Step-by-Step Solutions to Work, Energy and Power Questions
FAQs on Practice Problems on Work, Energy and Power
1. What is the work-energy theorem?
The work-energy theorem states that the net work done by all the forces acting on a body is equal to the change in its kinetic energy. The key points are:
- Net work done = Change in kinetic energy (ΔKE = W_net)
- Applies to all forces, including friction and gravity
- Explains how energy is transferred to or from an object as work is performed
- Essential for solving physics problems involving motion and forces
2. What is the difference between work, energy, and power?
Work, energy, and power are fundamental but different concepts in physics:
- Work: The product of force and displacement in the direction of force (W = F × d × cosθ)
- Energy: The capacity to do work (measured in joules)
- Power: The rate at which work is done or energy is transferred (P = W/t)
These concepts are crucial for understanding mechanical systems and exams often ask for definitions and examples.
3. How is work calculated when force is at an angle to displacement?
When force acts at an angle θ to the displacement, work done is calculated as:
- W = F × d × cosθ
- Only the component of force in direction of displacement does work
- If θ = 0°, full force does work; if θ = 90°, no work is done
Remember to use the correct angle for CBSE exam questions.
4. What are the different forms of energy?
There are several forms of energy important in physics and daily life:
- Kinetic energy (energy of motion)
- Potential energy (energy due to position)
- Chemical energy, thermal energy, electrical energy, nuclear energy
- Mechanical energy (sum of kinetic and potential energy)
Exam focus is on understanding and giving examples of each form.
5. What is the principle of conservation of energy?
The law of conservation of energy states that energy can neither be created nor destroyed, only transformed from one form to another.
- Total energy in a closed system remains constant
- Important for problem solving in physics and real-world applications
- Examples: Pendulum motion, falling objects
CBSE often asks to illustrate this with diagrams or numericals.
6. What is power and how is it measured?
Power is the rate at which work is done or energy is transmitted.
- Formula: P = W/t (work done divided by time taken)
- SI unit: watt (W)
- High power means more work in less time
- Questions may ask for calculations or examples in daily life (e.g., electrical appliances)
7. What is mechanical advantage and how is it related to work?
Mechanical advantage (MA) is the factor by which a machine multiplies the effort force to perform work.
- Formula: MA = Load / Effort
- Machines do not reduce total work; they make work easier
- For exams, know how to calculate MA and its significance in simple machines like levers and pulleys.
8. How is the kinetic energy of an object calculated?
The kinetic energy (KE) of an object is given by:
- KE = (1/2)mv², where m = mass, v = velocity
- Increases with both mass and the square of velocity
- Frequently asked in CBSE exams for numerical problems
9. State and explain the conditions for work done to be zero.
Work done is zero when:
- Force is perpendicular to displacement (θ = 90°)
- No displacement occurs (d = 0)
- No force is applied (F = 0)
Understanding these conditions is essential for answering theoretical and conceptual questions in board exams.
10. What are some common examples of work, energy, and power in daily life?
Examples of work, energy, and power in daily life:
- Work: Lifting a bag, pushing a cart
- Energy: Food as chemical energy, moving vehicles (kinetic energy)
- Power: Light bulb wattage, running up stairs fast
CBSE examiners may ask you to relate physical concepts to practical scenarios.
11. What is potential energy and how is it calculated?
Potential energy is the stored energy due to an object’s position.
- For objects at height: PE = mgh (where m = mass, g = acceleration due to gravity, h = height)
- Key for problems involving gravitational energy
- Know how to define, calculate, and give examples for full marks.
12. Can work be negative? Explain with examples.
Yes, work can be negative if force and displacement are in opposite directions.
- Negative work reduces an object’s kinetic energy
- Example: Friction opposes motion of a sliding box
- Also important for understanding braking and resistive forces in physics






















