B Mechanics Chapter 7 Work, Energy and Power

7 Work, Energy and Power

Practice 7.1 (p. 163)

1 D
2 B 9 (a) Component of force in the direction of
3 B motion = 25 cos 50° N
4 C Work = (F cosθ)s
5 (a) Work = Fs = 25 cos 50° × 10
= 375 × 10 × 1 = 161 J
= 3750 J The work done by John is 161 J.
The work done on the water skier by the (b) Chemical energy of John converts to
tension is 3750 J. kinetic energy of the sledge.
(b) Since the skier moves at uniform speed, 10 (a) Work = Fs
the energy gained by the skier is 0. The = 10 × 3
work done on the skier by the tension is = 30 J
used to be against the work done on the The work done by F on the block is 30
skier by the gravity. J.
6 The work done is 0. (b) Work = fs
7 Work = Fs = –4 × 3
500 = 100 × s = –12 J
s=5m The work done by f on the block is
The depth of the well is 5 m. –12 J.
8 (a) Work = Fs (c) For the force that does work on the
30 = F × 1.5 block, chemical energy of the source of
F = 20 N the force converts to kinetic energy of
The size of the force is 20 N. the block.
(b) F = ma For the friction that does work on the
20 = 1(a) block, kinetic energy of the block
–2
a = 20 m s converts to internal energy of the block
–2
The acceleration of the box is 20 m s . and the surroundings.
2 2
(c) By v – u = 2as, 11 (a) Work = Fs
2
v – 0 = 2(20)(1.5) = 10 × 10 × 0.8
–1
v = 7.75 m s = 80 J
–1
The velocity of the box is 7.75 m s The work done by the man is 80 J.
when it reaches 1.5 m above the ground. Chemical energy of the man converts to

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B Mechanics Chapter 7 Work, Energy and Power

gravitational potential energy of the 1

5 By KE = mv 2 ,
box. 2
1 14.9
(b) No, he has not done work in this 521 = × × v2
2 1000
process.
v = 264 m s–1
Yes, the man feels tired.
The speed of the bullet fired is 264 m s–1.

Practice 7.2 (p. 169)

1 A
6 Gain in KE
Let mt and vt be the mass and the speed of the 1 2 2
= m (v − u )
thief respectively, and 2
mp and vp be the mass and the speed of the 1
= (0.2)(30 2 − 5 2 )
2
policeman respectively.
1 1 = 87.5 J
m p v p 2 = mt vt 2
2 2 The gain in kinetic energy of the stone is
vp mt 1 87.5 J.
= =
vt mp 2 7 Her gain in gravitational PE
2 A = mgh
1 = 50 × 10 × 72
By KE = mv 2 ,
2 = 36 000 J
1
2.17 × 10–18 = × 9.1 × 10 −31 × v 2 Her gain in gravitational potential energy is
2
36 000 J.
v = 2.18 × 106 m s–1
8 Speed of the passenger
Its speed is 2.18 × 106 m s–1. 1400
=
3 B 12 × 60
Her gain in gravitational PE = 1.944 m s–1
= mgh KE of the passenger
= 50 × 10 × 30 1 2
= mv
= 15 000 J 2
1
Her gain in gravitational potential energy is = × 75 × 1.944 2
2
15 000 J.
= 142 J
1
4 KE of the ball = mv 2 The kinetic energy of the passenger was
2
1 57  246.2 
2 142 J.
= × × 
2 1000  3.6  9 (a) (i) Work done
= Fs
= 133 J
= 152.5 × 10 × 1.8
The kinetic energy of the ball is 133 J.
= 2745 J

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B Mechanics Chapter 7 Work, Energy and Power

His work done on the barbell was worker is equal to the work done against
2745 J. tension.
(ii) The minimum force that each of
his arm acted on the barbell Practice 7.3 (p. 179)
152.5 ×10 1 B
=
2
2 C
= 762.5 N
3 C

(b) Work done

4 B
= Fs
Work done against friction = loss in KE
= 152.5 × 10 × 2 1
Fs = m(v 2 − u 2 )
= 3050 J 2
His work done on the barbell is 3050 J. 1  72  2  36  2 
9000s = × 1500 ×   −  
(c) A short weightlifter has an advantage in 2  3.6   3.6  
this sport. This is because a short
s = 25 m
weightlifter needs to move the barbell
The distance travelled by the car when it
for a shorter displacement in the
slows down is 25 m.
direction of the force applied. Hence,
5 (a) Chemical energy of the weightlifter
less work done is required.
converts to gravitational potential energy
10 (a) The change in the gravitational potential
of the barbell.
energy of each worker
(b) Kinetic energy of the lift converts to
= The loss in the gravitational potential
gravitational potential energy of the
energy of each worker
passengers.
= mgh
6 (a) PE = mgh
= 75 × 10 × (–3.5)
= 80 × 10 × 6.14
= –2625 J
= 4912 J
(b) The gain in KE of each worker = 0
The gain in his gravitational potential
(c) The loss in the gravitational potential
energy at the highest point is 4912 J.
energy of each worker
(b) By conservation of energy,
= the gain in the kinetic energy of each
the kinetic energy when he left the
worker + work done against tension
ground
Since the platform is lowered in a
= the gain in his gravitational potential
uniform speed, there is no gain in KE of
energy at the highest point
each worker. Then, the loss in
= 4912 J
gravitational potential energy of each
7 (a) PE = mgh

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B Mechanics Chapter 7 Work, Energy and Power

= 0.4 × 10 × 5 energy of the stone at its highest point is

= 20 J converted back to kinetic energy when it
The potential energy before it falls is falls. Its kinetic energy is 0.5 J on
20 J. hitting the ground again.
(b) By conservation of energy, the potential 9 (a) Take the potential energy of the bob at
energy of the ball is converted to its the lowest level be 0.
kinetic energy when it falls. Therefore, PE = mgh
its KE on hitting the ground is 20 J. = 0.01 × 10 × 0.1 = 0.01 J
Its potential energy gain after being
raised is 0.01 J.
1
(c) KE = mv2
2 (b) By conservation of energy, the potential
1
20 = × 0.4 × v2 energy of the bob in (a) is converted to
2
2 × 20 its kinetic energy at its lowest position.
v= = 10 m s–1
0.4 Therefore, its kinetic energy is 0.01 J as

Its velocity on hitting the ground is it passes its lowest position.

−1 1
10 m s . By KE = mv2,
2
1
8 (a) KE = mv2 1
2 0.01 = × 0.01 × v2
2
1
= × 0.01 × 102 = 0.5 J v = 1.41 m s−1
2
The kinetic energy of the stone is 0.5 J The speed is 1.41 m s−1 as it passes its

when it is thrown from the ground. lowest position.

(b) By conservation of energy, all kinetic (c) New total energy

1
energy of the stone is converted to its = mv12 + mgh1
2
potential energy when it reaches the 1
= × 0.01 × 12 + 0.01 × 10 × 0.1
highest point. Therefore, the potential 2
energy gain is 0.5 J when it is at the = 0.015 J
highest point. The potential energy of the bob at the
(c) Take the potential energy of the bob at other end = mgh2 = 0.015 J
ground level be 0. 0.01 × 10 × h2 = 0.015
PE = mgh h2 = 0.15 m
0.5 = 0.01 × 10 × h The height of the bob above its lowest
h=5m point at the other end is 0.15 m.
The maximum height the stone reaches 10 (a) Gravitational PE of the carts and
is 5 m. passengers at A
(d) By conservation of energy, all potential = mgh

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B Mechanics Chapter 7 Work, Energy and Power

= 5000 × 10 × 85 v = 0.0462 m s−1

= 4.25 × 106 J His maximum speed is 0.0462 m s−1.
(b) By conservation of energy, 7 Power output
loss in gravitational PE = gain in KE = force against friction × velocity
1 30
mg(hA – hB) = mv2 10 000 = force against friction ×
2 3.6
v = 2 × 10 × (85 − 53) Force against friction = 1200 N
= 25.3 m s−1 Since the block moves at a constant velocity,
(c) At B, the actual kinetic energy of the the net force acting on the block is zero and
carts and the passengers the force against friction = friction = 1200 N.
1 1
= mv2 = × 5000 × 202 = 106 J
2 2
By the conservation of energy, 8 Let n be the maximum number of people who
loss in gravitational PE can be raised at 2 m s−1.
= gain in KE + work done against mgh
P=
friction t
5000 × 10 × (85 – 53) 15 000 = (120 + 70n) × 10 × 2
= 106 + work done against friction n=9
Work done against friction = 6 × 105 J The maximum number of people who can be
raised at 2 m s−1 is 9.
Practice 7.4 (p. 184) 9 Work done by the engines
1 D = gain in kinetic energy of the cars
2 B For car A:
E 60 000 Work done by car A’s engine
P= = = 500 W
t 2 × 60 1
= mv2
Its power is 500 W. 2
2
3 D 1  100 
= × m ×  = 385.8m J
E mgh 60 × 10 × 10 × 3 × 20 2  3.6 
4 P= = = = 18 kW
t t 20 Power of car A’s engine
The useful power of the lift is 18 kW. work done 385.8m
= = = 64.3m W
E mgh 70 × 10 × 508 time 6
5 P= = = = 25 W
t t 4 × 60 × 60 For car B:
Alain Robert’s power was about 25 W. Work done by car B’s engine
6 Let v be the speed at which Alex can climb 1
= mv2
up. 2
2
By P = Fv, 1  100 
= × m ×  = 385.8m J
P = mgv
2  3.6 
30 = 65 × 10 × v Power of car B’s engine

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B Mechanics Chapter 7 Work, Energy and Power

work done 385.8m = Fs

= = = 96.45m W
time 4 30
= 20 × ×2×π
Therefore, car B’s engine can output more 100
power. = 37.7 J
10 (a) Loss in PE of water per second The work done by the force is 37.7 J.
= mgh 4 B
= 4000 × 10 × 500 PE gained by the load
= 2 × 10 J (= 20 MW)
7
= mgh
In each second, water of 4000 kg loses 5
= 50 × 10 ×
potential energy of 2 × 10 J.
7 1000
= 2.5 J
The potential energy gained by the load is
2.5 J.

(b) Since all the potential energy is assumed

5 (HKCEE 2004 Paper II Q12)
to be converted into electrical energy,
6 C
the power output of the generator is
2 × 107 W. A: Work done by Stephen = kinetic energy
of the ball bearing at A
(c) Not all potential energy of the water is
1
converted into electrical energy because = mv2
2
energy is lost in heating up the wire, 1
= × 0.1 × 52 = 1.25 J
moving the movable parts of the 2
generator, driving the turbine, etc. B: By conservation of energy, the kinetic
energy at A is converted to potential
Revision exercise 7 energy at B. i.e.,
Multiple-choice (p. 187) 1
mv2 = mgh
Section A 2
⇒ v = 2 gh
1 C
By conservation of energy, the potential C: It is not true when the ball bearing rolls
energy at A is converted to kinetic energy at down from B to A.
1 D: It is true by the conservation of energy.
B. i.e. mgh = mv2
2 7 A
v = 2 gh (1) By conservation of energy, total energy
Therefore, if the block moves at 2v at B, the of the bob is equal to its potential
height of the block should be 4h. energy, i.e. total energy
2 C = mgh
3 D = M × 10 × 0.1
Work done by the force =M

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B Mechanics Chapter 7 Work, Energy and Power

(2) By conservation of energy, the potential the same gravitational potential energy
energy of the bob is converted to kinetic which is zero because B and D are at the
energy at its lowest position. i.e., same level. Therefore, the ball at B and
1 D has the same kinetic energy, thus the
mv2 = mgh
2 same velocity.
⇒ v = 2 gh , which is independent
10 A
of the mass of the bob. Work done by the braking force
(3) By conservation of energy, the bob will = change in KE of the car
move up to a point at the same level as 1
Fd1 = 0 – mv2
A, whether there is a pin at C or not. 2
2
8 D 1  40 
Fd1 = 0 – m 
2  3.6 
−61.7 m
d1 =
F

Section B
9 A
Work done by the braking force
(1) By conservation of energy,
= change in KE of the car
the gravitational potential energy of the 1
ball at A Fd2 = 0 – mv2
2
= the kinetic energy of the ball at B 2
1  80 
1 Fd2 = 0 – m 
mgh = mv2 2  3.6 
2 −246.9m
1 d2 =
0.1 × 10 × h = × 0.1 × 42 F
2 −61.7 m −246.9m
h = 0.8 m d1 : d2 = : =1:4
F F
(2) By conservation of energy, The ratio of the braking distance of d1 to d2 is
the kinetic energy of the ball at B 1 : 4.
= the gravitational potential energy of 11 (HKCEE 2000 Paper II Q11)
the ball at C + the kinetic energy of the 12 (HKCEE 2002 Paper II Q8)
ball at C
1 1
mvB2 = mghC + mvC2 Conventional (p. 189)
2 2
Section A
1
× 0.1 × 42 1 (a) His chemical energy converts to (1A)
2
1 kinetic energy. (1A)
= 0.1 × 10 × 0.5 + × 0.1 × vC2
2 Then his kinetic energy converts to his
−1
vC = 6 m s gravitational potential energy. (1A)
(3) When the ball arrives at B and D, it has (b) His change in gravitational potential

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B Mechanics Chapter 7 Work, Energy and Power

energy distance
=
time
= mgh (1M)
50
= 50 × 10 × 1860 = 9.3 × 10 J5
(1A) =
40
2 Let T be the temperature of water at the
= 1.25 m s–1
bottom of the waterfall and m be the mass of 1
KE = mv2 (1M)
water reaching the bottom. 2
By conservation of energy, 1
= × 60 × 1.252
the loss in gravitational potential energy 2

= the gain in internal energy (1M) = 46.9 J (1A)

mgh = mc∆T (2M) The kinetic energy of Dora is 46.9 J.
10 × 100 = 4200 × (T – 12) (b) Dora loses all her kinetic energy over
T = 12.2°C (1A) the last 1 m from side B. The loss of her

The temperature of water at the bottom of the kinetic energy is due to the work done
waterfall is 12.2°C. against the decelerating force.

3 (a) As the man moves at a constant speed, Let F be the decelerating force and s be

the tension acting on the man is equal to the distance of travel.

1 1
the weight of the man. Hence, the Fs = mv2 – mu2 (1M)
2 2
tension acting on the man is 700 N.
F × 1 = 0 – 46.9
(1A)
F = –46.9 N (1A)
(b) Work done by the tension
Therefore, the decelerating force is
= Fs (1M)
46.9 N.
= 700 × 15
Alternative method:
= 10 500 J (1A)
By v2 = u2 + 2as,
(c)
v2 − u2
a=
2s
0 − 1.25 2
=
2 ×1
= –0.781 m s–2 (1A)
The average deceleration is 0.781 m s–2.
By F = ma,
F = 60 × 0.781 = 46.9 N (1A)
(Correct labelled axes.) (1A) The average decelerating force is
(Correct graph.) (1A) 46.9 N.
(Correct values.) (1A) (c) In order to swim at uniform speed, Dora
4 (a) Speed of Dora should exert a force of the same size as

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B Mechanics Chapter 7 Work, Energy and Power

the decelerating force but in opposite  72 

=   × 60
direction, so that net force acting on her  3.6 
is zero. = 1200 m (1M)
Hence, by P = Fv (1M) Work done
P = 46.9 × 1.25 = Fs
= 58.6 W (1A) = 500 × 1200
The power of Dora is 58.6 W. = 6 × 105 J (1A)
5 (a) Work done on the load by the lift The work done against friction is
= Fs = 16 000 × 508 (1M) 6 × 105 J.
= 8.128 × 106 J (1A) (c) Power = force × velocity (1M)
(b) The time required to transport the load = 500 × 20
from the ground to the top floor = 10 kW (1A)
508 The power of the car engine is 10 kW.
= 1010 = 30.178 s
60

E
P= (1M)
t
8.128 × 10 6 7 (a)
=
30.178
= 269 kW (1A)
The power of the light in (a) is 269 kW.
(c) The actual power of the lift is larger
than that in (b). (1A)
When calculating the actual power of
the lift, besides the maximum capacity
of the lift, the weight of the lift needs to (The slope of AB is the steepest.) (1A)
be taken into account as well. (1A) (The slope of BC is smaller than that of
1
6 (a) KE = mv2 (1M) AB.) (1A)
2
2 (The slope of CD is slightly negative
1  72 
= × 1500 ×   owing to the air resistance.) (1A)
2  3.6 
(b) (i) The chemical energy of athletes is
= 3 × 105 J (1A)
converted to the kinetic energy of
The kinetic energy of the car is
the bob-sled. (1A)
3 × 105 J.
(ii) KE of the sled
(b) Distance travelled in 60 s 1
= mv2 (1M)
= vt 2

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B Mechanics Chapter 7 Work, Energy and Power

1 (iii) Any one of the following reasons:

= × (390 + 2 × 70) × 402
2 (2A)
= 424 kJ (1A) Energy is transferred (as heat)
The total KE of the athletes and due to (the force of) friction.
bob-sled is 424 kJ. Energy is lost to the system.
(iii) The second athlete should keep his Work is done against friction.
head down in order to reduce the
air resistance. (1A)
Section B
8 (HKCEE 2003 Paper I Q3) 11 (a) (i) Initial KE of the metal cylinder
9 (HKCEE 2005 Paper I Q2) 1
= mv2 (1M)
2
1
10 (a) The increase in potential energy of the = × 1 × 42
2
skateboarder and board =8J (1A)
The initial KE of the metal
= mgh (1M)
cylinder is 8 J.
= 60 × 10 × 7
(ii) By conservation of energy,
= 4200 J (1A) Loss in KE of the cylinder
= gain PE of the cylinder + work
done against friction (1M)

(b) (i) At Q, the kinetic energy of the

Loss in KE of the cylinder
skateboarder is the greatest.
= mgh + fs
(ii) By conservation of energy,
8 = 1 × 10 × h + 5h
the potential energy of the
h = 0.533 m (1A)
skateboarder and board at P
The maximum height reached by
= the kinetic energy and the
the cylinder is 0.533 m.
potential energy of the
(b) The speed of the metal cylinder is the
skateboarder and board at R
same as that of the hammer.
1
4200 = mv2 + mgh (1M) Let v be the minimum speed of the
2
1 hammer.
4200 = × 60 × 62 + 60 × 10 × h
2 Loss in KE of the cylinder
h = 5.2 m (1M) = gain PE of the cylinder
The skateboarder rises to + work done against friction (1M)
7 m – 5.2 m = 1.8 m, above R. 1
× 1 × v2 = 1 × 10 × 3 + 5 × 3
2
(1A)
v = 9.49 m s−1 (1A)

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B Mechanics Chapter 7 Work, Energy and Power

The minimum speed of the hammer is

9.49 m s−1. The calculation in (b) takes the initial
(c) Any two of the following and other
kinetic energy of the ball as zero.
reasonable methods: (2 × 1A)
Put the bell higher. If she pushes the ball at the beginning,
Use a heavier metal cylinder.
Increase the friction between the the kinetic energy of ball at A will not
cylinder and the support. be zero. Hence, the ball will not stop at
Move the pivot of the plank closer to A. A and she will not win. (1A)
13 (a)
12 (a) The ball should be released at a

position 1 m above the ground. (1A)

(b) Let H be the height that the ball should

be released.

By conservation of energy,

(Label 4 forces: weight, tension,

mgH = mgh + 10% × mgH (1M) friction, normal reaction.) (4 × 1A)
(b) By F = ma, (1M)
H = 1 + 0.1H 80 – 10 – 100 × sin 30° = 10a
a = 2 m s–2 (1A)
1
= 1.11 m (1A) By s = ut + at 2 , (1M)
2
1
10 = 0 + ( 2)t 2
The ball should be released at a height 2
t = 3.16 s (1A)
of The man takes 3.16 s to pull the block to
1.11 m above the ground. the top.
Fs
(c) P= (1M)
The energy loss of the ball due to the t
80 × 10
= = 253 W (1A)
work done against friction is converted 3.16
into the internal energy of the rail and The power of the man is 253 W.
the ball. (1A) (d) By v2 – u2 = 2as, (1M)
2
v – 0 = 2(2)(10)
(c) She will not win. (1A) v = 6.325 m s–1 (1A)

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B Mechanics Chapter 7 Work, Energy and Power

The gain in KE position) is equal to her kinetic energy

1
= m(v12 – v02) (1M) at A.
2
1
= × 10 × (6.3252 – 0) = 200 J (1A)
2
The gain in the kinetic energy of the Let F be the minimum average force
block when it reaches the top of the road
acting on her after passing A.
is 200 J.
14 (a) Loss in PE KE = Fs (1M)
= mgh (1M)
= 50 × 10 × 12 = 6000 J (1A)
5260 = F × 8
Fanny lost 6000 J of potential energy.
1
(b) KE = mv2 (1M)
2 F = 657.5 N (1A)
1
= × 50 × 14.52
2
The minimum average decelerating
= 5260 J (1A)
At point A, Fanny’s kinetic energy was force acting on her was 657.5 N.
5260 J. 15 (HKCEE 2004 Paper I Q7)
16 (a) Work done to raise the washing machine
(c) Fanny’s mechanical energy is not is equal to the potential energy gained
by the washing machine. (1M)
conserved. (1A)
PE gained by the machine

It is because her potential energy loss at = mgh (1M)

= 800 × 0.2 = 160 J (1A)
A is greater than her gain in kinetic The work required to raise the washing
energy. (1A) machine up the step is 160 J.
(b) (i) When he puts the washing
Fanny’s mechanical energy is not machine on wheels, the friction
acting on the machine is much
conserved because she has to do work
reduced. (1A)
against the air friction acting on her.
Therefore he can use less force to
(1A) push the machine up the ramp.
(1A)
(For effective communication.) (1C)
(ii) The chemical energy in Bobby's
muscles change to (1A)
(d) The work done against the force acting
KE and PE of the machine as it
moves up the ramp. (1A)
on Fanny (between A and her lowest

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B Mechanics Chapter 7 Work, Energy and Power

Also part of his chemical energy is

converted to internal energy of the
ramp as a result of work done
against friction. (1A)
(c) (i) From the graph, maximum speed
of the machine is 1.5 m s–1. (1A)
(ii) The machine accelerates until it
reaches the ground.
From the graph, the machine
reaches the ground at 1 s. (1A)

(iii) The kinetic energy of the machine

changes to internal energy of the
ground as a result of work done
against friction. (2A)

Physics in articles (p. 193)

(a) The maximum potential energy gained by a
manhole cover in the explosion
= mgh (1M)
= 20 × 10 × 10
= 2000 J (1A)
2 2
(b) By v – u = 2as, (1M)
2
v – 0 = 2(10)(10)
v = 14.1 m s–1 (1A)
The speed of a manhole cover when it fell
back to ground was 14.1 m s–1.
(c) The acceleration due to gravity g is assumed
to be 10 m s–2. (1A)

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