2/9/2012

THE WORK OF A FORCE, THE PRINCIPLE OF

WORK AND ENERGY & SYSTEMS OF PARTICLES
Today’s Objectives:
Students will be able to:
1 Calculate
1. C l l t theth workk off a force.
f IIn-Class
Cl Activities:
A ti iti
2. Apply the principle of work and • Check Homework
energy to a particle or system of • Reading Quiz
particles. • Applications
• Work of A Force
• Principle of Work And
Energy
• Concept Quiz
• Group Problem Solving
• Attention Quiz

READING QUIZ
F
1. What is the work done by the force F?
A) F s B) –F s s1 s2
C) Zero D) None of the above. s

2. If a particle is moved from 1 to 2, the work done on the

particle by the force, FR will be
s2
∫ ΣFt ds s2
A) s1
d B) − ∫ ΣFt ds
s1
s2
D) − ∫s ΣFn ds
s2
C) ∫
s1
ΣFn ds
1

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APPLICATIONS

A roller coaster makes use of gravitational forces to assist the

cars in reaching high speeds in the “valleys” of the track.

How can we design the track (e.g., the height, h, and the radius
of curvature, ρ) to control the forces experienced by the
passengers?

APPLICATIONS
(continued)
Crash barrels are often used
along roadways for crash
protection.
protection

The barrels absorb the car’s

kinetic energy by deforming.

If we know the velocity of

an oncoming car and the
amount of energy that can
be absorbed by each barrel,
how can we design a crash
cushion?

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WORK AND ENERGY

Another equation for working kinetics problems involving

particles can be derived by integrating the equation of motion
(F = ma) with respect to displacement.

By substituting at = v (dv/ds) into Ft = mat, the result is

integrated to yield an equation known as the principle of work
and energy.

This principle is useful for solving problems that involve

force velocity,
force, velocity and displacement.
displacement It can also be used to
explore the concept of power.
To use this principle, we must first understand how to
calculate the work of a force.

WORK OF A FORCE (Section 14.1)

A force does work on a particle when the particle undergoes a
displacement along the line of action of the force.

Work is defined as the product of force

and displacement components acting in
the same direction. So, if the angle
between the force and displacement
vector is θ, the increment of work dU
done by the force is
dU = F ds cos θ
By using the definition of the dot product r2
and integrating, the total work can be U =
written as
1-2 ∫ F • dr
r1

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WORK OF A FORCE
(continued)
If F is a function of position (a common
case) this becomes
s2

U1-2 = ∫ F cos θ ds
s1
If both F and θ are constant (F = Fc), this equation further
simplifies to
U1-2 = Fc cos θ (s2 - s1)
Work is positive if the force and the movement are in the
same direction. If they are opposing, then the work is
negative. If the force and the displacement directions are
perpendicular, the work is zero.

WORK OF A WEIGHT

The work done by the gravitational force acting on a particle

(or weight of an object) can be calculated by using
y2

U1-2 = ∫ - W dy = - W (y2 − y1) = - W Δy

y1

The work of a weight is the product of the magnitude of

the pparticle’s weight
g and its vertical displacement.
p If
Δy is upward, the work is negative since the weight
force always acts downward.

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WORK OF A SPRING FORCE

When stretched, a linear elastic spring

develops a force of magnitude Fs = ks, where
k is the spring
p g stiffness and s is the
displacement from the unstretched position.

The work of the spring force moving from position s1 to position

s2 is s2 s2

U1-2 = ∫ Fs ds = ∫ k s ds = 0.5 k (s2)2 – 0.5 k (s1)2

s1 s1

If a particle is attached to the spring, the force Fs exerted on the

particle is opposite to that exerted on the spring. Thus, the work
done on the particle by the spring force will be negative or
U1-2 = – [ 0.5 k (s2)2 – 0.5 k (s1)2 ] .

SPRING FORCES
It is important to note the following about spring forces.

1. The equations above are for linear springs only! Recall

th t a linear
that li spring
i develops
d l a force
f according
di to
t
F = ks (essentially the equation of a line).

2. The work of a spring is not just spring force times distance

at some point, i.e., (ksi)(si). Beware, this is a trap that
students often fall into!

3. Always double check the sign of the spring work after

calculating it. It is positive work if the force put on the object
by the spring and the movement are in the same direction.

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PRINCIPLE OF WORK AND ENERGY

(Section 14.2 & Section 14.3)
By integrating the equation of motion, ∑ Ft = mat = mv(dv/ds), the
principle of work and energy can be written as
∑ U1-2 = 0.5 0 5 m (v1)2 or T1 + ∑ U1-2 = T2
0 5 m (v2)2 – 0.5

∑U1-2 is the work done by all the forces acting on the particle as it
moves from point 1 to point 2. Work can be either a positive or
negative scalar.
T1 and T2 are the kinetic energies of the particle at the initial and final
p p y Thus,, T1 = 0.5 m ((v1)2 and T2 = 0.5 m ((v2)2.
position,, respectively.
The kinetic energy is always a positive scalar (velocity is squared!).
So, the particle’s initial kinetic energy plus the work done by all the
forces acting on the particle as it moves from its initial to final position
is equal to the particle’s final kinetic energy.

PRINCIPLE OF WORK AND ENERGY

(continued)
Note that the principle of work and energy (T1 + ∑ U1-2 = T2) is
not a vector equation! Each term results in a scalar value.

Both kinetic energy and work have the same units, that of
energy! In the SI system, the unit for energy is called a joule (J),
where 1 J = 1 N·m. In the FPS system, units are ft·lb.

The principle of work and energy cannot be used, in general, to

determine forces directed normal to the path, since these forces
do no work.

The principle of work and energy can also be applied to a system

of particles by summing the kinetic energies of all particles in the
system and the work due to all forces acting on the system.

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WORK OF FRICTION CAUSED BY SLIDING

The case of a body sliding over a rough surface merits special
consideration.
Consider a block which is moving over a
rough
g surface. If the applied
pp force P jjust
balances the resultant frictional force μk N,
a constant velocity v would be maintained.
The principle of work and energy would be
applied as
0.5m (v)2 + P s – (μk N) s = 0.5m (v)2

This equation is satisfied if P = μk N. However, we know from

experience that friction generates heat, a form of energy that does
not seem to be accounted for in this equation. It can be shown that
the work term (μk N)s represents both the external work of the
friction force and the internal work that is converted into heat.

EXAMPLE

Given: When s = 0.6 m, the spring is

not stretched or compressed,
and the 10 kg block, which is
subjected to a force of F=
100 N, has a speed of 5 m/s
down the smooth plane.

Find: The distance s when the block stops.

p
Plan: Since this problem involves forces, velocity and displacement,
apply the principle of work and energy to determine s.

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EXAMPLE
(continued)
Solution:
Apply the principle of work and energy between position 1
(s1 = 0.6 m) and position 2 (s2). Note that the normal force (N)
does no work since it is always perpendicular to the
displacement.
T1 + ∑U1-2 = T2

There is work done by three different forces;

1) work of a the force F =100 N;
UF = 100 ((s2− s1) = 100 ((s2 − 0.6))
2) work of the block weight;
UW = 10 (9.81) (s2− s1) sin 30° = 49.05 (s2 − 0.6)
3) and, work of the spring force.
US = - 0.5 (200) (s2−0.6)2 = -100 (s2 − 0.6)2

EXAMPLE
(continued)
The work and energy equation will be
T1 + ∑U1-2 = T2
0 5 (10) 52 + 100(s
0.5 100( 2 − 0.6)
0 6) + 49.05(s
49 05( 2 − 0.6)
0 6) − 100(s 0 6)2 = 0
100( 2 − 0.6)

⇒ 125 + 149.05(s2 − 0.6) − 100(s2 − 0.6)2 = 0

Solving for (s2 − 0.6),

(s2 − 0.6) = {-149.05 ± (149.052 – 4×(-100)×125)0.5} / 2(-100)

Selecting the positive root, indicating a positive spring deflection,

(s2 − 0.6) = 2.09 m
Therefore, s2 = 2.69 m

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CONCEPT QUIZ
1. A spring with an un-stretched length of 5 in expands from a
length of 2 in to a length of 4 in. The work done on the spring
is _________ in·lb .
A) -[0.5 k(4 in)2 - 0.5 k(2 in)2] B) 0.5 k (2 in)2
C) -[0.5 k(3 in)2 - 0.5 k(1 in)2] D) 0.5 k(3 in)2 - 0.5 k(1 in)2

2. If a spring force is F = 5 s3 N/m and the spring is compressed

by s = 0.5 m, the work done on a particle attached to the
spring will be
A) 0.625 N · m B) – 0.625 N · m
C) 0.0781 N · m D) – 0.0781 N · m

GROUP PROBLEM SOLVING

Given: Block A has a weight of 60 lb
and block B has a weight of 40
lb. The coefficient of kinetic
friction between the blocks and
the incline is μk = 0.1. Neglect
the mass of the cord and pulleys.

Find: The speed of block A after block B moves 2 ft up the

pplane, starting
g from rest.
Plan: 1) Define the kinematic relationships between the blocks.
2) Draw the FBD of each block.
3) Apply the principle of work and energy to the system
of blocks. Why choose this method?

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GROUP PROBLEM SOLVING (continued)

Solution:
1) The kinematic relationships can be determined by defining
position coordinates sA and sB, and then differentiating.

Since the cable length is constant:

2sA + sB = l
sA sB 2ΔsA + ΔsB = 0
When ΔsB = -2 ft => ΔsA = 1 ft
and 2vA + vB = 0
=> vB = -2vA
Note that, by this definition of sA and sB, positive motion
for each block is defined as downwards.

GROUP PROBLEM SOLVING

(continued)
2) Draw the FBD of each block.
WA
2T T WB
y
x
A μNA B
μNB
30°
60° NB
NA

Sum fforces iin th

S the y-direction
di ti for f block
bl k A
Similarly, for block B:
(note that there is no motion in y-direction):
∑Fy = 0: NA – WA cos 60° = 0 NB = WB cos 30°
NA = WA cos 60°

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GROUP PROBLEM SOLVING

(continued)
3) Apply the principle of work and energy to the system (the
blocks start from rest).
∑T1 + ∑U1-2 = ∑T2

[0.5mA(vA1)2 + .5mB(vB1)2] + [WA sin 60°– 2T – μNA]ΔsA

+ [WB sin 30°– T + μNB]ΔsB = [0.5mA(vA2)2 + 0.5mB(vB2)2]

where vA1 = vB1 = 0, ΔsA = 1ft, ΔsB = -2 ft, vB = -2vA,

NA = WA cos 60°, NB = WB cos 30°

=> [0 + 0] + [60 sin 60°– 2T – 0.1(60 cos 60°)] (1)

+ [40 sin 30° – T + 0.1(40 cos 30°)] (−2)
= [0.5(60/32.2)(vA2)2 + 0.5(40/32.2)(-2vA2)2]

GROUP PROBLEM SOLVING

(continued)
Again, the Work and Energy equation is:
=> [0 + 0] + [60 sin 60°– 2T – 0.1(60 cos 60°)] (1)
i 30° – T + 0.1(40
+ [40 sin 0 1(40 cos 30°)] (−2)
( 2)
= [0.5(60/32.2)(vA2)2 + 0.5(40/32.2)(-2vA2)2]

Solving for the unknown velocity yeilds

=> vA2 = 0.771 ft/s

Note that the work due to the cable tension force on each block
cancels out.

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ATTENTION QUIZ

1. What is the work done by the normal

force N if a 10 lb box is moved from A
to B ?
A) - 1.24 lb · ft B) 0 lb · ft
C) 1.24 lb · ft D) 2.48 lb · ft
2. Two blocks are initially at rest. How many equations would
be needed to determine the velocity of block A after block B
moves 4 m horizontally on the smooth surface?
A) One B) Two
2 kg
C) Three D) Four

2 kg

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POWER AND EFFICIENCY

Today’s Objectives:
Students will be able to:
1. Determine the power generated
by a machine
machine, engine,
engine or motor.
motor I Cl Activities:
In-Class A ti iti
2. Calculate the mechanical
• Check Homework
efficiency of a machine.
• Reading Quiz
• Applications
• Define Power
• Define
D fi Efficiency
Effi i
• Concept Quiz
• Group Problem Solving
• Attention Quiz

READING QUIZ

1. The formula definition of power is ___________.

A) dU / dt B) F • v
C) F • dr/dt D) All of the above.

2. Kinetic energy results from _______.

A) displacement B) velocity
C) gravity D) friction

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APPLICATIONS

Engines and motors are often

rated in terms of their power
output.
p The ppower output p of the
motor lifting this elevator is
related to the vertical force F
acting on the elevator, causing it
to move upwards.

Given a desired lift velocity for the

elevator
l (with
( i h a known
k maximum
i
load), how can we determine the
power requirement of the motor?

APPLICATIONS (continued)

The speed at which a truck

can climb a hill depends in
part on the power output of
the engine and the angle of
inclination of the hill.

For a given angle, how can we determine the speed of this

truck, knowing the power transmitted by the engine to the
wheels?
h l Can we findfi d the
h speed,
d if we know
k the
h power?

If we know the engine power output and speed of the truck, can
we determine the maximum angle of climb of this truck ?

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POWER AND EFFICIENCY

(Section 14.4)
Power is defined as the amount of work performed per unit
of time.
If a machine
hi or engine
i performs
f a certain
i amount off work,
k
dU, within a given time interval, dt, the power generated can
be calculated as
P = dU/dt
Since the work can be expressed as dU = F • dr, the power
can be written
P = dU/dt = (F • dr)/dt = F • (dr/dt) = F • v

Thus, power is a scalar defined as the product of the force

and velocity components acting in the same direction.

POWER
Using scalar notation, power can be written
P = F • v = F v cos θ
where θ is the angle between the force and velocity vectors.

So if the velocity of a body acted on by a force F is known,

the power can be determined by calculating the dot product
or by multiplying force and velocity components.

The unit of power in the SI system is the Watt (W) where

1 W = 1 J/s = 1 (N · m)/s .
In the FPS system, power is usually expressed in units of
horsepower (hp) where
1 hp = 550 (ft · lb)/s = 746 W .

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EFFICIENCY

The mechanical efficiency of a machine is the ratio of the

useful power produced (output power) to the power supplied
to the machine (input power) or
ε = (power output) / (power input)

If energy input and removal occur at the same time, efficiency

may also be expressed in terms of the ratio of output energy
to input energy or
ε = (energy output) / (energy input)

Machines will always have frictional forces. Since frictional

forces dissipate energy, additional power will be required to
overcome these forces. Consequently, the efficiency of a
machine is always less than 1.

PROCEDURE FOR ANALYSIS

• Find the resultant external force acting on the body causing
its motion. It may be necessary to draw a free-body diagram.

• Determine the velocityy of the ppoint on the bodyy at which the

force is applied. Energy methods or the equation of motion
and appropriate kinematic relations, may be necessary.
• Multiply the force magnitude by the component of velocity
acting in the direction of F to determine the power supplied
to the body (P = F v cos θ ).
• In some cases, power may be found by calculating the work
done per unit of time (P = dU/dt).
• If the mechanical efficiency of a machine is known, either
the power input or output can be determined.

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EXAMPLE
Given: A 50 kg block (A) is hoisted by the pulley
system and motor M. The motor has an
efficiency of 0.8. At this instant, point P
on the cable has a velocity of 12 m/s
which is increasing at a rate of 6 m/s2.
Neglect the mass of the pulleys and
cable.
Find: The power supplied to the motor at this
instant.
Plan:
1) Relate the cable and block velocities by defining position
coordinates. Draw a FBD of the block.
2) Use the equation of motion to determine the cable tension.
3) Calculate the power supplied by the motor and then to the
motor.

EXAMPLE (continued)
Solution:
1) Define position coordinates to relate velocities.
Datum sm Here sP is defined to a point on the cable. Also
sB sA is defined onlyy to the lower ppulley,
y since the
SP block moves with the pulley. From kinematics,
SA
sP + 2 sA = l
⇒ aP + 2 aA = 0
⇒ aA = − aP / 2 = −3 m/s2 (↑)

Draw the FBD and kinetic diagram of the block:

2T
mA aA
A = A
WA

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EXAMPLE
(continued)
2) The tension of the cable can be obtained by applying the
equation of motion to the block.
+↑↑ ∑Fy = mA aA
2T − 490.5 = 50 (3) ⇒ T = 320.3 N

3) The power supplied by the motor is the product of the force

applied to the cable and the velocity of the cable.
Po = F • v = (320.3)(12) = 3844 W
The power supplied to the motor is determined using the
motor’s efficiency and the basic efficiency equation.
Pi = Po/ε = 3844/0.8 = 4804 W = 4.8 kW

CONCEPT QUIZ

1. A motor pulls a 10 lb block up a smooth

incline at a constant velocity of 4 ft/s. 30º

Find the power supplied by the motor.

motor
A) 8.4 ft·lb/s B) 20 ft·lb/s
C) 34.6 ft·lb/s D) 40 ft·lb/s

2. A twin engine jet aircraft is climbing at a 10 degree angle at

260 ft/s. The thrust developed by a jet engine is 1000 lb.
The power developed by the aircraft is
A) (1000 lb)(260 ft/s) B) (2000 lb)(260 ft/s) cos 10
C) (1000 lb)(260 ft/s) cos 10 D) (2000 lb)(260 ft/s)

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GROUP PROBLEM SOLVING

A sports
Given:A
Gi t car has
h a mass off 2000 kgk and d an engine
i
efficiency of ε = 0.65. Moving forward, the wind creates
a drag resistance on the car of FD = 1.2v2 N, where v is the
velocity in m/s. The car accelerates at 5 m/s2, starting
from rest.
Find: The engine’s input power when t = 4 s.
Plan: 1) Draw a free body diagram of the car.
2) Apply the equation of motion and kinematic equations
to find the car’s velocity at t = 4 s.
3) Determine the output power required for this motion.
4) Use the engine’s efficiency to determine input power.

GROUP PROBLEM SOLVING

(continued)
Solution:
1) Draw the FBD of the car.
The drag force and weight are
known forces. The normal force Nc
and frictional force Fc represent the
resultant forces of all four wheels.
The frictional force between the
wheels and road pushes the car
forward.
2) The equation of motion can be applied in the x-direction,
with ax = 5 m/s2:
+ ∑Fx = max => Fc – 1.2v2 = (2000)(5)
=> Fc = (10,000 + 1.2v2) N

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GROUP PROBLEM SOLVING

(continued)
3) The constant acceleration equations can be used to
determine the car’s velocity.

vx = vxo + axt = 0 + (5)(4) = 20 m/s

4) The power output of the car is calculated by multiplying the
driving (frictional) force and the car’s velocity:

Po = (Fc)(vx ) = [10,000 + (1.2)(20)2](20) = 209.6 kW

5) The power developed by the engine (prior to its frictional

losses) is obtained using the efficiency equation.

Pi = Po/ε = 209.6/0.65 = 322 kW

ATTENTION QUIZ

1. The power supplied by a machine will always be

_________ the power supplied to the machine.
A) less than B) equal to
C) greater than D) A or B

2. A car is traveling a level road at 88 ft/s. The power being

supplied to the wheels is 52,800 ft·lb/s. Find the
combined friction force on the tires.
A) 8.82 lb B) 400 lb
C) 600 lb D) 4.64 x 106 lb

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CONSERVATIVE FORCES, POTENTIAL ENERGY

AND CONSERVATION OF ENERGY
Today’s Objectives:
Students will be able to:
1. Understand the concept p of In-Class
In Class Activities:
conservative forces and
• Check Homework
determine the potential
energy of such forces. • Reading Quiz
2. Apply the principle of • Applications
conservation of energy. • Conservative Force
• Potential Energy
• Conservation of Energy
• Concept Quiz
• Group Problem Solving
• Attention Quiz

READING QUIZ

1. The potential energy of a spring is ________

A) always negative. B) always positive.
C) positive or negative. D) equal to ks.

2. When the potential energy of a conservative system

increases, the kinetic energy _________
A) always decreases. B) always increases.
C) could decrease or D) does not change.
increase.

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APPLICATIONS

The weight of the sacks resting on

this platform causes potential energy
to be stored in the supporting springs.

As each sack is removed, the platform

will rise slightly since some of the
potential energy within the springs
will be transformed into an increase
in gravitational potential energy of the
remaining
i i sacks.
k

If the sacks weigh 100 lb and the equivalent spring constant

is k = 500 lb/ft, what is the energy stored in the springs?

APPLICATIONS (continued)

The boy pulls the water balloon launcher back, stretching each
of the four elastic cords.
If we know the unstretched length and stiffness of each cord,
can we estimate the maximum height and the maximum range
of the water balloon when it is released from the current
position ?

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APPLICATIONS (continued)

The roller coaster is released from rest at the top of the hill. As
the coaster moves down the hill, potential energy is
transformed into kinetic energy.
What is the velocity of the coaster when it is at B and C?
Also, how can we determine the minimum height of the hill
so that the car travels around both inside loops without
leaving the track?

CONSERVATIVE FORCE
(Section 14.5)
A force F is said to be conservative if the work done is
independent of the path followed by the force acting on a particle
as it moves from A to BB. This also means that the work done by
the force F in a closed path (i.e., from A to B and then back to A)
is zero.
∫ F · dr = 0 z
F B

Thus, we say the work is conserved.

A
The work done by a conservative y
force depends only on the positions
of the particle, and is independent of x
its velocity or acceleration.

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CONSERVATIVE FORCE (continued)

A more rigorous definition of a conservative force makes

use of a potential function (V) and partial differential
calculus, as explained in the text. However, even without
the use of the these mathematical relationships, much can be
understood and accomplished.

The “conservative” potential energy of a particle/system is

typically written using the potential function V. There are two
major components to V commonly encountered in mechanical
systems, the potential energy from gravity and the potential
energy from springs or other elastic elements.
Vtotal = Vgravity + Vsprings

POTENTIAL ENERGY

Potential energy is a measure of the amount of work a

conservative force will do when a body changes position.

In general, for any conservative force system, we can define

the potential function (V) as a function of position. The work
done by conservative forces as the particle moves equals the
change in the value of the potential function (e.g., the sum of
Vgravity and Vsprings).

It is important to become familiar with the two types of

potential energy and how to calculate their magnitudes.

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POTENTIAL ENERGY DUE TO GRAVITY

The potential function (formula) for a gravitational force, e.g.,

weight (W = mg), is the force multiplied by its elevation from a
datum The datum can be defined at any convenient location.
datum. location
Vg = ± W y

Vg is positive if y is above the

datum and negative if y is
below the datum.
datum Remember,
Remember
YOU get to set the datum.

ELASTIC POTENTIAL ENERGY

Recall that the force of an elastic spring is F = ks. It is
important to realize that the potential energy of a spring, while
it looks similar, is a different formula.

Ve (where ‘e’ denotes an

elastic spring) has the distance
“s” raised to a power (the
result of an integration) or
1
Ve = k s2
2
Notice that the potential
function Ve always yields
positive energy.

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CONSERVATION OF ENERGY
(Section 14.6)
When a particle is acted upon by a system of conservative
forces, the work done by these forces is conserved and the
sum off kinetic
ki ti energy andd potential
t ti l energy remains
i
constant. In other words, as the particle moves, kinetic
energy is converted to potential energy and vice versa.
This principle is called the principle of conservation of
energy and is expressed as

T1 + V1 = T2 + V2 = Constant
T1 stands for the kinetic energy at state 1 and V1 is the
potential energy function for state 1. T2 and V2
represent these energy states at state 2. Recall, the
kinetic energy is defined as T = ½ mv2.

EXAMPLE

Given: The 2 kg collar is moving down

with the velocity of 4 m/s at A.
The spring
p g constant is 30 N/m. The
unstretched length of the spring is
1 m.

Find: The velocity of the collar when

s = 1 m.

Plan:
Apply the conservation of energy equation between A and
C. Set the gravitational potential energy datum at point A
or point C (in this example, choose point A—why?).

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EXAMPLE
(continued)
Solution:
Note that the potential energy at C has two parts.
VC = (VC)e + (VC)g
VC = 0.5 (30) (√5 – 1)2 – 2 (9.81) 1
The kinetic energy at C is
TC = 0.5 (2) v2

Similarly, the potential and kinetic energies at A will be

( – 1))2, TA = 0.5 ((2)) 42
VA = 0.5 ((30)) (2
The energy conservation equation becomes TA + VA = TC + VC .
[ 0.5(30) (√5 – 1)2 – 2(9.81)1 ] + 0.5 (2) v2
= [0.5 (30) (2 – 1)2 ]+ 0.5 (2) 42
⇒ v = 5.26 m/s

CONCEPT QUIZ

1. If the work done by a conservative force on a particle as it

moves between two positions is –10 ft·lb, the change in its
potential energy is _______
A) 0 ft·lb. B) -10 ft·lb.
C) +10 ft·lb. D) None of the above.

2. Recall that the work of a spring is U1-2 = -½ k(s22 – s12) and

can be either ppositive or negative.
g The potential
p energy
gy of a
spring is V = ½ ks2. Its value is __________
A) always negative. B) either positive or negative.
C) always positive. D) an imaginary number!

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GROUP PROBLEM SOLVING

Given: The 800 kg roller

coaster starts from
p
A with a speed of
3 m/s.

Find: The minimum height, h, of the hill so that the car

travels around inside loop at B without leaving the track. Also
find the normal reaction on the car when the car is at C for this
height of A.
Plan: Note that only kinetic energy and potential energy due
to gravity are involved. Determine the velocity at B using the
equation of equilibrium and then apply the conservation of
energy equation to find minimum height h .

GROUP PROBLEM SOLVING (continued)

Solution:
1) Placing the datum at A:
TA + VA = TB + VB

⇒ 0.5 (800) 32 + 0
= 0.5 (800) (vB)2 − 800(9.81) (h − 20) (1)

2) Find the required velocity of the coaster at B so it doesn’t

leave the track.
Equation
q of motion applied
pp at B:
2 NB ≅ 0
∑ Fn = man = m vρ
(vB)2 =
800 (9.81) = 800
10 man
mg
⇒ vB = 9.905 m/s

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GROUP PROBLEM SOLVING (continued)

Now using the energy conservation, eq. (1), the minimum h

can be determined.
0.5 (800) 32 + 0 = 0.5 (800) (9.905)2 − 800(9.81) (h − 20)
⇒ h= 24.5 m
3) To find the normal reaction at C, we need vc.
TA + VA = TC + VC
⇒ 0.5 (800) 32 + 0 = 0.5 (800) (vC)2 − 800(9.81) (24.5 − 14)
⇒ VC = 14.66 m/s
NC
Equation of motion applied at B:
v2 14.662
∑ Fn = m ρ ⇒ NC+800 (9.81) = 800 =
7 man
mg
⇒ NC = 16.8 kN

ATTENTION QUIZ

1. The principle of conservation of energy is usually ______ to

apply than the principle of work & energy.
A) harder B) easier
C) the same amount of work D) It is a mystery!

2. If the pendulum is released from the

horizontal position, the velocity of its
bob in the vertical position is _____
A) 3.8 m/s. B) 6.9 m/s.
C) 14.7 m/s. D) 21 m/s.

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