CHAPTER 6

Energy, Work
and Power

© 2013 Marshall Cavendish International (Singapore) Private Limited

Chapter 6 Energy, Work and Power

6.1 Energy
6.2 Work
6.3 Power
6.1 Energy

Learning Outcomes
At the end of this section, you should be able to:
•identify different forms of energy;
•state the Principle of Conservation of Energy and use
the principle to solve problems;
•use the formula efficiency
energy converted to useful output energy
=
total energy input
to calculate the efficiency of an energy conversion.
6.1 Energy

Recall

You have learnt that energy can be transformed

from one form to another.

In this section, you will learn

that energy is conserved
What does it mean
despite these transformations.
when we say energy
is conserved?
6.1 Energy

IT Activity (Group)
Objective
Observe and identify various forms of energy, and the energy
transformation that takes place.

Instructions
1.Let’s watch this video for a quick recap:
URL

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ttfzCPxpTJg&feature=related
2. Discuss in your groups the forms of energy you have
observed and how the transformation of energy might have taken
place.
6.1 Energy

What is Energy?

Energy is the capacity to do work.

•The SI unit of energy is the joule

(J).
• Energy is a scalar quantity (it has only magnitude).
6.1 Energy

Forms of Energy
• Potential energy (elastic, gravitational and
chemical) and kinetic energy — collectively known as
mechanical energy
• Electrical energy
• Thermal energy (or heat)
• Light
• Nuclear energy
We will discuss heat
and electrical energy
in later chapters.
6.1 Energy

Kinetic Energy
• Moving objects have kinetic energy.
• Kinetic energy can be used to do work.

In windy places, wind is used to A battering ram uses kinetic

turn turbines that convert kinetic energy to break down the walls
energy to electrical energy. and gates of ancient castles.
 6.1 Energy

Potential Energy
Potential energy is the stored energy in a system.

chemical
potential
energy

gravitational potential
energy
elastic potential energy
6.1 Energy

Principle of Conservation
of Energy

The Principle of Conservation of Energy states that

energy cannot be be created nor destroyed, but
can be converted from one form to another. The
total energy in an isolated system is constant.
6.1 Energy

Principle of Conservation
of Energy
Example
Bicycle dynamo powering a light bulb
= 20 J (energy is
conserved)

10 J of light
energy
+
20 J of 20 J of 8 J of thermal
kinetic electrical energy
energy energy
+
2 J of sound
energy
6.1 Energy

Worked Example
A nail is being hammered into a plank.
(a) What energy does a raised hammer possess?
(b) When it falls, what energy is this energy (associated with the
raised height) converted into?
(c) What is the subsequent energy used for?
(d) What are the other energy forms produced?

Solution
(a) Gravitational potential energy
(b) Kinetic energy
(c) It is used to drive the nail into the plank.
(d) Some of the G.P.E. is also converted into sound (or kinetic
energy in the air molecules) and thermal energy.
6.1 Energy

The Ideal Pendulum

When a pendulum is
displaced to one side at W,
it gains gravitational
W
potential energy (G.P.E.).
6.1 Energy

The Ideal Pendulum

• When the raised pendulum

is released from W, it
swings towards the
equilibrium position Y (i.e.
the position it will be when
at rest).
W
• The G.P.E. is converted to
kinetic energy (K.E.).
Y • At Y, G.P.E is at its
minimum, while K.E. is at
its maximum.
6.1 Energy

The Ideal Pendulum

• From Y, the bob now
swings upwards to the
other side. It now loses
K.E. and gains G.P.E.
Z
• If this is an ideal pendulum,
the bob will swing up to Z.
Z is at height x, which is the
Y same height as when it was
released.
The term “ideal pendulum” in this
case means there is no energy • This is due to the
lost to overcome air resistance conservation of energy.
and friction during the oscillation.
6.1 Energy

The Ideal Pendulum

In sum, the energy forms of the ideal pendulum can be equated
as follows:
•From W to Y:

Initial G.P.E. of Final K.E. of

pendulum at W
= pendulum at Y
W Z
Y
•From Y to Z:

Initial K.E. of Final G.P.E. of

pendulum at Y
= pendulum at Z

(Note: there is no energy supplied or lost in this system.)

6.1 Energy

Energy Loss
• In the real world, however, frictional and drag forces
convert some of the total energy of a swinging pendulum
to thermal energy.
• This thermal energy is dissipated to the surroundings
and cannot be converted back into the kinetic or
gravitational potential energy of the pendulum.
• However, total energy is still conserved.
6.1 Energy

The Non-Ideal Pendulum

In sum, the energy forms of the non-ideal W
Z
pendulum can be equated as follows:
Y
•From W to Y:

Initial G.P.E. of Final K.E. of Energy lost due to friction

pendulum at W
= pendulum at Y and air resistance

These are
•From Y to Z: the same.

Initial K.E. of Final G.P.E. of Energy lost due to friction

pendulum at Y
= pendulum at Z and air resistance

(Note: The final K.E. at Y and the final G.P.E. at Z are

lower than those in the ideal pendulum.)
6.1 Energy

Principle of Conservation
of Energy
Original height ball ➍At maximum height, K.E.
was dropped from is zero (ball is not
moving).
➊ Ball falling:
•G.P.E.  K.E.
G.P.E. is at its maximum.
However, due to energy
•G.P.E. decreases
loss at the bounce, the
•K.E. increases
height of the ball reached
is lower than before.

➋Just before reaching the

ground, K.E. is maximum and
G.P.E. is minimum. ➌ Ball rebounds:
On contact, energy is lost to •K.E.  G.P.E.
heat and sound. Total amount •G.P.E. increases
of mechanical energy (K.E. •K.E. decreases
and G.P.E.) of ball is now less.
6.1 Energy

Efficiency
• By the Principle of Conservation of Energy, the total
energy output by a machine must be equal to its
energy input.
• In real life, useful energy output is always less than
energy input. This is because energy is dissipated
due to friction or as a form of sound and thermal
energy.
• This energy lost is considered wasted energy output.

Total energy useful energy wasted energy

= +
input output output
6.1 Energy

Efficiency

Useful energy output:

used for doing work
Remember:
Energy input Total energy
is still
Wasted energy: conserved!
as heat and sound

useful energy output

Efficiency = × 100%
energy input
6.1 Energy

Worked Example
The engine of a toy car is capable of
producing 1000 J of energy. A boy lets
the car run on a rough floor. 400 J of
heat is generated due to friction
between the floor and the car.
Determine the efficiency of the toy car.
Solution
Using
6.1 Energy

Worked Example
A worker pushes a heavy box up a rough ramp. The
gravitational potential energy gained by the box is 2000 J,
while the amount of work done is 4000 J. What is the
worker’s efficiency?

Solution
Using

So, where did the

excess energy go?
6.1 Energy

IT Activity
Objective
There are several ways to improve efficiency in the
real world. A recent innovation in the motor vehicle
industry is the hybrid car. Find out how a hybrid car
improves its efficiency.

Instructions
1.Go to
http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/hybridtech.shtml URL
2.Find out how a hybrid car improves its efficiency.
3.Share your findings with the class.
6.1 Energy

Worked Example
A softball player throws a ball into the air and catches it on the way
down. State the energy conversions that take place.
C maximum G.P.E.
Solution K.E. = 0
• When the ball leaves the player’s hand (at A),
it has maximum K.E. and minimum G.P.E.
• As it rises (at B), its K.E. is gradually partly K.E.
converted into G.P.E. partly G.P.E. B D partly K.E.
partly G.P.E.
• At the point of maximum height (at C), the ball
has only G.P.E. It has stopped momentarily
(so K.E. = 0).
maximum K.E.
• As it is falling down (at D), its G.P.E. is minimum G.P.E. maximum K.E.
gradually converted into K.E. A E
minimum G.P.E.
• When the ball reaches the player’s hand (at
E), it will have maximum K.E. and minimum
G.P.E.
Chapter 6 Energy, Work and Power

6.1 Energy
6.2 Work
6.3 Power
6.2 Work

Learning Outcomes
At the end of this section, you should be able to:
• State and use the following formulae to solve
problems:
- work done = force × distance moved in the
direction of the force;
1 2
- kinetic energy Ek = mv ;
2
- gravitational potential energy Ep = mgh.
6.2 Work

Recall

• Go to this website to watch a video clip that will

reinforce your understanding of the Principle of
Conservation of Energy:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BVxEEn3w688 URL

• In this section, we will apply the principle in various

problems related to energy and work.

How do we calculate Can we calculate kinetic

work done by a force? and gravitational
potential energies? If so,
how?
6.2 Work

Work
The work done by a constant force on an object is
the product of the force and the distance moved
by the object in the direction of the force.

W=F×s
where W = work done (in J);
F = constant force (in N);
s = distance moved in the direction of the force (in
m).
6.2 Work

Work
• The SI unit of work is the joule (J).
• One joule (J) is defined as the work done by a force of one newton (N), which
moves an object through a distance of one metre (m) in the direction of the force.

1 J of work

1 N of force

1m

one joule = one newton × one metre

1J= 1Nm
6.2 Work

Work
Example
Work done = F × distance moved forward
6.2 Work

Work
No work is done when …
1. The direction of the applied force and the direction
in which the object moves are perpendicular to
each other.

A boy carrying a load while walking. No work

is done on the load in the upward direction
as the load is only moving horizontally.

Work done = F × 0 m = 0 J
6.2 Work

Work
No work is done when …
2. The force is applied on the object (such as the tree
or the pile of books), but the object does not move.

A girl holding a
heavy pile of
books in a
A boy pushing stationary
against a solid tree position does
trunk does no work. no work.
6.2 Work

Worked Example
A boy pushes a box across a rough horizontal floor. He
exerts 5 N to move it 2 m. What is the work done by the
boy?

5N

2m
Solution
Work done by boy
= force × distance moved in direction of force applied
=5N×2m
= 10 J
6.2 Work

Worked Example
A boy pulls a 1 kg toy wagon along a smooth horizontal floor
over a distance of 5 m. If the speed of the wagon increases at
a constant rate of 2 m s−2, what is the work done by the boy?
(Hint: Recall the formula for net force in Chapter 3.)
Solution
Net force exerted by boy on wagon
F = m × a = 1 kg x 2 m s−2 = 2 N
Since the floor is smooth, there is no resistance force. Thus,
net force F = force exerted by boy

Work done by boy on wagon

= force × distance moved in direction of force
=2N×5m
= 10 J
6.2 Work

Kinetic Energy
When a force moves an object, it does work on the
object and the object gains kinetic energy.

Ek = 1 mv2
2

where Ek = kinetic energy (in J);

m = mass of body (in kg);
v = speed of body (in m s−1).
6.2 Work

Worked Example
A 50 g toy car is moving at a constant speed of 2 m s−1.
Determine its kinetic energy.

Solution
1
Ek = mv2
2
1
= (0.05 kg) × (2 m s−1)2
2
= 0.1 J
(Note: Pay attention to the units. Convert the given units
to SI units first before solving the problem.)
6.2 Work

Gravitational Potential Energy

• Gravitational potential energy (G.P.E.) is the energy a
body has due to its position above the ground.
• To find the G.P.E. of an object near the surface of Earth,
we need to consider the work done to lift the object of
mass m to a height h above the ground at constant
speed.
6.2 Work

Gravitational Potential Energy

• Work done W (by force F to lift

the object to height h) = F × h
• Since the object is lifted at
constant speed, the force
F = weight mg of the object.
• Hence, W = F × h = mgh
6.2 Work

Worked Example
A 5 kg box is raised 50 m from its original position.
What is the gain in gravitational potential energy?
Assume gravitational field strength = 10 N kg−1. How
much work is needed to raise the box to its new position?

Solution
Ep = mgh
= 5 kg × 10 N kg−1 × 50 m
= 2500 J
6.2 Work

Worked Example
A ball of 500 g is dropped from a height of 10 m.
(a) What is its initial gravitational potential energy?
(b) Determine its velocity just before it hits the ground.

Solution
(a) Ep = mgh (b) By the Principle of Conservation of
Energy, the initial G.P.E. of the ball
= (0.5 kg)(10 N kg−1)(10 m)
will be converted to its final K.E.
= 50 J
i.e. Gain in Ek = loss in Ep = 50 J
1
Ek = mv2
2
1
50 J = 2 (0.5 kg)v2

v = 14.1 m s−1
6.2 Work

Worked Example
A ball of 500 g is dropped from a height of 10 m. There is
an energy loss of 10 J due to air resistance. Determine its
velocity just before it hits the ground.

Solution

Initial G.P.E. of ball = mgh = 50 J Velocity v is found using:

Ek = 1 mv2
By the Principle of Conservation of 2
1
Energy, 40 J = 2 (0.5 kg)v2
initial energy = final Ek + energy lost v = 12.6 m s−1
50 J = Final Ek + 10 J
Final Ek = 50 J – 10 J
= 40 J
6.2 Work

Worked Example
A 500 g ball is thrown vertically downwards from a height of 10 m with
a velocity of 5.0 m s−1. It hits the ground and bounces. It then rises to
a maximum height of 8.0 m. Determine the energy loss at the bounce.
Assume no energy is lost due to air resistance.

Solution
Initial Ek + Ep = final Ek + Ep + energy lost due to bounce
1
2 mv + mgh = 0 + mgh + energy lost
2

1
(0.5)(52) + (0.5)(10)(10) = (0.5)(10)(8) + energy lost
2
56.25 J = 40 J + energy lost
Therefore, energy lost = 16.25 J
= 16.3 J (3 s.f.)
6.2 Work

Worked Example
A car exerts a constant engine force of 10 kN. It is able to
accelerate constantly from rest to a speed of 30 m s −1 in 10 s.
Determine the work done by the car and its kinetic energy at
the end of 10 s. v/m s−1

Solution 30
From kinematics,
(30 – 0)
Using v = u + at, a = = 3 m s −2
10 t/s
0 10
F 10 000
Mass of car = a = 3 = 3330 kg
1
Distance travelled by car in 10 s = (v + u) × t = 150 m
2
6.2 Work

Solution (continued)
Work done by car = F × d
= 10 000 N × 150 m
= 1 500 000 J
= 1.5 × 106 J
1
Ek of car at the end of 10 s = mv2
2
1
= (3330 kg)(30 m s−1)2 2

= 1.5 × 106 J
6.2 Work

Worked Example
If the speed of a springboard diver decreases by half on entering
the water, by how much will his kinetic energy decrease? (Hint: Let
the initial speed of the diver just before he hits the water be vi, and
the final speed after he enters the water be vf.)

Solution
1
Since speed decreases by half, vf = 2 vi
1
Final Ek = 1 mvf2
2
Initial Ek = mv i
2 2
1 1
Final Ek = 2 m ( 2 vi)2
1 1
Final Ek = 4 ( 2 mvi2)
Hence, his K.E. will decrease by three quarters.
6.2 Work

Worked Example

The 100 kg hammer of a pile-

driver is lifted 20 m above the
pile. It is then dropped so as to
drive a pile into the ground.
Suppose 15 000 J of energy is
lost due to friction and the
resistive force of the ground is 4
000 N, determine the depth the
pile-driver can be driven into the pile
soil.

a pile-driver
6.2 Work

Solution
Initial G.P.E. of hammer = final K.E. of hammer + energy lost
mgh = Ek + 15 000 J
100 kg × 10 N kg−1 × 20 m = Ek + 15 000 J
Ek = 2.0 × 104 J – 15 000 J = 5 000 J

Assuming all the kinetic energy is used to drive the pile into
the
ground,
Ek = F × d
5 000 J = 4 000 N × d
d = 1.25 m
Chapter 6 Energy, Work and Power

6.1 Energy
6.2 Work
6.3 Power
6.3 Power

Learning Outcome
At the end of this section, you should be able to:

work done
•state and use the formula power = to
time taken
solve problems.
6.3 Power

Recall
• Energy is defined as the capacity to do work.
• Work is the product of force and distance
moved in the direction of the force.

How is power related

to work done or
energy?

What is power?
6.3 Power

What is Power?
Power is defined as the rate of work done or rate of energy
conversion.

P = W=E
t t

where P = power;
W = work done (J);
E = energy converted (in J);
t = time taken (in s).
6.3 Power

What is Power?

The SI unit of power is the watt (W). One watt (W)

is defined as the rate of work done or energy
conversion of one joule per second.

one joule
One watt =
one second
1 W = 1 J s−1
6.3 Power

Worked Example
An engine does 60 000 J of work in ten minutes.
Determine its power.

Solution
work done
Power =
time
Power = 60 000 J
10 × 60 s
Power = 100 W
6.3 Power

Worked Example
A kettle is rated at 1850 W. Determine the maximum
amount of thermal energy it can generate in one hour.

Solution
energy
Power =
time
energy
1850 W =
1 × 60 × 60 s
Energy = 6.66 × 106 J

The rating is found

on the device.
6.3 Power

Worked Example
What is the difference between the performance of a
Porsche Boxster rated 320 hp and a Nissan Sunny rated
107 hp? (Note: “hp” stands for horsepower.)

Solution
One horsepower is equivalent to 746 W. Based on this
conversion, the Porsche’s power is 239 kW, while the
Nissan’s power is 80 kW.

This means that the Porsche is able to convert fuel to

energy more efficiently compared to the Nissan. This is due
to the better design of its engine. Therefore, the cars differ
only in their power.
6.3 Power

Worked Example
An electric motor in a washing machine is rated at 1.0 kW. The efficiency of the
motor is approximately 40%. Find the amount of useful energy produced in half an
hour.

Solution

40
W Useful energy output = × 1.8 × 106 J
P= 100
t
W= P× t = 7.2 × 105 J
= 1000 W × 30 × 60 s
= 1.8 × 10 6 J

Hence, the useful energy produced is 7.2 × 10 5 J.

Chapter 6 Energy, Work and Power
Energy E is the capacity to do Work W
(SI unit: J) (SI unit: J)
is governed by
are related to is defined as
The Principle of
Conservation of Energy Power P W=F×s
states that
(SI unit: W) where
F = force
is defined as
Energy cannot be created or s= distance
destroyed, but can be converted moved in the direction
from one form to another. W E
P= = of the force
t t
examples of forms
of energy where
• Light energy W = work done
• Electrical energy E = energy converted
• Thermal energy
• Nuclear energy
• Kinetic energy
1 2
Ek = mv 2
• Potential energy Efficiency of an energy conversion can be
- Gravitational potential energy Ep calculated using the following formula:
= mgh useful energy output
- Chemical potential energy Efficiency = × 100%
total energy input
- Elastic potential energy
Chapter 6 Energy, Work and Power

The URLs are valid as at 15 October 2012.

Acknowledgements
(slides 1−60) wind turbines © Nickolaykhoroshkov |
Dreamstime.com
(slide 8) battering ram © Pearson Scott Foresman |
Wikimedia Commons | Public Domain
(slide 9) trees © Crusier | Wikimedia Commons | CC-BY-3.0
(slide 9) batteries © Valdum | Dreamstime.com
(slide 9) rubber band © Marshall Cavendish International
(Singapore) Private Limited
(slide 9) archer © Zoharby | Wikimedia Commons | CC-BY-
SA-3.0
(slide 9) pile driver © Michal Maňas | Wikimedia Commons |
CC-BY-3.0
(slide 11) bike racer © Marshall Cavendish
International (Singapore) Private Limited
Chapter 6 Energy, Work and Power

Acknowledgements
(slide 11) bicycle dynamo © huubvanhughten | Wikimedia
Commons | CC-BY-2.0
(slide 12) hammering © Baminnick | Wikimedia Commons |
CC-BY-SA-3.0
(slide 22) toy car © Jenith Michael Raj Y | Wikimedia
Commons | CC-BY-SA-2.0
(slide 47) pile-driver © Argyriou | Wikimedia Commons | CC-
BY-2.5
(slide 55) kettle © Petr.adamek | Wikimedia Commons |
Public Domain