Topic 5: Work, Energy and Power

Work done by force

Positive work is considered to be done when the obiect moves in the direction ofthe force.

Direction of force Work done

work done = F cosa s

Work done by gas

Positive work is done by a gas when it expands against the external pressure.

{When the gas contracts, work done is neqative. We say that "wo.k is done on the gas,,.)

external pressure (p) externalpressure {p)

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Enelgy conServation and convercion

Energy is q!]!Ay! conserved in a closed system {no external energy source present) i.e. total
energy is a constant.

When we say "energy loss", it is not really lost - it is simply converted into other non useful
forms e.g. sound, heat etc.

Mechanical Energy

Kinetic Eneray Potential Enerev

. Energy possessed by virtue of . Energy stored in a body as a

its Eg!.g-[. consequence of its position,
1_ state or shape.

GravitaiionalPE E = nr.gh

Elastic PF

Note: the concept of conversion between the different forms of energy is a very useful one
when solving quantitative questions. Keep this method in mind, especially when:
{a) yglgglly is involved;
(b)I9!g!! is involved.

Problem solvins Method

iotal lnitial Energy = Total Final Energy +F erqy loss

lf no Energy Lost

Total lnitial Energy = total Final Energy

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Efficiency

Due to energy being converted to non-useful forms, efficiency is less than 100% in real systems.

useful energy output

Efficiency ? = x 100%
totalenergy input

Rate of work done (tJ with respect to time {1); also defined as energy {_E) converted with
respect to time.

WE
it
When solving questions that involve motion of body another useful form of power is:

where v : velocity of body - must be

constant if you want to use this
equation

Efficiency can also be calculated using useful power output and total power input:

useful power output

Efficiency rl = x TOOo/"
total power input

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