General Physics 1

MODULE
Power and Energy
6

MODULE DURATION: 1 week

In this module, you will understand the

concept of power, potential energy, kinetic energy,
and conservative forces. You will also learn the
principles in gravitational potential energy and elastic
potential energy of a system. Furthermore, as you go
through this module, try to reflect and perceive
scenarios where these various kinds of energy are
present and used.

Task to perform:
You will be able to solve using experimental and
theoretical approaches, multiple concept, rich-content problems
involving power, potential energy, kinetic energy, and
conservative forces.

At the end of this module, you must be able to:

 Define power.
 Differentiate potential energy from kinetic energy.
 Solve problem related to potential energy and kinetic energy.
 Relate the gravitational potential energy of a system or object to the
configuration of the system.
 Relate elastic potential energy of a system or object to the configuration
of the system.
 Explain the properties and the effects of conservative forces.

“For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against
powers, against the rulers of darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in
the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to
withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.”– Ephesians 6:12, 13
 What’s on Your Mind?

Instruction: Observe what transpires on the picture below and answer the following questions.

What happen to the force when the biker is on the top of the hill?
__________________________________________________________________________________________
What happen to force when the biker starts to move down the hill?
__________________________________________________________________________________________
What do you call the energy that is present when the biker is on the top of hill? ________________ How about the
energy when he moves down the hill? ________________

LET’S BEGIN!

POWER
Which is more tiring – climbing the stairs fast or slow? It is certainly more exhausting to climb the stairs rapidly
because you do the work against gravity at a fast rate. This rate of doing the work is defined as power.
When an amount of W is done during a time interval t, the average work done per unit time or average power
𝑾
𝑃𝑎𝑣𝑒 is 𝑷𝒂𝒗𝒆 =
𝒕
The SI unit of power is watt (W). One watt is equal to one joule per second (1 J/s). A useful factor is 1 horsepower
(hp) is equal to 746 watt (W).
Like work, power can also be expressed as a dot product of 𝐹⃗ and velocity 𝑣⃗. That is, P = ⃗𝑭⃗ · 𝒗
⃗⃗

Example:
A building in Makati stands at 262 m. A 60.0 kg marathon runner runs up the stairs to the top of this building in
10.0 minutes. What is his average power output in units of watts, kilowatts, and horsepower?
Sol’n:
Since the force is not given, then we need to solve it first. Note: The force in this example is the weight.
𝐹 = 𝑤 = 𝑚𝑔 = (50 𝑘𝑔)(9.8 𝑚/𝑠 2 ) = 588 N

Next, solve for the value of work. 𝑊 = 𝐹𝑑 = (588 𝑁)(262 𝑚) = 𝟏𝟓𝟒, 𝟎𝟓𝟒 𝐉

After this, convert the time to second in order to solve the average Power.
60 𝑠 𝑊 154,054 J
10 min 𝑥 (1 𝑚𝑖𝑛) = 600 𝑠 𝑃𝑎𝑣𝑒 = 𝑡
= 600 s
= 𝟐𝟓𝟔. 𝟕𝟔 𝑾

To find the equivalent unit in kilowatt and horsepower, do the conversion of units:
1 𝑘𝑊 1 ℎ𝑝
256.76 W 𝑥 (1,000 𝑊) = 𝟎. 𝟐𝟓𝟔𝟕𝟔 𝒌𝑾 256.76 W 𝑥 (746 𝑊) = 𝟎. 𝟑𝟒𝟒𝟏𝟖 𝒉𝒑

Suggested video to watch: https://youtu.be/ca_b53EQU8w

POTENTIAL AND KINETIC ENERGY

Energy is defined as the capacity to do work. Mechanical energy is the sum of potential and kinetic energy of a
body.
Potential energy, represented by U or PE, is energy possessed by a body by virtue of its position or configuration.
Gravitational potential energy is energy due to position of an object relative to Earth’s ground.
𝑼𝑮 = 𝒎𝒈𝒉
 where m is the mass of the object, g is the magnitude of the acceleration due to gravity, and h is the where the
object is located.
To solve for the work done by gravity in terms of 𝑈𝐺
𝑊 = 𝐹𝑑 = 𝑚𝑔∆ℎ = 𝑚𝑔(ℎ2 − ℎ1 ) thus 𝑾𝑮 = 𝑼𝟐 − 𝑼𝟏 = 𝒎𝒈(𝒉𝟐 − 𝒉𝟏 )

Note: 𝑾𝑮 = −∆𝑼𝒈 (“the work done by gravity is equal to the negative change in the body’s gravitational potential
energy.”)

Example #1:
A 35.0 kg child climbs a 6.0 m long slide that is inclined 30° with the horizontal. What is the gravitational
potential energy of the child with respect to the ground when it reaches the top of the slide?
Sol’n:
Since the height is not given, use 𝒅𝒔𝒊𝒏𝜽 for h.
𝑈𝐺 = 𝑚𝑔ℎ = 𝑚𝑔(𝑑𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃) = (35 𝑘𝑔)(9.8 𝑚/𝑠 2 )(6𝑚 )sin 30° = 𝟏, 𝟎𝟐𝟗 𝐉
Example #2:
What is the gravitational potential energy of a 9.0 kg ball that is 50 m above the ground?
Sol’n:
𝑈𝐺 = 𝑚𝑔ℎ = (9 𝑘𝑔)(9.8 𝑚/𝑠 2 ) (50 𝑚) = 4,410 J

Example #3:
How much work is required to lift a 500 N crate 15 m above the ground?
Sol’n:
Notice that the 500 N = mg,
𝑊 = 𝑚𝑔∆ℎ = (500 𝑁) (15 𝑚) = 7,500 J (It is positive since it is lifted up)

Example #4:
Suppose a ball with mass 10 kg is thrown upward from an elevation of 5.0 m to 12 m above the ground. Find the
change in its gravitational potential energy and work done by gravity.
Sol’n:
Note: ℎ2 = 12 𝑚 and ℎ1 = 5 𝑚
∆𝑈𝐺 = 𝑈2 − 𝑈1 = 𝑚𝑔(ℎ2 − ℎ1 ) = (10 𝑘𝑔)(9.8 𝑚/𝑠 2 )(12𝑚 − 5𝑚)
= (10 𝑘𝑔)(9.8 𝑚/𝑠 2 )(7𝑚) = 686 J (gravitational potential energy)
The work done by gravity is -686 J, since 𝑊𝐺 = −∆𝑈𝑔 .

Suggested video to watch: https://youtu.be/g35gHhH6oXI

Kinetic energy, is represented by KE or K, refers to the body in motion.

𝟏 𝟏 𝟏 𝟐𝑾
Formulas: 𝑲 = 𝒎𝒗𝟐 ; 𝑊 = 𝐾2 − 𝐾1 = 𝟐
𝒎𝒗𝟐𝟐 − 𝟐 𝒎𝒗𝟐𝟏 ; 𝒗 = √ 𝒎
𝟐

𝑾 = ∆𝑲 is the equation known as the work-energy theorem which states that “the net work done on a body is equal to
the change in its kinetic energy.”

Example #1: What is the kinetic energy in a 2.0 kg body moving at 3.0 m/s?
Sol’n:
1 1 1
𝐾 = 2 𝑚𝑣 2 = 2 (2 𝑘𝑔)(3 𝑚/𝑠)2 = 2 (2 𝑘𝑔)(9 𝑚2 /𝑠 2 ) = 9.0 J

Example #2: A 1,500 kg jeepney is cruising at a speed of 30 m/s. the driver suddenly steps on the brake. The jeepney
slides on the road until it comes to a stop.

a.) What is the kinetic energy of the jeepney at the moment the driver stepped on the brake pedal?
Sol’n:
1 1 1
𝐾 = 2 𝑚𝑣 2 = 2 (1,500 𝑘𝑔)(30 𝑚/𝑠)2= 2 (1,500 𝑘𝑔)(900 𝑚2 /𝑠 2 ) = 675,000 J

b.) How much work has done by friction to slow down the jeepney to a stop?
Sol’n:
In the problem, initial kinetic energy is 𝐾1 = 675, 000 J and because the jeepney eventually stopped moving, its
final kinetic energy is zero, 𝐾2 = 0 J.
 𝑊 = 𝐾2 − 𝐾1 = 0 J − 675,000 J = −𝟔𝟕𝟓, 𝟎𝟎𝟎 𝐉 (the negative sign for work clearly shows that the frictional
force and the displacement are antiparallel)

c.) Suppose the road has exerted a frictional force of 135 kN, how far did the jeepney move before coming a stop?
Sol’n:
To find the stopping distance d, you simply use 𝑊 = 𝐹𝑑𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃. Because friction and displacement are opposite
each other, 𝜃 = 180°.
𝑊 = 𝐹𝑑𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃
−675,000 𝐽 = (135,000 𝑁)𝑑𝑐𝑜𝑠180°
−675,000 𝐽 = (135,000 𝑁)𝑑(−1) (Simplify)
−675,000 𝐽 = −135,000 𝑁 𝑑 (Divide both sides by -135,000 N)
5m=d

Example #3: A woman pushes a 2.0 kg cart initially at rest with a force of 350 N along a horizontal surface. The cart
moves a distance of 4.0 m. What is the final speed of the cart assuming it starts from rest?

Sol’n:
First, let us determine the amount of work on the cart.
𝑊 = 𝐹𝑑 = (350 𝑁)(4 𝑚) = 𝟏, 𝟒𝟎𝟎 𝐉
Use the derived formula to solve for the final velocity

2𝑊 2(1,400 J)
𝑣=√ = √ = 𝟑𝟕. 𝟒𝟐 𝒎/𝒔
𝑚 2 𝑘𝑔

Suggested video to watch: https://youtu.be/ScxYUOmEOEA

Elastic Potential Energy

It is the energy due to configuration and is common in elastic materials such a springs and rubber bands. The
equation form of F is 𝑭 = 𝒌𝒙 where k is the proportionality constant called the force constant or spring constant and x
is the distance taken.
𝟏 𝟏 𝟏
Formulas: 𝑾 = 𝒌𝒙𝟐𝟐 − 𝒌𝒙𝟐𝟏 for work and 𝑼𝒆𝒍 = 𝒌𝒙𝟐 for elastic potential energy
𝟐 𝟐 𝟐

Example: A boy weighing 400 N sits on a chair made of a stiff spring. From equilibrium, the spring is compressed to 1.0
cm under his weight. Find the force constant k of the spring and the total work on it during compression.

Sol’n:
Note: 1.0 cm = 0.01 m. To solve for the k, derive it from the equation F=kx. So we have k = F/x.
𝐹 400 𝑁
𝑘= = = 40,000 𝑜𝑟 4𝑥104 𝑁/𝑚
𝑥 0.01 𝑚

1 1
To solve for the work exerted: 𝑊 = 2 𝑘𝑥22 − 2 𝑘𝑥12
1 1 1
Setting x1 = 0 and x2 = 0.01 m, you can get 𝑊 = 2 𝑘𝑥22 − 2 𝑘𝑥12 = 2 (4 𝑥104 𝑁/𝑚)(0.01) − 0 = 𝟐. 𝟎 𝐉

Suggested video to watch: https://youtu.be/UyO_wNwc4s0

Conservation of Mechanical Energy

A force which the work does not depend on the path, but only on the initial and final positions is called
conservative force. Aside from gravity, other examples of conservative forces are elastic force of a spring and the electric
force.
Total Mechanical Energy is the sum kinetic energy (K) and potential (U). It has a symbol of E or ME. Conservation
of Mechanical Energy states that the “total mechanical energy at any moment is constant.” Observe the picture below
how the potential and kinetic energy remain at constant mechanical energy in position and distance.
Thus, with this relationship, we derive
𝟏
U = K or mgh = mv2 and E1 = E2 or 𝑲𝟏 + 𝑼𝟏 = 𝑲𝟐 + 𝑼𝟐
𝟐

Example #1: A rock is dropped from rest at a height of 20.0 m from the ground. Use the conservation of energy to find
its speed at 3.0 m from the ground.
Sol’n:
E 1 = E2
𝐾1 + 𝑈1 = 𝐾2 + 𝑈2
1 1
2
𝑚𝑣12 + 𝑚𝑔ℎ1 = 2 𝑚𝑣22 + 𝑚𝑔ℎ2 (Substitute the formulas of U and K)
Because the rock was dropped from rest, then v1 = 0. This reduce the equation to
1
𝑚𝑔ℎ1 = 𝑚𝑣22 + 𝑚𝑔ℎ2
2
Simply do the algebra to solve for v2:
1
𝑚𝑣22 = 𝑚𝑔ℎ1 − 𝑚𝑔ℎ2
2
𝑣2 = √2𝑔(ℎ1 − ℎ2 )
𝑚
Substitute the formula with the given values: = √2 (9.8 2 ) (20 𝑚 − 3 𝑚)
𝑠
𝒗𝟐 = 𝟏𝟖. 𝟑 𝒎/𝒔

Example #2: A block slides down a 150 m inclined plane starting from rest. What is the speed of the block when it
reaches the bottom of the incline?
Sol’n:
Use 𝑣2 = √2𝑔(ℎ1 − ℎ2 ) . Since the ball reached to the bottom of the incline h2 = 0 m.
𝑚
𝑣2 = √2𝑔(ℎ1 − ℎ2 )=√2 (9.8 𝑠2 ) (150 𝑚 − 0 𝑚) = 54.22 m/s

Suggested videos to watch: https://youtu.be/N7DAqKuSCsk and https://youtu.be/AzXb63GEMss

LET’S APPLY!

ASSESSMENT 1: Time to Think!

Direction: Read the following statement below and give a brief explanation to your answer.
(5 points each item)

1. Differentiate potential energy from kinetic energy.

__________________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
2. Explain the concept of the Conservation of Mechanical Energy.
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
3. Cite one real life scenario where you have observed potential and kinetic energy are being manifested. Please explain
in details.
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
 ASSESSMENT 2: Evaluate Me!
Direction: Encircle the letter that corresponds to the correct answer. Show your solutions on a clean paper.
(5 points each item)
1. A force of 35 N is needed to keep a certain object moving at a constant speed of 50 m/s. What power is needed to
sustain the motion of the mass?
A. 1, 750 W B. 1, 760 W C. 1, 770 W D. 1, 780 W

2. A 30 kg girl runs the 50 m race plain track for just 7 minutes. Find the power she exerted during the run.
A. 10 W B. 25 W C. 35 W D. 40 W

3. A 1,200 kg car can accelerate from 30.0 m/s to 50.0 m/s in 10.0s. Neglecting friction and air resistance, what is the
mechanical power that the engine of the car provides during this time interval?
A. 9.6 x 103 W B. 9.6 x 104 W C. 9.6 x 105 W D. 9.6 x 106 W

4. A box with a mass of 5.0 kg that is moving at 4.0 m/s on a horizontal frictionless surface runs into a light spring with a
force constant of 8 N/cm. The distance before box reach the spring is 3 meters. Using the work-energy theorem, find the
maximum compression of the spring.
A. 17.0 m B. 1.7 m C. 0.17 m D. 0.017 m

5. A 5.0 kg block is pushed at an initial speed of 45.0 m/s on a long frictionless 30° inclined plane. Find the maximum
distance traveled by the box when it reached to end point of the inclined plane at 75.0 m/s. (Hint: W = Fdcos𝜃)
A. 212.09 m B. 220.09 m C. 312.09 m D. 352.09 m

6. A 60.0 kg man climbs a 10.0 m long ladder that is inclined 60° to the wall from the ground. What is the gravitational
potential energy of the man with respect to the ground when it reaches the top of the ladder?
A. 5, 092.23 J B. 6, 002. 23 J C. 7, 092.23 J D. 8, 092.23 J

7. A person has thrown a ball upward and it reaches a height of 6.0 m from its initial position. What is the speed of the
ball when it leaves the person’s hand?
A. 4.25 m/s B. 6.65 m/s C. 9.5 m/s D. 10.84 m/s

8. A 5,000 kg car at 10 m/s. When the driver steps on the brakes, the car continues to move a distance of 5 m until it
eventually stops. What is the amount of friction that the road exerted on the car? (Hint: W = Fd)
A. -5 x 102 N B. -5 x 103 N C. -5 x 104 N D. -5 x 105 N

ASSESSMENT 3: I Can Do It!

Direction: Solve the following problems below and use the given space for your solutions.
(5 points each item)
1. Suppose a ball with mass 5 kg is thrown upward from an elevation of 8.0 m to 15.0 m above the ground. Find the (a)
change in its gravitational potential energy and (b) work done by gravity.

2. A 50N force is applied horizontally to a 10 kg block at rest for a displacement of 200 m across a frictionless surface. (a)
How much work is done by the force? (b) How fast the block is moving? (c) What is the final kinetic energy? (d) What is
the acceleration of the block in the horizontal direction?