Aquinas College Physics Module 4.

2: Space, Time & Motion

Module 4.2
Work, Energy & Power
4.2.F Work, Energy & Power

Topic Notes
Name:__________

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Aquinas College Physics Module 4.2: Space, Time & Motion

Important resources for this module:

All Prezi presentations, booklets, homeworks and
practical sheets are all available on the departmental
website:
www.aquinasphysics.com/42-space-
time--motion.html

www.alevelphysicsonline.com/work-and-energy

Excellent video tutorials made by an A level physics teacher for A

level physics students. If you need to go over any concepts again,
this is the first place that you should look.

Free access to the course textbook (via

the departmental website). Follow the
instructions on the website for how to
log in.

www.aquinasphysics.com/kerboodle

Challenging questions from GCSE level to Undergraduate physics problems.

If you are hoping for a B, A or A* you must be visiting this site and regularly
practicing the problems. They also run excellent workshops. Look out for these!!

https://isaacphysics.org/

Multiple-choice practice revision

questions on your phone. Revise on the
bus on the way in to college!!

www.gojimo.com/

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Aquinas College Physics Module 4.2: Space, Time & Motion

Studentship checklist
Tick the boxes when you have completed each of the tasks to do with this topic:

Have you… 
Completed the notes in this booklet so that all important details are recorded?

Answered all the questions in the main part of this booklet, practising the key skills needed

Watched the videos linked to in each section?

Made further notes from Prezis / videos / other sources in the spaces provided throughout the booklet

Answered all the mastery questions at the back of this booklet?

Completed and marked the homework booklet(s) associated with this topic?
Watched the video explaining all the questions on the homework(s) on this topic and taken detailed notes
of any corrections?
Found extra questions related to this topic to answer (e.g. on IsaacPhysics ; physicsandmathstutor.com ; the
stretch & challenge questions at the front of each physics lab.)?
Made revision resources for this topic (mind-maps / flashcards etc.)?

Found some stretch & challenge questions to practice at the front of the physics lab?
Which are the trickiest parts of this topic that you will focus your revision on when it comes to exam time?

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

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Aquinas College Physics Module 4.2: Space, Time & Motion

Two-Year Course Overview

w.b. Lower 6 Upper 6
Homework Pack Homework Pack
09-Sep Induction, Maths Skills & Vectors September Mock
16-Sep 4.2.A 5.1.3.B
5.1.3 Astrophysics
23-Sep 4.2.B
30-Sep 4.2 Motion & Mechanics 4.2.C 5.1.2.A
5.1.2 Circular Motion & Gravitational
07-Oct
Fields
14-Oct 4.2.D 5.1.2.B
October Half Term October Half Term
28-Oct 4.2.E 6.1.2.A
6.1.2 Electric & Magnetic Fields ;
04-Nov 4.2 Motion & Mechanics 4.2.F 6.1.2.B
Particle Accelerators
11-Nov 4.2.G 6.1.2.C
18-Nov 3.2.A 6.2.1.A
25-Nov 3.2.B 6.2.1 Particle Physics 6.2.1.B
3.2 Materials
02-Dec 3.2.C 6.2.1.C
09-Dec 5.2.1.A
5.2.1 Heat Energy & Ideal Gases
16-Dec 3.1.2 Electricity 3.1.2.A 5.2.1.B

Christmas Holidays Christmas Holidays

06-Jan 3.1.2.B 5.2.2 Boltzmann Factor 5.2.1.

13-Jan 3.1.2.C 5.1.1.A
3.1.2 Electricity 5.1.1 Modelling (Radioactivity,
20-Jan 3.1.2.D 5.1.1.B
Capacitors & Oscillations)
27-Jan 3.1.2.E
03-Feb Mock Exam 3.1.2.E Mock Exam
10-Feb 4.1 Waves 4.1.A 5.1.1 Modelling 5.1.1.C
February Half Term February Half Term
24-Feb 4.1.B 6.1.1.A
02-Mar 4.1.C 6.1.1. Electromagnetism 6.1.1.B
4.1 Waves
09-Mar 4.1.D 6.1.1.C
16-Mar 4.1.E 6.2.2.A
23-Mar 6.2.2. Nuclear Physics 6.2.2.B
4.1 Quantum Physics
30-Mar 4.1.F 6.2.2.C

Easter Holidays Easter Holidays

20-Apr Revision & Mock Exam

4.1 Quantum Physics
27-Apr 4.1.G Revision
04-May 3.1.1.A Mock Exam
11-May 3.1.1 Imaging & Signalling Revision
18-May 3.1.1.B Exams Start
May Half Term May Half Term
01-Jun 3.1.1.C
3.1.1 Imaging & Signalling
08-Jun 3.1.1.D
15-Jun 5.1.3 Astrophysics 5.1.3.A
22-Jun End of Year Exam
29-Jul Work Experience Week
06-Jul 5.1.3 Astrophysics
Summer Holidays Summer Holidays

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Aquinas College Physics Module 4.2: Space, Time & Motion

Table of Contents
Studentship checklist ................................................................................................................................................. - 3 -
Learning Objectives ................................................................................................................................................... - 6 -
1. Work.................................................................................................................................................................... - 8 -
Work done when the force is not parallel to the displacement ................................................................................ - 9 -
An example (easy) exam question ....................................................................................................................... - 9 -
2. Energy ............................................................................................................................................................... - 10 -
gravitational potential energy, Eg ........................................................................................................................... - 10 -
kinetic energy, Ek ................................................................................................................................................... - 11 -
elastic potential energy, Eel .................................................................................................................................... - 12 -
Graphs for different forms of energy ..................................................................................................................... - 13 -
3. Energy Conservation ....................................................................................................................................... - 14 -
Some example questions using the Law of Conservation of Energy ................................................................. - 14 -
Space for your own notes ................................................................................................................................... - 15 -
4. Power ................................................................................................................................................................. - 16 -
Efficiency ............................................................................................................................................................... - 17 -
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5. Mastery Questions............................................................................................................................................ - 18 -
Isaac Physics B8: Work, Energy & Power......................................................................................................... - 18 -
Space for your own notes......................................................................................................................................... - 21 -

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Aquinas College Physics Module 4.2: Space, Time & Motion

Learning Objectives
(a) Describe and explain
(iv) calculation of work done, including cases where the force is not parallel to the displacement

(v) the principle of conservation of energy

(vi) power as the rate of transfer of energy

(b) Make appropriate use of:
(i) the terms: work, energy, power
(c) Make calculations and estimates involving:
(vii) work done ∆𝐸 = 𝐹 ∆𝑠
1
(viii) kinetic energy = 2 𝑚𝑣 2

(ix) gravitational potential energy = 𝑚𝑔∆ℎ

(vi) force, energy & power 𝑃 = ∆𝐸⁄∆𝑡 = 𝐹 𝑣

Definitions / explanations you are expected to learn are given

stippled boxes for you to write them in

Equations you are expected to be able to use are given double

lined boxes.

Online learning checks and assignments are linked to in double

lined boxes

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Aquinas College Physics Module 4.2: Space, Time & Motion

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Aquinas College Physics Module 4.2: Space, Time & Motion

4.2 Motion & Mechanics – Work, Energy & Power

Prezi 4.2.F These notes coordinate with Prezis 4.2.C, 4.2.D & 4.2.E on the
Work, Energy & Power departmental website, and pages 203-206 & 211-214 (ish) in the course
goo.gl/CahbCW textbook.

Work and energy – and the principle of conservation of energy – are again some fundamental concepts that come up
over and again in A level physics. Much of the work that follows you should have covered previously in school: this
section is all about consolidating that knowledge and developing it so that you apply it to different examples.

1. Work
A useful video on work done is offered by www.alevelphysicsonline.com (goo.gl/P8qz5y ; QR code left).

Answer the questions below to highlight details of the important concept of work done:
(1) Describe what needs to occur for WORK to be done. Complete the sentence below.

WORK IS DONE WHEN…

(2) In the box right, complete the equation giving the WORK

E=
DONE, E in terms of the force F acting and the distance
moved s

*equation given p.5 on the formula booklet, but learn it

(3) State the units of the following: anyway to save yourself time.

DISPLACEMENT.………………. FORCE…………………. WORK DONE………………

WORK DONE (in terms of the units for force & displaement) ………………..
WORK DONE (in terms of SI BASE UNITS) ………………..

(4) A water-skiing squirrel moves at constant speed through a distance of 4.9 m. The
string is parallel to the surface of the water, and the resistive forces total 2.3 N.
What is the work done?

work = …………………… J
(5) Bubba the track-hoe water skier is pulled with a force of 60 N five times
around a circle of diameter 14 m. The tow-line forms an angle of 40o with the
horizontal. What is the work done?

work = …………………… J

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Aquinas College Physics Module 4.2: Space, Time & Motion

Work done when the force is not parallel to the displacement

In the final question on the facing page, you were asked to calculate the work done in the case of a force acting at an
angle to the line of motion.
Explain how you deal with these types of example. What is it that you have to consider. As part of your answer, you
will wish to re-write the equation for WORK DONE E.

E=
*this version of the equation IS NOT given in the formula
booklet.

An example (easy) exam question

(a) Figure 1 right shows a lawnmower being

used to cut grass
(i) In order to push the lawnmower, a
minimum force of 650 N must be
applied to the handle of the lawnmower
at an angle of 42o to the horizontal.
What is the horizontal component of the
force?

horizontal component = …………………. N (2)

(ii) The lawnmower is used to cut 15 strips of grass, each 7 m long. Calculate the work done by the person pushing
the lawnmower.

work done = ………………… J (2)

(b) Figure 2 shows a lawnmower with the top section of the handle horizontal. Explain how this changes the
minimum force required to push the lawnmower

(2)

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Aquinas College Physics Module 4.2: Space, Time & Motion

2. Energy
Energy is another fundamental concept in physics which helps us to explain and describe a vast range of different
phenomena. It is a concept that we will keep coming back to throughout the course.
For this early introduction, we will restrict our investigations to three main forms of energy that we will be expected to
make calculations for and to convert between: GRAVITATIONAL POTENTIAL energy, KINETIC energy, and
ELASTIC POTENTIAL energy.

GRAVITATIONAL POTENTIAL ENERGY, Eg

For more information, watch the excellent video from www.alevelphysicsonline.com available at
goo.gl/hLsK8T (QR code left).

(1) In the box right, give the equation linking the change in
gravitational potential energy Eg of an object of mass m
when it moves through a height h in a uniform graviational
field of strength g.
Eg=
* equation NOT given in the formula booklet – you will
definitely need to learn this one!!

(2) Explain how the equation you have written links to the concept of WORK DONE.

(3) In the prezi there is a video showing a mid-air collision between two planes carrying teams of sky-divers at a height
of 12000 ft.
(a) Estimate the loss of gravitational potential energy Eg of a single sky-diver as they fall to Earth. Clearly state
your assumptions.
Assumptions

Eg = ………………………. J

(b) Estimate the loss of gravitational potential energy Eg of one of the airplanes as it falls to Earth.
Assumptions

Eg = ………………………. J

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Aquinas College Physics Module 4.2: Space, Time & Motion

KINETIC ENERGY, Ek
For more information on kinetic energy, there is an excellent video from www.alevelphysicsonline.com
available at goo.gl/Neseq7 (QR code left).

(1) Write the equation for an kinetic energy Ek of an object of mass m

moving at a speed v in the box right.
Ek=
* equation NOT given in the formula booklet – you
will definitely need to learn this one!!
(2) Complete the following sentence:
If the velocity of an object doubles, its kinetic energy…

(3) For each of the objects shown below, estimate the kinetic energy Ek. State clearly any values that you use.

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Aquinas College Physics Module 4.2: Space, Time & Motion

ELASTIC POTENTIAL ENERGY, Eel

We will explore the derivation of the elastic potential energy equation in more detail when we study the
materials section of the course. This derivation is nicely explained in the video from
www.alevelphysicsonline.com available at goo.gl/Pgx5Qn (see QR code left).

(1) Elastic materials such as springs obey Hooke’s Law when a force is applied to stretch them. Explain what is meant
by HOOKE’S LAW and the term SPRING CONSTANT, k. You may wish to refer to the video linked to above; and
you will also wish to state a relevant equation.

(2) Explain how the ELASTIC POTENTIAL ENERGY Eel stored in a

stretched spring can be found from a graph of force against extension
(annotate the diagram provided). You will want to relate your explanation
to the concept of WORK DONE.

(3) State an equation giving the equation for ELASTIC POTENTIAL ENERGY Eel in terms of:
(a) The force F acting to give an extension x

Eel=
* equation NOT given in the formula booklet

(b) The extension x and the spring constant k of the

spring/band
Eel=
* equation given on p.5 in the formula booklet

(4) Complete the following sentence;

If the extension of an elastic material doubles, the elastic potential energy stored in
it…

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Aquinas College Physics Module 4.2: Space, Time & Motion

(5) The elastic band being flicked has a spring constant k of 12 N m-1.
(a) How much force is needed to extend it from an original length of 10 cm
to 24 cm?

F = …………………… N
(b) How much energy is stored in the elastic band?

E = ………………….. J
(c) How fast does the elastic band leave the boy’s hand, given that it has a mass of 5 g? What assumptions are you
making in your calculations?
Assumptions

v = ……………… m s-1

Graphs for different forms of energy

On the axes below, plot the correct graphs for how different forms of energy varies with different variables:

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Aquinas College Physics Module 4.2: Space, Time & Motion

3. Energy Conservation
More detail on how you can apply this fundamental law of physics can be found in the video from
www.alevelphysicsonline.com available at goo.gl/bqFsWH (see QR code left).

One of the immutable laws of the Universe is the Law of Conservation of Energy. An appreciation of this Law, and a
solid grasp of the maths behind each of the energy equations that we will cover over the next two years will allow you
to solve all sorts of problems in physics.

State the LAW OF CONSERVATION OF ENERGY, both in words and as an equation.

Some example questions using the Law of Conservation of Energy

(1) Corona Arch in Utah is 150 ft (42 m) high. By considering the energy
transfers involved, estimate the maximum speed achieved by someone
swinging from a rope swing. Show full working.

maximum velocity = …………………….. m s-1

(2) A bungee jumper has a mass m of 60 kg. The rope they use has an
unextended length L of 100 m, and a spring constant k of 20 N m-1.
Ignoring air resistance, calculate:
(a) The distance below the jump-off point at which the jumper is at
maximum speed (clue: a free-body diagram will help here).

distance = …………………… m

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Aquinas College Physics Module 4.2: Space, Time & Motion

(b) The elastic potential energy gained, the gravitational potential energy lost, and the kinetic energy (and speed)
at this point.

Eel gained = ……………………. J

Ek at this point = ……………..… J

v at this point = ……………….. m s-1

Space for your own notes

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Aquinas College Physics Module 4.2: Space, Time & Motion

4. Power
More information on how power can be found in the video from www.alevelphysicsonline.com available at
goo.gl/hUkLL7 (see QR code left).

Another important concept relating to this topic is that of POWER.

Define, in terms of energy, what is meant by the term POWER.

In the box right, state the equation for power, P in terms of the energy
transferred E.

P=
* equation given on p.5 in the formula booklet

Use the equations and definitions above to answer the following questions.
(1) A camel can accelerate from 0-40 mph in a time of 15 s. What is the average power of a camel over the duration
of this acceleration? (1 mile = 1610 m)

average power = ………………….. W

(2) A jet-skier is able to maintain a constant speed of 25 m s-1 whilst overcoming resistive forces of 650 N. What is
the power generated by the jet-ski?

average power = ………………….. W

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Aquinas College Physics Module 4.2: Space, Time & Motion

Question 2 posed on the facing page requires you to use the ideas of work done E, displacement s, velocity v and
force F to find an alternative equation for the power P of an object as it moves against a resistive force.
Explain how this equation is derived, and state it in the box right.

P=
* equation given on p.5 in the formula booklet

Efficiency
More information on EFFICIENCY can be found in the video from www.alevelphysicsonline.com available
at goo.gl/FMBH98 (see QR code left).

The idea of efficiency is not technically covered in our specification, but I wouldn’t trust the examiners not to put a
question in a paper about this important concept.
In the two boxes state how you can find efficiency (as a percentage) when energy is transferred, or alternatively in
terms of the power of an appliance or energy transfer.

efficiency = efficiency =
* equations NOT given in the formula booklet * equations NOT given in the formula booklet

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Aquinas College Physics Module 4.2: Space, Time & Motion

5. Mastery Questions
These questions have their background in the ethos that anything is hard when you don’t spend much time on it, and
that things become much easier the more your practice. You will know this if you are learning to drive, or when you
pick up any other new skill for the first time. I would say that playing the piano is really really hard. But I’ve probably
not spent more than a few hours when I was very young trying. Someone who has spent hours practising playing the
piano would probably tell you that it is easy as it comes naturally to them – neglecting to mention all the hours of practice
that they have put in.
PHYSICS IS NO DIFFERENT!! THE MORE YOU PRACTICE THE BETTER YOU GET.
Have a go at the mastery questions on the following pages. You can input your answers and check they are right on the
isaacphysics.org website (see separate links for each section). You should be aiming to get correct at least the number
given at the top of each section before you can consider yourself to have mastered each of these core concepts.

online learning & skills check

Isaac Physics B8: Work, Energy & Power

1. Go to the page at isaacphysics.org/board/physicsskills_book_ch_b8 (QR code right) and

answer the questions. It should take you 20-30 minutes. You will need paper and pen to work
out the solutions to the questions out before entering your answer into the browser.
2. Please complete this for the deadline that your teacher sets you:
3. Use the space below for your working then input
your answer to the Isaac physics website linked to
Deadline for this piece of work:……………………
above.

Mastery level = 10/12

B8.1 A box of mass 5.0 kg is dropped from a height of 3.2 m. How much gravitational potential energy (GPE) was
stored by the box before it was released?

B8.2 The box lands on a table that is 70 cm above the ground. How much work did gravity do on the box on its way
down to the table?

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Aquinas College Physics Module 4.2: Space, Time & Motion

B8.3 A ball of mass 3.5 kg rolls all the way down a slope inclined at 40o to the horizontal, with a base length of 4.8
m. How much GPE does the ball lose?

B8.4 If the average frictional force is 4.0 N, work out how much work the ball does against friction.

B8.5 50 J of work is done in stretching a spring to an extension of 3.5 cm. Work out the average force applied.

B8.6 A boy whirls a 30 g conker around his head in a circle at a speed of 2.2 m s -1, using a taut inextensible string.
How much work is done on the conker by the tension in the string?

B8.7 A weight lifter pulls a 2000 kg car forwards at an average speed of 1.5 m s-1 against a force of 1250 N. What is
his power output?

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Aquinas College Physics Module 4.2: Space, Time & Motion

B8.8 How long will it take for the weight lifter to do 10000 J of work?

B8.9 A 1300 kg car travels at a steady speed, covering 75 m in 5 seconds. Frictional forces are constant and are 450
N in total. Work out the power output of the engine, assuming 100 % efficiency.

B8.10 A child of 40 kg rides a 35 kg bike at 9.0 m s-1. The brakes are applied and the bike is slowed to 3.8 m s-1. How
much work is done by the frictional forces?

B8.11 A 55 kW motor is used to lift a 4800 kg mass vertically up a mine shaft. What is the maximum possible speed
that the mass could move upwards?

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Aquinas College Physics Module 4.2: Space, Time & Motion

B8.12 A 4.0 kg ball is thrown vertically up into the air with an initial velocity of 8.5 m s-1. By the time it is height h
metres above the starting point, it has a velocity of 3.0 m s-1 and has done 4.0 J of work against air resistance.
Find h.

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Aquinas College Physics Module 4.2: Space, Time & Motion

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Aquinas College Physics Module 4.2: Space, Time & Motion

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