APNI KAKSHA 1

WORK, POWER & ENERGY

Work – It is said to be done by a force when the point of application is force is displaced.
Transferring energy to or from an object so that there is some displacement of the point of
application of force.
Energy is the capacity to do work.
Power - Rate of work done per unit time
The Scalar or Dot Product of Two Vectors
The scalar product or dot product of any two vectors ⃗A and ⃗B, denoted as ⃗A ⋅ ⃗B( read as ⃗A dot
⃗ ) is defined as
B
⃗ ⋅B
A ⃗ = ABcos⁡ θ

• Where A⁡&⁡B are magnitudes of vectors ⃗A and ⃗B respectively and θ is the smaller angle
between them.
• Dot product is called scalar product as both A, B and cos⁡ θ are scalars.
• Both vectors have a direction but their scalar product does not have a direction.
Properties
• Dot product is commutative
A⋅B=B⋅A
• Dot product is distributive
A ⋅ (B + C) = A ⋅ B + A ⋅ C
• Dot product of a vector with itself gives square of its magnitude
A. A = AAcos⁡ θ = A
• A ⋅ (λB) = λ(A ⋅ B)
where λ is a real number
• î ⋅ ĵ = ĵ ⋅ k̂ = k̂ ⋅ î = 0
• î ⋅ î = ĵ ⋅ ĵ = k̂ ⋅ k̂ = 1
Work Done by a Force
The work done by the force is defined to be the product of
component of the force in the direction of the displacement
and the magnitude of this displacement.
W = (Fcos⁡ θ)d = F ⋅ d

APNI KAKSHA 2
We see that if there is no displacement, there is no work done even if the force is large. Thus,
when you push hard against a rigid brick wall, the force you exert on the wall does no work.
Unit of Work
• Sl unit of work is joule (J),
• CGS unit is erg.
• 1 J = 107 erg
No work is done if
1 the displacement is zero. A weightlifter holding a 150 kg mass steadily on his shoulder for 30
seconds does no work on the load during this time.
2 the force is zero. A block moving on a smooth horizontal table is not acted upon by a
horizontal force, but may undergo a large displacement.
3 the force and displacement are mutually perpendicular.
since, for θ = π/2 rad (= 90∘ ), cos⁡(π/2) = 0.

Q. A cyclist comes to a skidding stop in 𝟏𝟎 𝐦. During this process, the force on the
cycle due to the road is 𝟐𝟎𝟎 𝐍 and is directly opposed to the motion.
(a) How much work does the road do on the cycle?
(b) How much work does the cycle do on the road? [NCERT Exercise]
Sol. Work done on the cycle by the road is the work done by the stopping (frictional) force
on the cycle due to the road.
(a) The stopping force and the displacement make an angle of 180∘ (π rad) with each
other. Thus, work done by the road,
Wr = Fdcos⁡ θ = 200 × 10 × cos⁡ π = −2000 J
It is this negative work that brings the cycle to a halt in accordance with WE theorem.
(b) From Newton's Third Law an equal and opposite force acts on the road due to the
cycle. Its magnitude is 200 N. However, the road undergoes no displacement. Thus, work
done by cycle on the road is zero.

Energy
Energy is defined as internal capacity of doing work. When we say that a body has energy, we
mean that it can do work.
Energy appears in many forms such as mechanical, electrical, chemical, thermal (heat), optical
(light), acoustical (sound), molecular, atomic, nuclear etc., and can change from one form

APNI KAKSHA 3
Mechanical Energy
Mechanical energy is the energy that is possessed by an object due to its motion or due to its
position.
Mechanical energy = KE + PE
Kinetic Energy
Kinetic energy K of an object of mass m is given as K = 1/2mv 2
It is a scalar quantity.
Application
1. It is a measure of the work an object can do because of its motion.
2. Sailing ships use KE of the wind.
3. KE of a fast-flowing stream has been used for grinding corn.
Relation between KE and linear momentum
Let mass of body be m and velocity of body be v.
p = mv = linear momentum
1
KE = mv 2
2
1
KE = (m2 v 2 )
2m
p2
KE =
2m
p = √2mKE

Q. In a ballistics demonstration a police officer fires a bullet of mass 𝟓𝟎. 𝟎 𝐠 with speed
𝟐𝟎𝟎 𝐦 𝐬−𝟏 (see Table 𝟔. 𝟐) on soft plywood of thickness 𝟐. 𝟎𝟎 𝐜𝐦. The bullet
emerges with only 𝟏𝟎% of its initial kinetic energy. What is the emergent speed of
the bullet? [NCERT Exercise]
Sol. The initial kinetic energy of the bullet is mv 2 /2 = 1000 J. It has a final kinetic energy of
0.1 × 1000 = 100 J.
If vf is the emergent speed of the bullet,
1
mv 2 = 100 J
2 f

2 × 100 J
vf = √ = 63.2 m s−1
0.05 kg

The speed is reduced by approximately 68% (not 90% ).

APNI KAKSHA 4
Potential Energy
Potential energy is the energy that an object has because of its position relative to other objects.
It is usually defined in equations by the capital letter U or sometimes by PE.
Gravitational Potential Energy
Gravitational potential energy as a function of the height h, is denoted by ∪ (h)
It is the negative of work done by the raising the body to that height.
U(h) = mgh
where, m = mass of a body
• SI unit of potential energy is Joule, the same as kinetic energy or work.
• Commercial unit of energy is kWh, 1kWh = 3.6 × 106 J.
Elastic Potential Energy of Spring
The energy associated with the state of compression or
expansion of a spring is known as elastic potential energy.
Elastic potential energy is given by
U = 1/2kx 2
where, k = force constant of given spring

Q. To simulate car accidents, auto manufacturers study the collisions of moving cars
with mounted springs of different spring constants. Consider a typical simulation
with a car of mass 𝟏𝟎𝟎𝟎 𝐤𝐠 moving with a speed 𝟏𝟖. 𝟎 𝐤𝐦/𝐡 on a smooth road and
colliding with a horizontally mounted spring of spring constant 𝟔. 𝟐𝟓 × 𝟏𝟎𝟑 𝐍 𝐦.
What is the maximum compression of the spring? [NCERT Exercise]
Sol. At maximum compression the kinetic energy of the car is converted entirely into the
potential energy of the spring. The kinetic energy of the moving car is
1 1
K= mv 2 = × 103 × 5 × 5
2 2
K = 1.25 × 104 J
where we have converted 18 km h−1 to 5 m s−1 [It is useful to remember that
36⁡km h−1 = 10 m s−1 . At maximum compression xm , the potential energy V of the spring
is equal to the kinetic energy K of the moving car from the principle of conservation of
mechanical energy.
1 2
V = kxm = 1.25 × 104 J
2
We obtain xm = 2.00m

APNI KAKSHA 5
 Q. Consider above example and taking the coefficient of friction, 𝛍, to be 𝟎. 𝟓 and
calculate the maximum compression of the spring. [NCERT Exercise]
Sol. In presence of friction, both the spring force and the frictional force act so as to oppose
the compression of the spring as shown in Figure.
We invoke the work-energy theorem, rather than the conservation of mechanical energy.
The change in kinetic energy is
ΔK = K f − K l
1
= 0 − mv 2
2
The work done by the net force is
1 2
W = − kxm − μmgxm
2
Equating we have
1
mv 2
2
1 2
= kxm + μmgxm
2
Now μmg = 0.5 × 103 × 10
= 5 × 103 N (taking g = 10.0 m s−2 ).
After rearranging the above equation we obtain the following quadratic equation in the
unknown xm∗
2
kxm + 2μmgxm − mv 2 = 0
−μmg + [μ2 m2 g 2 + mkv 2 ]1/2
xm =
k
where we take the positive square root since xm is positive. Putting in numerical values
we obtain xm = 1.35 m

The Law of Conservation of Energy

According to the law of conservation of energy, the total energy of an isolated system does
not change. Energy may be transformed from one form to another but the total energy of
an isolated system remains constant.
Besides mechanical energy, the energy may manifest itself in many other forms. Some of these
forms are: thermal energy, electrical energy, chemical energy and energy can be converted into
mass.

APNI KAKSHA 6
The Conservation of Mechanical Energy
According to this, "The total mechanical energy of a system is conserved if the forces doing
work on it, are conservative."
• Suppose that a body undergoes displacement Δx under the action of a conservative force
F. From the work-energy theorem,

ΔK = ∫ ⁡ F(x)dx

• If the force is conservative, the potential energy function U(x) can be defined such that

ΔU = − ∫ ⁡ F(x)dx

• Adding the above two equations, we get ΔK + ΔU = 0

Δ(K + U) = 0
K + U = constant
The Work-Energy Theorem
The work-energy theorem states that the work done by all forces acting on a particle is equal to
the change in the particle's kinetic energy.
1 1
WTotal = KE,⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡WTotal = mvf2 − mvi2
2 2
Confining to one dimension, rate of change of kinetic energy with time is
dK d 1
= ( mv 2 )
dt dt 2
dK 1 d 2
= m (v )
dt 2 dt
dK 1 dv
= m (2v )
dt 2 dt
dK dv
=m v
dt dt
dK
= Fv … [∵ F = ma]
dt
dK dx
=F
dt dt
dK = Fdx
Kf xf
∫   dK = ∫   Fdx
Ki xi

Where K i and K f are the initial and final kinetic energies corresponding to xi and xf
respectively. Kf − Ki = W

APNI KAKSHA 7
 Q. It is well known that a raindrop falls under the influence of the downward
gravitational force and the opposing resistive force. The latter is known to be
proportional to the speed of the drop but is otherwise undetermined. Consider a
drop of mass 𝟏. 𝟎𝟎 𝐠 falling from a height 𝟏. 𝟎𝟎 𝐤𝐦. It hits the ground with a speed
of 𝟓𝟎. 𝟎 𝐦 𝐬 −𝟏 . (a) What is the work done by the gravitational force? What is the
work done by the unknown resistive force? [NCERT Exercise]
Sol. (a) The change in kinetic energy of the drop is
1 1
ΔK = mv 2 − 0 = × 10−3 × 50 × 50 = 1.25J
2 2

where we have assumed that the drop is initially at rest.

Assuming that g is a constant with a value 10 m/s2 , the work done by the gravitational
force is, Wg = mgh = 10−3 × 10 × 103 = 10.0 J
(b) From the work-energy theorem ΔK = Wg + Wr
where Wr is the work done by the resistive force on the raindrop.
Thus Wr = ΔK − Wg = 1.25 − 10 = −8.75 J is negative.

Power
Power is defined as the time rate at which work is done or energy is transferred.
The Average Power of a force is defined as the ratio of the work, W to the total time taken
W
Pav =
t
The Instantaneous Power is defined as the limiting value of the average power as time interval
approaches zero.
dW
P=
dt
The work dW done by force ⃗F for a displacement dr is
dW = ⃗F ⋅ dr
The instantaneous power can also be expressed as
dr
⃗ ⋅
P=F ⃗ ⋅v
=F ⃗
dt
⃗ is the instantaneous velocity when the force is ⃗F. Power is a scalar quantity like work
where v
and energy. Its dimensions are [ML ⁡2 T −3 ]. Its SI unit is Watt (W).
[∵ 1hp = 746 W]

APNI KAKSHA 8
 Q. An elevator can carry a maximum load of 𝟏𝟖𝟎𝟎 𝐤𝐠 (elevator + passengers) is
moving up with a constant speed of 𝟐 𝐦 𝐬 −𝟏 . The frictional force opposing the
motion is 𝟒𝟎𝟎𝟎 𝐍. Determine the minimum power delivered by the motor to the
elevator in watts as well as in horse power. [NCERT Exercise]
Sol. The downward force on the elevator is
F = mg + Ff = (1800 × 10) + 4000 = 22000 N
The motor must supply enough power to balance this force. Hence,
P = F ⋅ v = 22000 × 2 = 44000 W = 59hp

Collisions
If two object collide during their motion then this event is
called Collision. Generally, collisions are two types-
(i) Elastic Collision
If, in a particular collision, there is no dissipation of
energy, the total kinetic energy of the objects before
collision is equal to total kinetic energy of the objects after collision. Such a collision is
termed as elastic collision
E.g., Collision of two steel ball.
(ii) Inelastic Collision
When there is a loss of kinetic energy, in any collision Then this type of collision is called
perfectly inelastic collision.
E.g., When a soft mud ball is thrown against the wall.
Collisions in One Dimension (Inelastic Collision)
Consider first a completely inelastic collision in one dimension. Then, in Figure
θ1 = θ2 = 0
m1 vi = (m1 + m2 )vf (Momentum conservation)
m1
vf = v
m1 + m2 1i
The loss in kinetic energy on collision is
1 1 1 1 m12
ΔK = 2
m1 v1i − (m1 + m2 )vf2 = m1 v1i
2
− v 2 [using Eq.]
2 2 2 2 m1 + m2 1i
1 2
m1 1 m1 m2 2
= m1 v1i [1 − ]= v
2 m1 + m2 2 m1 + m2 1i
which is a positive quantity as expected.

APNI KAKSHA 9
Collisions in One Dimension (Elastic Collision)
Consider next an elastic collision. Using the above nomenclature with θ1 = θ2 = 0, the
momentum and kinetic energy conservation equations are
m1 v1i = m1 v1f + m2 v2f
2 2 2
(1/2)m1 v1i = (1/2)m1 v1f + (1/2)m2 v2f
From above equations it follows that,
2 2
m1 v1i (v2f − v1i ) = m1 v1f (v2f − v1f ) or v2f (v1i − v1f ) = v1i − v1f = (v1f − v1f )(v1i + v1f )
Hence, ⁡ ∴ v2f = v1t + v1f
(m1 −m2 ) 2m1 v1i
Substituting the above in equation, we obtain v1f = v1i and ⁡v2f =
m1 +m2 m1 +m2

• Thus, the 'unknowns' {v1ρ , v2 } are obtained in terms of the 'knowns' {m1 , m2 , v1 }. Special
cases of our analysis are interesting.
Case I: If the two masses are equal v1f = 0, v2f = v1f
The first mass comes to rest and pushes off the second mass with its initial speed on collision.
Case II: If one mass dominates, e.g., m2 >> m1
v1f ≃ −v11 v2f ≃ 0
The heavier mass is undisturbed while the lighter mass reverses its velocity.

Q. Slowing down of neutrons: In a nuclear reactor a neutron of high speed (typically

𝟏𝟎𝟕 𝐦 𝐬 −𝟏 ) must be slowed to 𝟏𝟎𝟑 𝐦 𝐬 −𝟏 so that it can have a high
probability of interacting with isotope ⁡𝟐𝟑𝟓
𝟗𝟓 𝐔 and causing it to fission. Show that a
neutron can lose most of its kinetic energy in an elastic collision with a light nuclei
like deuterium or carbon which has a mass of only a few times the neutron mass.
The material making up the light nuclei, usually heavy water (𝐃𝟐 𝐎 ) or graphite, is
called a moderator. [NCERT Exercise]
2 1
Sol. The initial kinetic energy of the neutron is K1i = 2 m1 v1i
1 1 m −m 2
2 2
while its final kinetic energy from K1f = 2 m1 v1f = 2 m1 (m1+m2) v1i
1 2

K m −m 2
The fractional kinetic energy lost is f1 = K1f = (m1+m2)
1i 1 2

while the fractional kinetic energy gained by the moderating nuclei K 2f /K l is

4m1 m2
f2 = 1 − f1 (elastic collision) = (m 2
1 +m2 )

One can also verify this result by substituting from.

For deuterium m2 = 2m1 and we obtain f1 = 1/9 while f2 = 8/9. Almost 90% of the
neutron's energy is transferred to deuterium. For carbon f1 = 71.6% and f2 = 28.4%. In
practice, however, this number is smaller since head-on collisions are rare.

APNI KAKSHA 10
Collisions in Two Dimensions
Consider the plane determined by the final velocity directions of m1 and m2 and choose it to be
the x − y plane. The conservation of the z-component of the linear momentum implies that the
entire collision is in the x − y plane. The x - and y-component equations are
m1 v11 = m1 v1f cos θ1 + m2 v2f ⁡cos⁡ θ2
0 = m1 v1f sin⁡ θ1 − m2 v2f sin⁡ θ2
One knows {m1 , m2 , v1 } in most situations. There are thus four unknowns {v1f , v2f , θ1 and θ2 },
and only two equations.
• If θ1 = θ2 = 0, for one dimensional collision.
1 1 1
• 2
If, further the collision is elastic, 2 m1 v1f 2
= 2 m1 v1f + 2 m2 v2f ⁡2

We obtain an additional equation. That still leaves us one equation short. At least one of the four
unknowns, say θ1 , must be made known for the problem to be solvable.

APNI KAKSHA 11
NCERT Exercise Questions
Q.1. An electron and a proton are moving under the influence of mutual forces. In calculating
the change in the kinetic energy of the system during motion, one ignores the magnetic
force of one on another. This is because,
(A) the two magnetic forces are equal and opposite, so they produce no net effect.
(B) the magnetic forces do no work on each particle.
(C) the magnetic forces do equal and opposite (but non-zero) work on each particle.
(D) the magnetic forces are necessarily negligible.
Sol. (B)
When electron and proton are moving under influence of their mutual forces, the
magnetic forces will be perpendicular to their motion hence no work is done by these
forces.
Q.2. A proton is kept at rest. A positively charged particle is released from rest at a distance d
in its field. Consider two experiments; one in which the charged particle is also a proton
and in another, a positron. In the same time t, the work done on the two moving charged
particles is
(A) same as the same force law is involved in the two experiments.
(B) less for the case of a positron, as the positron moves away more rapidly and the force
on it weakens.
(C) more for the case of a positron, as the positron moves away a larger distance.
(D) same as the work done by charged particle on the stationary proton.
Sol. (C)
Force between two protons is same as that of between proton and a positron.
As positron is much lighter than proton, it moves away through much larger distance
compared to proton. We know that work done = ⁡force⁡ × ⁡distance. As forces are same in
case of proton and positron but distance moved by positron is larger, hence, work done
will be more.
Q.3. A man squatting on the ground gets straight up and stand. The force of reaction of ground
on the man during the process is
(A) constant and equal to mg in magnitude.
(B) constant and greater than mg in magnitude.
(C) variable but always greater than mg.

APNI KAKSHA 12
 (D) at first greater than mg, and later becomes equal to mg.
Sol. (D)
When the man is squatting on the ground he is tilted somewhat, hence he also has to
balance frictional force besides his weight in this case.
R = reactional⁡force = friction + mg
⇒ R > mg
When the man gets straight up in that case friction ≈ 0
⇒ Reactional force ≈ mg
Q.4. A bicyclist comes to a skidding stop in 10 m. During this process, the force on the bicycle
due to the road is 200 N and is directly opposed to the motion. The work done by the cycle
on the road is
(A) +2000 J (B) -200 J (C) zero (D) -20,000 J
Sol. (C)
Here, work is done by the frictional force on the cycle and is equal to –
200 × 10 = −2000J.
As the road is not moving,
Hence, work done by the cycle on the road = zero.
Q.5. A man, of mass m, standing at the bottom of the staircase, of height L climbs it and
stands at its top.
(A) Work done by all forces on man is equal to the rise in potential energy mgL.
(B) Work done by all forces on man is zero.
(C) Work done by the gravitational force on man is mgL.
(D) The reaction force from a step does not do work because the point of application of
the force does not move while the force exists.
Sol. (B, D)
When a man of mass m climbs up the staircase of height L, work done by the gravitational
force on the man is-mgl work done by internal muscular forces will be mgL as the change
in kinetic energy is almost zero.
Hence,
Total work done = −mgL + mgL = 0
As the point of application of the contact forces does not move hence work done by
reaction forces will be zero.

APNI KAKSHA 13
Q.6. A bullet of mass m fired at 30∘ to the horizontal leaves the barrel of the gun with a velocity
v. The bullet hits a soft target at a height h above the ground while it is moving downward
and emerges out with half the kinetic energy it had before hitting the target.
Which of the following statements are correct in respect of bullet after it emerges out of
the target?
(A) The velocity of the bullet will be reduced to half its initial value.
(B) The velocity of the bullet will be more than half of its earlier velocity.
(C) The bullet will continue to move along the same parabolic path.
(D) The bullet will move in a different parabolic path.
(E) The bullet will fall vertically downward after hitting the target.
(F) The internal energy of the particles of the target will increase.
Sol. (B, D, F)
Consider the adjacent diagram for the given situation in the question.
(B) Conserving energy between "O" and "A"
2
1 1 (v′ ) v2
Ui + K i = Uf + K f ⇒ 0 + mv 2 = mgh + mv ′ ⇒ = = −gh
2 2 2 2

⇒ (v ′ )2 = v 2 − 2gh ⇒ v ′ = √v 2 − 2gh …(i)

where v’ is speed of the bullet just before hitting the target. Let speed after emerging
from the target is v’’ then,
1 1 1
= (mv ′′ )2 = [ m(v ′ )2 ]
2 2 2
1 1 1
m(v ′′ )2 = m(v ′ )2 = m[v 2 − 2gh]
2 4 4

v 2 − 2gh v 2 v2
⇒ (v ′′ )2 = ′′
= − gh ⇒ v = √ − gh⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡… (ii)
2 2 2

From Eqs. (i) and (ii)

v′ √v 2 − 2gh ′′
V′ 2
V′ V ′′ ′′
V′
= = √2 ⇒ v = = v ( ) ⇒ ′ = √2 = 1.414 > 1 ⇒ V >
v ′′ √v 2 − 2gh √2 2 V 2
2
√2
Hence, after emerging from the target velocity of the bullet (v’’) is more than half of its
earlier velocity v’ (velocity before emerging into the target).
(D) As the velocity of the bullet changes to v’ which is less than v1 hence, path, followed
will change and the bullet reaches at point B instead of A’, as shown in the figure.

APNI KAKSHA 14
 (F) As the bullet is passing through the target the loss in energy of the bullet is transferred
to particles of the target. Therefore, their internal energy increases.
Q.7. Two blocks M1 and M2 having equal mass are free to move on a horizontal frictionless
surface. M2 is attached to a massless spring as shown in Fig. 6.10. Iniially M2 is at rest and
M1 is moving toward M2 with speed v and collides head-on with M2 .
(A) While spring is fully compressed all the KE of M1 is stored as PE of spring.
(B) While spring is fully compressed the system momentum is not conserved, though
final momentum is equal to initial momentum.
(C) If spring is massless, the final state of the M1 is
state of rest.
(D) If the surface on which blocks are moving has friction, then collision cannot be
elastic.
Sol. Consider the adjacent diagram when M1 comes in contact with the spring, M1 is retarded
by the spring force and M2 is accelerated by the spring force.
(A) The spring will continue to compress until the two blocks acquire common velocity.
(B) As surfaces are frictional less momentum of the system will be conserved.
(C) If spring is massless whole energy of M1 will be imparted to M2 and M1 will be at
rest, then
(D) Collision is inelastic, even if friction is not involved.
Q.8. A rough inclined plane is placed on a cart moving with a
constant velocity u on horizontal ground. A block of mass M rests on the incline. Is any
work done by force of friction between the block and incline? Is there then a dissipation
of energy?
Sol. Consider the adjacent diagram. As the block M is at rest.
Hence, f = frictional force = Mgsin⁡ θ
The force of friction acting between the block and incline opposes the tendency of sliding
of the block. Since, block is not in motion, therefore, no work is done by the force of
friction. Hence, no dissipation of energy takes place.
Q.9. Why is electrical power required at all when the elevator is descending? Why should
there be a limit on the number of passengers in this case?
Sol. When the elevator is descending, then electric power is required to prevent it from falling
freely under gravity. Also, as the weight inside the elevator increases, its speed of

APNI KAKSHA 15
 descending increases, therefore, there should be a limit on the number of passengers in
the elevator to prevent the elevator from descending with large velocity.
Q.10. A body is being raised to a height h from the surface of earth. What is the sign of work
done by (A) applied force and (B) gravitational force?
Sol. Force is applied on the body to lift it in upward direction and displacement of the body is
also in upward direction, therefore, angle between the applied force and displacement is
θ = 0∘
∴ Work done by the applied force
W = FS cos θ = FS cos 0∘ = FS (∵ cos⁡ 0∘ = 1)
i.e, W = Positive
(b) The gravitational force acts in downward direction and displacement in upward
direction, therefore, angle between them is θ = 180∘ .
∴ Work done by the gravitational force
W = FScos⁡ 180∘ = −FS (∵ cos⁡ 180∘ = 1)
Q.11. Calculate the work done by a car against gravity in moving along a straight horizontal
road. The mass of the car is 400 kg and the distance moved is 2 m.
Sol. Force of gravity acts on the car vertically downward while car is moving along
horizontal road, i.e., angle between them is 90º.
Work done by the car against gravity
W = FScos⁡ 90∘ = 0 (∵ cos⁡ 90∘ = 0)
Q.12. A graph of potential energy V(x) verses x is shown in Figure. A
particle of energy E0 is executing motion in it. Draw graph of
velocity and kinetic energy versus x for one complete cycle AFA.
Sol. KE versus x graph we know that Total ME = KE + PE ⇒ E0
= KE + V(x)
⇒ KE = E0 − V(x) at A1 x = 0, V(x) = E0 ⇒ KE = E0 − E0 = 0
at B1 V(x) < E0 ⇒ KE > 0 (positive)
at C and D1 ⁡V(x) = 0 ⇒ KE is maximum at F1 V(x) = E0
Hence, KE = 0 The variation is shown in adjacent diagram.
Velocity versus x graph

APNI KAKSHA 16
 1
As KE = 2 mv 2 ⁡⁡ ∴ At A and F, where KE = 0, v = 0.

At C and D, KE is maximum. Therefore, v is ± max.

At B, KE is positive but not maximum.
Therefore, v is ± some value (< max.)
The variation is shown in the diagram.
Q.13. A ball of mass m, moving with a speed 2v0 , collides inelastically (e > 0) with an
identical ball at rest. Show that
(A) For head-on collision, both the balls move forward.
(B) For a general collision, the angle between the two velocities of scattered balls is less
than 90∘ .
Sol. (A) Let v1 and v2 are velocities of the two balls after collision. Now, by the principle of
conservation of linear momentum,
v2 −v1
2mv0 = mv1 + mv2 or 2v0 = v1 + v2 and e = ⇒ v2 = v1 + 2v0 e
2v0

∴ 2v1 = 2v0 − 2ev0

∴ v1 = v0 (1 − e)
Since, e < 1 ⇒ v1 has the same sign as v0, therefore, the ball moves on after collision.
(B) Consider the diagram below for a general collision.

By principle of conservation of linear momentum, P = P1 + P2

For inelastic collision some KE is lost, hence
p2 p12 p22
> +
2m 2m 2m
p2 > p12 + p22
Thus, p, p1 and p2 are related as shown in the figure.
θ is acute (less than 90º) (p2 = p12 + p22 would given θ = 90∘ )
Q.14. Consider a one-dimensional motion of a particle with total energy E. There are four
regions A, B, C and D in which the relation between potential energy V, kinetic energy (K)
and total energy E is as given below:

APNI KAKSHA 17
 Region A : V > E
Region B : V < E
Region C: K > E
Region D : V > K
State with reason in each case whether a particle can be found in the given region or
not.
Sol. We know that
Total energy E = PE + KE
E= V+K …(i)
For region A Given, V > E, From Eq. (i)
K = E − V as V > E ⇒ E − V < 0
Hence, K < 0, this is not possible. For region B Given, V < E ⇒ E − V > 0
This is possible because total energy can be greater than PE (V).
For region C Given, K > E ⇒ K − E > 0 from Eq. (i) PE = V = E − K < 0
Which is possible, because PE can be negative. For region D Given, V > K
This is possible because for a system PE(V) may be greater than KE(K).

APNI KAKSHA 18