an object depends on:
 Magnitude of the force acting on an object
 The displacement of the object

Work is a scalar quantity and therefore it has magnitude but does not have a direction. It is
measured in Joules (J).

Positive work is the work done on an object if the force (or component of the force) acting on
the object moves in the direction of motion (displacement) of the object. Positive work increases
the velocity and the kinetic energy of an object.
Negative work is the work done by force that acts in an opposite direction to that of the
displacement of the object. Negative work decreases the velocity and kinetic energy of an
object.

Work can be defined mathematically as:

W = F∆xcosθ

• W is the magnitude of work in Joules(J)

• F is the magnitude the force in Newtons (N)
• ∆x,sometimes written as d is the magnitude of the displacement in meters (m)
• θ is the angle between the force and the displacement of the object.

Work is not done in the following situations:

1. When there is a force exerted on the object but there is no displacement.

In this case there is force 𝐹 but no displacement or motion i.e. ∆𝑥 = 0m.
The diagram below shows a man exerting a force on the wall without the wall moving and
there he is doing no work on the wall.

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 2. The force exerted acts perpendicular to the displacement. T
The angle between the force and the displacement, θ is 90°. According to the work
equation:

W = F∆xcosθ

When θ is 90°, cos90° = 0 .Therefore W = 0 Joules. In the diagram below, no work is

done.

Meaning of 𝛉

As stated, the angle between the displacement of the object and the force acting on it is
known as θ. The value depends on the direction of the force and the displacement.

 When the force and displacement are in the same direction, θ = 0°

2
  When the force and displacement are in the opposite direction, θ = 180°
 When force and displacement are perpendicular to each other, θ = 90°

The diagram below illustrates:

Friction

Friction occurs when two surfaces rub against one another.When an object moves over a surface,
friction acts on that object. Frictional force is defined as the force that acts opposite to the
direction of motion of the object and is parallel to the surface the object is on. Frictional force
does negative work on an object.

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Kinetic frictional force

Kinetic friction is a force that acts between moving surfaces. An object that is being moved over
a surface will experience a force in the opposite direction to its movement. The magnitude of
the force depends on the coefficient of kinetic friction between the two kinds of material. The
coefficient of kinetic friction is assigned the Greek letter "mu" (𝜇), with a subscript "𝑘". The
force of kinetic friction is 𝜇𝑘 times the normal force on an object, and is expressed in units of
Newtons (N).

The equation for kinetic friction on a horizontal surface is:

fk = μk N

fk = μk mg

On an inclined plane, the kinetic friction is:

fk = μk N

fk = μk mgcosθ

θ:the angle of inclination between the horizontal surface and the incline.

Conservative force

A conservative force is a force for which the work done on an object is independent of the path
taken i.e. the actual path taken by the object makes no difference. Gravitational
force, electrostatic force, magnetic force, and elastic force (spring's force) are examples of
conservative forces. In the presence of conservative forces, mechanical energy is conserved.

Non-conservative forces
A non conservative force is one for which the work done on the object depends on the path
taken. Friction is a good example of a non-conservative force. Work done against friction
depends on the length of the path between the starting and ending points.
If non-conservative forces are present in a system, mechanical energy (sum of kinetic and
potential) is not conserved, but total energy (of the system) is still conserved.

Other examples of non-conservative forces include air resistance, tension and applied forces.
The work done by a non-conservative force in a system is given by the sum of the change in
kinetic energy and change in potential energy.

Wnc = ∆Ek + ∆Ep

Where :

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 1 1
∆Ek = mvf 2 − mvi 2
2 2
And
∆Ep = mghf − mghi

Net Force

Net force or resultant force is the vector sum of forces acting on a particle or body.. If forces
F1 ; F2 and F3 act on an object, the Fnet is the sum of the three forces acting on the system i.e.

Fnet = F1 + F2 + F3

In the diagram shown below:

Fnet = Fa + Ff + FN + Fg

Net force is zero when:

1. When no force acts on an object or the object is at rest.
2. When the object moves at constant velocity. (∆v = 0 ms −1 )
At constant velocity, the object does not accelerate i.e. a = 0 ms −2 . According to Newtown’s
Second Law, Fnet = ma, therefore since a = 0 ms −2 then Fnet = 0 N.

Work Energy Theorem

When a net force does work on an object, then there is always a change in the kinetic energy of
the object. This is because the object experiences acceleration and therefore a change in
velocity. This leads us to the work-energy theorem. It states that:

The net work done on an object is equal to the change in the object’s kinetic energy.

Wnet = ∆K
1 1
Wnet = mvf 2 − mvi 2
2 2

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The work-energy theorem is another example of the conservation of energy.

Note: If forces F1 , F2 and F3 act on an object and do work on that object, the net work done can
also be written as the sum of all the works done by each of the forces.

Wnet = W1 + W2 + W3

Power

Power is the rate at which work is done or energy is transferred (or converted). The symbol for
power is P and it is measured in Watts (W).

W
P=
∆t
F∆xcosθ
=
∆t

In the case where F and ∆x are in the same direction then

F∆x
P=
∆t
∆x
=F
∆t
= F. v

In the case of the minimum power required for an electric motor to pump water from a borehole
from a particular depth, that power is calculated as :
Wnc
P=
∆t

∆Ek + ∆Ep
=
∆t

Free Body and Force Diagrams

Forces acting on an object can be represented by force diagrams or free body diagrams.
Free-body diagrams are diagrams used to show the relative magnitude and direction of all forces
acting upon an object in a given situation. The size of the arrow in a free-body diagram reflects
the magnitude of the force. The direction of the arrow shows the direction that the force is
acting. Each force arrow in the diagram is labeled to indicate the exact type of force. In these
diagrams, the surface the object is on is represented by a line draw a line to represent it

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It is generally customary to represent the object by a dot or a box. If the object is represented by
a dot, the diagram is known as a free-body diagram. If it is represented by a box, then it is called
a force diagram as illustrated by the diagrams below

Free body diagram Force diagram

The followings symbols to help represent forces in force diagrams and free body diagrams:

Fa or T or F ∶ applied force or pulling or pushing force

Ff or f ∶ frictional force
Fn , or N: normal force
Fg , or w: gravitational force or weight

Calculations on horizontal surfaces

Given that a force acts on an object on a horizontal surface causing the object to move to the
RIGHT, the following calculations apply:

Net Force:
Fnet = Fa + Ff + FN + Fg

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FN and Fg are equal and opposite and therefore they cancel each other out:
Fnet = Fa + Ff

Fa acts in the same direction as displacement of the object hence it is a positive force, the force
of friction, Ff is a negative force acting in a direction opposite to the displacement. Therefore:

Fnet = Fa − Ff

Net work

Each force acting does work on the object and the sum of the works done by all the forces is net
work.

Wnet = Wa + Wf + WN + Wg

The work done by the normal force and the force of gravity is zero since the forces act
perpendicular to the displacement of the object. Therefore:

Wnet = Wa + Wf

Wnet = Fa ∆xcosθ + Ff ∆xcosθ

Wnet = Fa ∆xcos0° + Ff ∆xcos180°

Calculations on Inclined Surfaces

Object being pulled up an incline

Given that an object moves up an incline pulled by an applied force, the force diagram below
shows the scenario:

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Net force
Fnet = Fa + Ff + FN + Fg

Since the object is on an incline, the Fg is resolved into two components namely
Fg(parallel) or w∥ and Fg(perpendicular) or w⊥ .

The diagram and formulas are shown below:

Fg(parallel) = mgsinθ
Fg(perpendicular) = mgcosθ

θ is the angle of inclination between the horizontal and the incline.

Fnet = Fa + Ff + FN + Fg(parallel) + Fg(perpendicular)

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Fg(perpendicular) and normal force are equal in magnitude and opposite to each other therefore
they cancel each other i.e. Fg(perpendicular) = FN = mgcosθ.

The Fg(parallel) acts downward and parallel to surface.

Therefore:
Fnet = Fa + Ff + Fg(parallel)

Ff and Fg(parallel) act opposite to the displacement of the object and therefore they are negative
forces. Fa acts in the same direction as the displacement of the object and is a positive force.
Therefore:
Fnet = Fa − Ff − Fg(parallel)

Fnet = Fa − Ff − mgsinθ

Net work
Wnet = Wa + Wf + WN + Wg(parallel) + Wg(perpendicular)

Work done by Fg(perpendicular) and normal force is zero since they act perpendicular to the
displacement of the object. Therefore:

Wnet = Wa + Wf + Wg(parallel)

Wnet = Fa ∆xcosθ + Ff ∆xcosθ + Fg(parallel) ∆xcosθ

Wnet = Fa ∆xcos0° + Ff ∆xcos180° + mgsinθ∆xcos180°

It must be noted in cases where there is frictional force, the following equation can also be used
in calculations:

Wnc = ∆Ek + ∆Ep

Object that moves down an incline (no applied force acting)

Given an object that moves down a slope or incline, the force diagram below shows all the forces
acting on the object.

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Net force
Fnet = Fg(parallel) + Ff + FN + Fg(perpendicular)

Fg(perpendicular) and the normal force are equal in magnitude and opposite to each other
therefore they cancel each other. Therefore:

Fnet = Fg(parallel) + Ff

Fg(parallel) acts downward in the same direction as the displacement of the object and
therefore is a positive force. Ff or f acts in the opposite direction and therefore is a negative
force.

Fnet = Fg(parallel) − Ff

Fnet = mgsinθ − Ff

Net work
Wnet = Wg(parallel) + Wf + WN + Wg(perpendicular)

Work done by Fg(perpendicular) and normal force is zero since they act perpendicular to the
displacement of the object. Therefore:

Wnet = Wg(parallel) + Wf

Wnet = Fg(parallel) ∆xcosθ + Ff ∆xcosθ

Wnet = mgsinθ∆xcos0° + Ff ∆xcos180°

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Tips on calculations

1. Take note of the words or phrases used in the sentences e.g. “up an incline”, “down a slope”,
“ to the right” or “to the left”.

2. If the question says the surface is frictionless, then it means force of friction is not acting on
the object and therefore mechanical energy is conserved. On an inclined surface, the
Fg(parallel) acts downwards, parallel to the surface.

3. Ff is a dissipative force and is always negative and does negative work on the object.

PAST EXAM PAPERS PRACTISE QUESTIONS

2010 November Paper 1 Q 5

A worker pulls a crate of mass 30 kg from rest along a horizontal floor by applying a constant
force of magnitude 50 N at an angle of 30° to the horizontal. A frictional force of magnitude 20 N
acts on the crate whilst moving along the floor.

5.1 Draw a labelled free-body diagram to show ALL the forces acting on the crate
during its motion. (4)
5.2 Give a reason why each of the vertical forces acting on the crate do NO WORK
on the crate. (2)
5.3 Calculate the net work done on the crate as it reaches point P, 6 m from the starting
point O. (4)
5.4 Use the work-energy theorem to calculate the speed of the crate at the instant
it reaches point P. (3)
5.5 The worker now applies a force of the same magnitude, but at a SMALLER ANGLE to the
horizontal, on the crate. How does the work done by the worker now compare to the
work done by the worker in QUESTION 5.3? Write down only GREATER THAN, SMALLER
THAN or EQUAL TO. Give a reason for the answer.
(No calculations are required.) (2)

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2012 Gauteng Preliminary Paper 1 Q 4

The diagram below shows a crate of mass 500 kg being pulled up a slope from point A to point
B at CONSTANT VELOCITY. The slope makes an angle of 35° with the horizontal. The frictional
force that the surface exerts on the crate is 2 500N.

4.1 Draw a labeled free body diagram showing all the forces acting on the crate (4)
4.2 Calculate:
4.2.1 Force F applied to pull the crate up the slope from point A to point B (4)
4.2.2 Work done by force F upon reaching point B (3)
4.2.3 Power due to force F if it takes 2,5 minutes to move the crate from point A
to point B (4)

2009 November Paper 1 Q 5

A 3 kg block slides at a constant velocity of 7 ms -1 along a horizontal surface. It then strikes a

rough surface, causing it to experience a constant frictional force of 30 N. The block slides 2 m
under the influence of this frictional force before it moves up a frictionless ramp inclined at an
angle of 20° to the horizontal, as shown in the diagram below. The block moves a distance d up
the ramp, before it comes to rest.

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5.1 Show by calculation that the speed of the block at the bottom of the ramp
is 3 ms-1. (5)
5.2 Draw a free-body diagram to show all the forces acting on the block in a direction
parallel to the incline, whilst the block is sliding up the ramp. (2)
5.3 Calculate the distance, d, the block slides up the ramp. (5)

2014 Exemplar Paper 1 Q 5

A 3 kg trolley is at rest on a horizontal frictionless surface. A constant horizontal force of 10 N

is applied to the trolley over a distance of 2,5 m.

When the force is removed at point P, the trolley moves a distance of 10 m up the incline until
it reaches the maximum height at point Q. While the trolley moves up the incline, there is a
constant frictional force of 2 N acting on it.

5.1 Write down the name of a non-conservative force acting on the trolley as it moves
up the incline. (1)
5.2 Draw a labelled free-body diagram showing all the forces acting on the trolley
as it moves along the horizontal surface. (3)
5.3 State the WORK-ENERGY THEOREM in words. (2)
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5.4 Use the work-energy theorem to calculate the speed of the trolley when it
reaches point P. (4)
5.5 Calculate the height, h, that the trolley reaches at point Q. (5)

2011 March Paper 1 Q 5

A crate of mass 70 kg slides down a rough incline that makes an angle of 20° with the
horizontal, as shown in the diagram below. The crate experiences a constant frictional force of
magnitude 190 N during its motion down the incline. The forces acting on the crate are
represented by R, S and T.

5.1 Label the forces R, S and T. (3)

5.2 Give a reason why force R does no work on the crate. (2)
-1
The crate passes point A at a speed of 2 m∙s and moves a distance of 12 m before
reaching point B lower down on the incline.
5.3 Calculate the net work done on the crate during its motion from point A to
point B. (5)
5.4 Write down the work-energy theorem in words. (2)
5.5 Use the work-energy theorem to calculate the speed of the crate at
point B. (4)

2015 March Paper 1 Q 5

A 5 kg block is released from rest from a height of 5 m and slides down a frictionless incline to
point P as shown in the diagram below. It then moves along a frictionless horizontal portion

15
PQ and finally moves up a second rough inclined plane. It comes to a stop at point R which is 3
m above the horizontal.

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 P. (4)
5.2 Explain why the kinetic energy at point P is the same as that at point Q. (2)
5.3 Explain the term non-conservative force. (2)
5.4 Calculate the angle (θ) of the slope QR. (7)

2015 Cape Winelands Preliminary Paper 1 Q5

The diagram below shows a heavy block of mass 100 kg sliding down a rough 25° inclined
plane. A constant force F is applied on the block parallel to the inclined plane as shown in the
diagram below. The block slides down at a constant velocity.

The magnitude of the kinetic frictional force (fk) between the block and the surface of
the inclined plane is 266 N.

16
5.1 Friction is a non-conservative force. What is meant by the term non-

conservative force (2)

5.2 Write down the net work done on the object (1)
5.3 Calculate the magnitude of the force F (4)
If the block is released from rest without the force F being applied, it moves 3 m
down to the bottom of the inclined plane.

5.4 Calculate the speed of the block at the bottom of the inclined plane (6)

2015 Mpumalanga Preliminary Paper 1 Q 5

A windmill on a farm is used to pump stationary water, from point A, in a well. The water flows
past point B, 35 m above point A, at a speed of 2,1 m·s-1.

5.1 Define the term conservative force. (2)

5.2 Calculate the maximum power delivered by the windmill if 87 kg water is
pumped from the well per minute. (5)

2013 November Paper 1 Q 5

17
A 5 kg rigid crate moves from rest down path XYZ as shown below (diagram not drawn to scale).
Section XY of the path is frictionless. Assume that the crate moves in a straight line down the
path.

5.1 State, in words, the principle of the conservation of mechanical energy. (2)
5.2 Use the principle of the conservation of mechanical energy to calculate the
speed of the crate when it reaches point Y. (4)
On reaching point Y, the crate continues to move down section YZ of the path. It
experiences an average frictional force of 10 N and reaches point Z at a speed of
4ms−1
5.3 APART FROM FRICTION, write down the names of TWO other forces that act on the
crate while it moves down section YZ. (2)
5.4 In which direction does the net force act on the crate as it moves down section
YZ? Write down only from 'Y to Z' or from 'Z to Y'. (1)
5.5 Use the WORK-ENERGY THEOREM to calculate the length of section YZ. (5)

Another crate of mass 10 kg now moves from point X down path XYZ.

5.6 How will the velocity of this 10 kg crate at point Y compare to that of the 5 kg crate
at Y? Write down only GREATER THAN, SMALLER THAN or EQUAL TO. (1)

2008 November Paper 1 Q 7

The diagram below represents how water is funneled into a pipe and directed to a turbine at a
hydro-electric power plant. The force of the falling water rotates the turbine. Each second, 200
m3 of water is funneled down a vertical shaft to the turbine below. The vertical height through
which the water falls upon reaching the turbine is 150 m. Ignore the effects of friction. NOTE:
One m3 of water has a mass of 1 000 kg.

18
7.1 Calculate the mass of water that enters the turbine each second. (1)
7.2 Calculate the kinetic energy of this mass of water when entering the turbine.
Use energy principles. (4)
7.3 Calculate the maximum speed at which this mass of water enters the turbine. (3)
7.4 Assume that a generator converts 85% of this maximum kinetic energy gained by the
water into hydro-electricity. Calculate the electrical power output of the
generator. (2)
7.5 Explain what happens to the 15% of the kinetic energy that is NOT converted
into electrical energy. (1)

2014 March Paper 1 Q 5

A loaded truck with a total mass of 5 000 kg travels up a straight incline at a constant
velocity of 15ms−1 . At the top of the incline, the truck is at a height of 55 m above its
starting point. The work done by frictional forces 8,5 × 104 J. (Ignore the rotational effects
of the wheels of the truck.)

5.1 Define power in words. (2)

5.2 Draw a labelled free-body diagram showing ALL the forces acting on the truck
as it moves up the incline. (4)
5.3 Use the WORK-ENERGY THEOREM to calculate the work done by the engine
of the truck to get it to the top of the incline. (5)
5.4 Calculate the average power delivered by the engine of the truck if the truck takes
19
 60 s to reach the top of the incline. (3)
The truck now returns down the same incline with a constant velocity of 15ms −1 .

5.5 How will the work done by the engine of the truck on reaching the bottom of the
incline compare to that calculated in QUESTION 5.3? Write down GREATER THAN,
SMALLER THAN or EQUAL TO.
Give a reason for the answer. (2)

2014 Eastern Cape Preliminary Paper 1 Q 4

A windmill is used on a farm to pump water out of a well that is 37 m deep. The
water flows past point A, 37 m above the well to the dam with a constant velocity of
2 ms −1 .

4.1 Calculate how much energy is necessary to pump 90 kg of water out of the
well to point A. (4)
4.2 It is necessary to pump 90 kg of water per minute. What is the maximum
power that the windmill must produce? (3)
4.3 The farmer wants to modernise the farm. The farmer decides to buy a 0,5kW
petrol water pump.
4.3.1 Will the petrol water pump be able to produce the required power?
(YES or NO) (1)
4.3.2 Why would you advise the farmer to rather use a windmill instead
of a petrol water pump? (1)

20
2014 Eastern Cape Preliminary Paper 1 Q 5

The diagram below shows a crate of mass 50 kg sliding down a steep slope. The slope makes
an angle of 30° with the horizontal. The motion of the crate as it moves down the slope is
controlled by a worker using a rope attached to the crate. The rope is held parallel to the slope.
The tension in the rope, FT, is 300 N and a constant frictional force of 50 N acts on the crate as it
slides down the slope.

5.1 Draw a labelled free-body diagram showing the forces parallel to the
slope acting on the crate as it moves down the slope. (3)
5.2 State the WORK-ENERGY THEOREM in words. (2)
5.3 The change in kinetic energy of the crate is 450 J as it slides from the top
to the bottom of the slope. Use the work-energy theorem to calculate the length
of the slope, Δx. (5)
5.4 Calculate the coefficient of kinetic friction on the crate as it moves down the
slope. (4)

2014 Free State Preliminary Paper 1 Q 5

A 3kg metal block moves from rest at point A down an incline as shown in the diagram below and
reaches a speed of 6 ms−1 at B. Section AB of the path is frictionless.

21
5.1 Would you describe the movement of the block on section AB of the path as
freefall? Give a reason for your answer. (2)
5.2 Calculate the net work done on the block as it moves down section AB of the
path. (3)
5.3 Calculate the height of the block at position B. (4)
5.4 On reaching point B, the block continues to move down section BC of the path
which is 5 m in length. The block now experiences a frictional force and reaches
point C at a speed of 2ms −1 . Use the principle of conservation of energy to calculate
the magnitude of the frictional force acting on the block as it moves down section BC
on the path. (5)

2014 Gauteng Preliminary Paper 1 Q 6

A cyclist pushes his bicycle of mass 6,1 kg up an incline with a force of 20 N. The bicycle is
pushed from an initial velocity of 5 ms−1 from point A to point B. The road is inclined at 10°
to the horizontal and the distance from A to B is 32 m as shown below.

22
The road surface exerts a force of friction of 11 N on the bicycle tyres.
6.1 Calculate the work done by the cyclist on the bicycle. (3)
6.2 Use the work-energy theorem and calculate the magnitude of the velocity of the
bicycle at 32 m. (5)
6.3 Explain why frictional forces are regarded as non-conservative forces. (2)

2014 Limpopo Preliminary Paper 1 Q 4

A man pushes a crate, of mass 10 kg, up a rough surface inclined at 20° to the horizontal,
with a 100 N force parallel to the surface.

The crate is pushed 5 m up the surface with an initial speed of 1,5 ms −1 . The coefficient of
kinetic friction between the crate and surface is 0,4.

4.1 Draw a labelled free body diagram to show all the forces acting on the
crate. (4)
23
4.2 Calculate the work done by gravity. (3)
4.3 Calculate the:
4.3.1 energy lost due to friction. (6)
4.3.2 work done by the man in pushing the crate up the surface. (1)
4.4 State the Work Energy Theorem in words. (2)
4.5 Use the Work Energy Theorem to calculate the magnitude of the final velocity of
the crate after it has been pushed 5 m up the surface. (4)

2014 Cape Winelands Preliminary Paper 1 Q 4

A rescue helicopter is stationary (hovers) above the ground. It lowers a crate containing
medical supplies with a mass 50 kg onto the ground below. When the crate is at a height
of 20 m above the ground it has a speed of 2 ms −1 . The crate is lowered at a constant
acceleration onto the ground with a cable, where it eventually comes to rest. Assume there is no
sideways motion during the descent. Air friction is NOT to be ignored.

4.1 Define a non-conservative force. (2)

4.2 Identify TWO non-conservative forces acting on the crate during its downward
descent (motion). (2)
4.3 Draw a free-body diagram showing ALL the forces acting on the crate while it
is being lowered to the ground. (3)
4.4 Write down the work-energy theorem in words. (2)
4.5 Using the work energy theorem, calculate the acceleration of the crate as it is
lowered to the ground. (6)

24
2014 November Paper 1 Q 5
The diagram below shows a track, ABC. The curved section, AB, is frictionless. The rough
horizontal section, BC, is 8 m long.

An object of mass 10 kg is released from point A which is 4 m above the ground. It slides down
the track and comes to rest at point C.

5.1.1 State the principle of conservation of mechanical energy in words. (2)

5.1.2 Is mechanical energy conserved as the object slides from A to C? Write only YES
or NO. (1)
5.1.3 Using ENERGY PRINCIPLES only, calculate the magnitude of the frictional force
exerted on the object as it moves along BC (6)

5.2 A motor pulls a crate of mass 300 kg with a constant force by means of a light
inextensible rope running over a light frictionless pulley as shown below. The
coefficient of kinetic friction between the crate and the surface of the inclined plane
is 0,19.

5.2.1 Calculate the magnitude of the frictional force acting between the crate
and the surface of the inclined plane. (3)
−1
The crate moves up the incline at a constant speed of 0,5 ms .
5.2.2 Calculate the average power delivered by the motor while pulling the crate
25
 up the incline. (6)

2015 Senior Certificate Paper 1 Q 5

The diagram below shows a heavy block of mass 100 kg sliding down a rough 25° inclined plane.
A constant force F is applied on the block parallel to the inclined plane as shown in the diagram
below, so that the block slides down at a constant velocity.

The magnitude of the kinetic frictional force (fk) between the block and the surface of the
inclined plane is 266 N.

5.1 Friction is a non-conservative force. What is meant by the term non- conservative
force? (2)
5.2 A learner states that the net work done on the block is greater than zero.
5.2.1 Is the learner correct? Answer only YES or NO. (1)
5.2.2 Explain the answer to QUESTION 5.2.1 using physics principles. (2)
5.3 Calculate the magnitude of the force F. (4)
If the block is released from rest without the force F being applied, it moves 3 m down the
inclined plane.
5.4 Calculate the speed of the block at the bottom of the inclined plane. (6)

2015 Eastern Cape Preliminary Paper 1 Q 5

During a fire extinguishing operation, a helicopter remains stationary (hovers) above a dam while
filling a bucket with water. The bucket, of mass 80 kg, is filled with 1 600 kg of water. It is lifted
vertically upwards through a height of 20 m by a cable at a CONSTANT SPEED of 2 ms −1 . The
tension in the cable is 17 000 N. Assume there is no sideways motion during the lift. Air friction is
NOT ignored.

26
5.1 State the work-energy theorem in words. (2)
5.2 Draw a labelled free body diagram showing ALL the forces acting on the bucket
of water, while being lifted upwards. (3)
5.3 Use the WORK ENERGY THEOREM to calculate the work done by air
friction on the bucket of water after moving through the height of 20 m. (5)

2015 Free State Preliminary Paper 1 Q 5

A boy on roller-skates moves at a constant velocity in an easterly direction along a frictionless

horizontal part AB of a track carrying a parcel. He decides to increase his velocity by throwing the
parcel horizontally away from him.

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5.1.1 In which direction must the parcel be thrown to cause a maximum increase in the
velocity of the boy? (1)
5.1.2 Name and define in words the law in physics that you have applied in
QUESTION 5.1.1. (3)
−1
On reaching point B at a velocity of 6 ms , the boy on the roller-skates, with total mass 57 kg,
continues to move up a rough section BC of the track and comes to rest at position X, height 4m.
The magnitude of the frictional force acting on the roller-skates, is 40 N.

5.1.3 Calculate value Ө of the inclined plane. (6)

5.2 A remote controlled car is driven up an inclined plane at 300 to the horizontal as shown
below. The car of mass 4 kg, experiences an average forward force of 80 N. A frictional
force of 15 N is acting on the car as it moves up the plane. The speed of the car at the
bottom of the inclined plane is 3 ms−1 .

Use energy principles to calculate the speed of the car after it has travelled 5 m up
the inclined plane. (7)

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2015 Gauteng Preliminary Paper 1 Q 6

A box of mass 86kg is accelerating down a surface inclined at 25° to the horizontal.

A man applies a force F upwards parallel to the plane in an attempt to prevent the box from
sliding down the inclined plane. In spite of the man’s effort the box is accelerating down the
inclined plane.

6.1 What is a non-conservative force? (2)

6.2 The coefficient of kinetic friction (𝜇𝑘 ) between the box and the surface of the plane
is 0,22.
Prove that the magnitude of the kinetic frictional force is 168,04N (2)
6.3 State the work-energy theorem in words. (2)
6.4 Draw a labelled FREE BODY diagram of all the forces acting on the box. (4)
6.5 The box accelerates parallel down the inclined plane for a distance of 0,9 m at
1,54 ms −2 . Use the work-energy theorem and calculate the work done by the man on
the box. (5)

2015 Limpopo Preliminary Paper 1 Q 6

A container of mass 120 kg, hanging from a steel cable attached to a crane is accelerated
vertically upwards from rest through a height of 12 m, as shown in the diagram below. The
container reaches a maximum speed of 5 ms −1 after being lifted through a height of 12 m.

29
4.1 Draw a labelled free body diagram showing all the forces acting on the container
as it is accelerated upwards. (3)
4.2 If the tension in the cable is 800 N, calculate the work done by the cable to move
the container to a height of 12 m. (3)
4.3 State the Work Energy Theorem in words. (2)
4.4 Use Energy Principles to calculate the work done on the container
by friction while it is moving to a height of 12 m. (4)
4.5 Name ONE non – conservative force acting on the container as it is
lifted. (1)

2015 Mpumalanga Preliminary Paper 1 Q 4

A toy canon, mass 1,6 kg, is at rest on a rough horizontal surface as shown in the diagram. A steel
marble, mass 0,8 kg, is fired horizontally to the east from the canon. Immediately after firing the
marble, the canon moves at 0,26 m·s-1 to the west.

30
4.1 Calculate the speed of the steel marble immediately after firing the marble. (4)
4.2 The steel marble experiences a force F during the firing. Explain in terms of F how
the force experienced by the CANON compares with that experienced by the steel
marble. (3)
The canon reaches point A with a speed of 0,2 m·s-1 and then moves down a rough 0,5 m long
slope AB.
4.3 Explain why this is NOT a closed system. (1)
4.4 Calculate the kinetic frictional force experienced by the canon as it moves from A to B
if the coefficient of kinetic friction (𝜇𝑘 ) is 0,12. (3)
4.5 Using ENERGY PRINCIPLES only, calculate the velocity of the canon at point B. (5)

2015 North West Preliminary Paper 1 Q 5

During an accident the driver applies the brakes to bring a car to rest. The combined mass of the
driver and the car is 800kg. The investigators at the accident scene, measure the length of the
car’s skid marks on the level road to be 88m. The coefficient of kinetic friction on the road was
estimated to be 0,42 .

The forces acting on the car while braking, is shown as X, Y and Z in the figure above.
5.1 Identify and name the force marked Y. (1)
5.2 Which ONE of the above the forces is a conservative force? (1)
5.3 What is the magnitude of the work done by force Y? (1)
5.4 Which ONE of the above forces does negative work on the car? (1)
5.5 State the work energy theorem in words? (2)
5.6 Determine the magnitude of the frictional force acting between the wheels of the car
and the road surface to bring it to rest. (3)
5.7 Using the WORK-ENERGY PRINCIPLE ONLY, determine the speed of the car just before
the driver slammed on ( and locked) the brakes. (4)

2015 Metro South Preliminary Paper 1 Q 5

A worker applies a constant force of 45 N on a crate of mass 25 kg, at an angle of 30° with the
horizontal.When the crate reaches point P, its velocity is 12 m.s-1 and 3,5 m further it reaches
point Q at a velocity of 10,8 m.s-1.

31
5.1 Draw a labelled free-body diagram to show the horizontal forces acting on the
crate during its motion. The length of the vectors should be an indication of their
relative magnitudes. (3)
5.2 Write down the NAME of the non-conservative force that opposes the forward
motion of the crate. (1)
5.3 State the Work-Energy theorem in words. (2)
5.4 Use ENERGY PRINCIPLES to calculate the magnitude of the non-conservative force
mentioned in QUESTION 5.2. (6)

2016 March Paper 1 Q 5

A constant force F, applied at an angle of 20° above the horizontal, pulls a 200 kg block, over a
distance of 3 m, on a rough, horizontal floor as shown in the diagram below.

The coefficient of kinetic friction, μk, between the floor surface and the block is 0,2.
5.1 Give a reason why the coefficient of kinetic friction has no units. (1)
5.2 State the work-energy theorem in words. (2)
5.3 Draw a free-body diagram indicating ALL the forces acting on the block while it is
being pulled. (4)
5.4 Show that the work done by the kinetic frictional force Wfk on the block can be
written as Wfk = (−1 176 + 0,205𝐅)J. (4)
5.5 Calculate the magnitude of the force F that has to be applied so that the net work
done by all forces on the block is zero. (4)

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2016 Senior Certificate Preliminary Paper 1 Q 5

A 20 kg block is released from rest from the top of a ramp at point A at a construction site as
shown in the diagram below. The ramp is inclined at an angle of 30° to the horizontal and its top
is at a height of 5 m above the ground.

5.1 State the principle of conservation of mechanical energy in words. (2)

5.2 The kinetic frictional force between the 20 kg block and the surface of the ramp is
30 N.
Use energy principles to calculate the:
5.2.1 Work done by the kinetic frictional force on the block. (3)
5.2.2 Speed of the block at point B at the bottom of the ramp (5)
−1
5.3 A 100 kg object is pulled up the SAME RAMP at a constant speed of 2 ms by a small
motor. The kinetic frictional force between the 100 kg object and the surface of the ramp
is 25 N. Calculate the average power delivered by the small motor in the pulling of the
object up the incline. (4)

2016 Eastern Cape Preliminary Paper 1 Q 5

A box is held stationary at point A, the top of a plane ABC, inclined at an angle to the horizontal.
The portion AB of the plane is smooth while the portion BC is rough.

33
4.1 State the principle of conservation of mechanical energy in words. (2)
4.2 Calculate the speed of the box at position B. (4)
4.3 The box experiences a kinetic frictional force of 14,7 N as it moves with a
constant velocity, from B to C, down the plane.
4.3.1 State the Work-Energy Theorem in words. (2)
4.3.2 Draw a free-body diagram showing ALL forces acting on the box at B. (3)
4.3.3 Use the work-energy principle to calculate the distance d, between
B and C if the box has a mass of 3 kg. (5)
4.4 The angle between the incline and the horizontal is decreased. How will this
decrease affect the coefficient of kinetic friction acting on the box? Write only
INCREASE; DECREASE or REMAIN THE SAME. (1)

2016 Free State Preliminary Paper 1 Q 5

A crate is allowed to move down a frictionless slope AB at constant velocity by applying a force of
600 N as shown in the diagram below.

34
5.1 Define the term normal force. (2)
5.2 Calculate the mass of the crate. (5)
The crate is then brought to rest at point X (by applying a larger force) when the cable suddenly
snaps causing the crate to accelerate down the slope reaching point B with a speed of 6 ms −1 . It
then moves along a rough horizontal portion BC and reaches a speed of 2 ms−1 at point C.
5.3 State in words the principle of conservation of mechanical energy. (2)
5.4 Calculate the:
5.4.1 Height at point X (4)
5.4.2 Coefficient of kinetic friction from B to C (5)

2016 Gauteng Preliminary Paper 1 Q 5

A car of mass 700 kg moves up a rough inclined plane as shown in the diagram below.

5.1 What is the net work done on the car if the car moves up the inclined plane at
CONSTANT velocity? (1)
5.2 Draw a labelled free body diagram showing all the forces acting on the car as it
moves up the inclined plane. (4)
5.3 The car now starts from rest at the base of the slope and accelerates up the inclined
plane. The car’s engine exerts a force of 6 000 N and the coefficient of kinetic friction
between the wheels of the car and surface is 0,32.
5.3.1 State the work-energy theorem in words. (2)
5.3.2 Use energy principles to calculate the magnitude of the velocity of the car
after moving a distance of 70 m up the incline. (8)

2016 Kwazulu Natal Preliminary Paper 1 Q 5

A car of mass 1500 kg needs to maintain a constant speed of 10 ms−1 up a constant hill of height
4,56 m inclined at 0,46° o the horizontal.

35
The co-efficient of kinetic friction (𝜇𝑘 ) , between the surface of the hill and the tyres of the car is
0,017.
5.1 State the WORK-ENERGY theorem. (2)
5.2 Draw a labelled free body diagram to show all the forces acting on the car whilst it is
moving up the incline with a constant speed of 10 ms −1 . (4)
5.3 Show that the magnitude of the kinetic frictional force that acts on the car is
249,98 N while it moves up the hill. (3)
5.4 Use the WORK-ENERGY theorem to calculate the average power the engine of the car
must provide to ensure that the car is able to get up the hill from A to B whilst maintaining
a constant speed of 10 ms −1 . (7)

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