Q.An electron and a proton are moving under the influence of mutual forces. In calculating the change in the kinetic energy of the system during motion, one ignores the magnetic force of one on another. This is because,
Concept understanding — Work Energy Theorem
The Work-Energy Theorem: From Intuition to Precision
Imagine pushing a heavy box across the floor. The harder you push and the farther it slides, the faster it moves when you let go. That connection — the push (force) over a distance (displacement) changing the box's speed — is exactly what the Work-Energy Theorem captures.
The Intuition First
Think of work as the "currency" that buys motion. When you do work on an object, you transfer energy to it. That energy shows up as kinetic energy — the energy of motion. The more work you do, the more the object's kinetic energy changes.
If you push a stationary ball, it starts moving. If you push a moving ball in the same direction, it speeds up. If you push against its motion, it slows down. In every case, the work done equals the change in the ball's kinetic energy.
Work is done by a force on an object. The object's kinetic energy changes by exactly that amount (assuming no other forces do work).
The Precise Statement
Wnet=ΔK=Kf−Ki
Where:
- Wnet is the net work done on the object (the total work from all forces combined)
- Kf is the final kinetic energy
- Ki is the initial kinetic energy
And kinetic energy is defined as:
K=21mv2
So the theorem can also be written as:
Wnet=21mvf2−21mvi2
Why "Net" Work Matters
This is the most common point of confusion. The theorem uses net work — the work done by the net force (the vector sum of all forces). If you push a box and friction opposes it, the net work is the work you do minus the work friction does. Only that net amount changes the kinetic energy.
If you push a box at constant speed, your work is positive, but friction does equal negative work. The net work is zero, so kinetic energy doesn't change — the box keeps moving at the same speed. Your work didn't "disappear"; it was dissipated as heat by friction.
A Simple Derivation (for constant force)
Consider a constant net force Fnet acting on an object of mass m over a displacement s. From Newton's second law:
Fnet=ma
From kinematics (constant acceleration):
vf2=vi2+2as
Multiply both sides by 21m:
21mvf2=21mvi2+mas
But mas=Fnets=Wnet, so:
21mvf2=21mvi2+Wnet
Rearranging:
Wnet=21mvf2−21mvi2=ΔK
The theorem holds even for variable forces and curved paths — the derivation uses calculus then, but the result is the same.
What It Tells You (and What It Doesn't)
It tells you: How much the speed changes when you know the net work done. Or, how much net work is needed to achieve a certain speed change.
It doesn't tell you: The direction of motion, the time taken, or the path followed. Work and kinetic energy are scalars — they have no direction.
A Quick Example
A 2 kg block initially at rest is pulled by a net force of 10 N over 4 m. Find its final speed.
Solution:
- Net work: W=Fs=10×4=40 J
- Initial kinetic energy: Ki=0
- By the theorem: 40=21(2)vf2−0
- So: 40=vf2
- Therefore: vf=40≈6.32 m/s
The Work-Energy Theorem is a scalar alternative to Newton's laws for problems involving speed changes. It often simplifies calculations because you don't need to find acceleration or time — just work and kinetic energy.
Looking up "Work Energy Theorem: definition, formula & real-world examples" is a good habit before an exam, and it is worth knowing that Work Energy Theorem is drawn directly from the Work, Energy and Power coverage of the NCERT/CBSE Class 11 Physics syllabus and recurs often in JEE Main and NEET papers. Cross-checking this explanation against the relevant NCERT Physics chapter and solving a few past-year questions will round out your preparation.
Concept: Work done by magnetic force
The magnetic force on a charged particle is always perpendicular to its velocity. For a charge q moving with velocity v in a magnetic field B, the force is F=q(v×B). Since F⊥v, the instantaneous power delivered is:
P=F⋅v=0
This holds at every instant, so the work done by the magnetic force over any path is zero. The magnetic force can change the direction of motion but never the speed or kinetic energy of a particle.
When calculating the change in kinetic energy of the electron-proton system, we apply the work-energy theorem. The magnetic force each particle exerts on the other does zero work on that particle individually. Therefore, magnetic forces contribute nothing to ΔKE of the system—only the electric force (which is not perpendicular to velocity) does work and changes kinetic energy.
Option (A) is true by Newton's third law but irrelevant—even if forces cancel for momentum considerations, each could still do work. Option (C) is wrong because the work is zero, not merely opposite. Option (D) is incorrect; magnetic forces can be significant in magnitude but still do no work.
The magnetic forces do no work on each particle. The answer is (B).
Magnetic forces are always perpendicular to velocity, so they do zero work on any charged particle. The change in kinetic energy depends only on work done, making the magnetic interaction irrelevant to energy calculations. The answer is (B).
Why magnetic forces don't change kinetic energy
The work-energy theorem tells us that the change in kinetic energy of a particle equals the net work done on it:
ΔKE=Wnet=∫F⋅ds
Work is the dot product of force and displacement. When a force acts perpendicular to motion, that dot product vanishes—the force does nothing to speed up or slow down the particle.
The magnetic force on a charged particle moving with velocity v in a magnetic field B is given by the Lorentz force:
Fmag=q(v×B)
The cross product v×B produces a vector perpendicular to both v and B. This means the magnetic force is always perpendicular to the particle's instantaneous velocity.
Step-by-step reasoning
- Calculate the work done by the magnetic force on one particle. The instantaneous power delivered by any force is P=F⋅v. For the magnetic force:
Pmag=Fmag⋅v=q(v×B)⋅v
The scalar triple product (v×B)⋅v=0 because v×B is perpendicular to v. Therefore Pmag=0 at every instant.
- Integrate over the path. Since the instantaneous power is zero everywhere along the trajectory, the total work done is:
Wmag=∫Pmagdt=0
-
Apply to both particles.
The proton creates a magnetic field that exerts a force on the electron, and vice versa. But each magnetic force is perpendicular to the velocity of the particle it acts upon. Both particles experience zero work from the magnetic interaction.
-
Kinetic energy of the system.
Since neither particle gains or loses kinetic energy from the magnetic forces, these forces do not contribute to ΔKEsystem. Only the electric (Coulomb) forces, which can do work, change the kinetic energy.
Option (A) might seem tempting because Newton's third law guarantees the magnetic forces are equal and opposite. But equal-and-opposite forces can still do net work on a system if the particles move different distances or in different directions (think of a compressed spring pushing two blocks apart). The real reason is that each force individually does zero work.
Magnetic forces can change the direction of motion (they provide centripetal acceleration in circular paths) but never the speed. They deflect without energizing.
The correct option is (B): the magnetic forces do no work on each particle.
Concept: Work Done by a Magnetic Force is Always Zero
Step 1: Write the magnetic (Lorentz) force
Fmag=q(v×B)
Step 2: Note the direction of this force relative to velocity
v×B is always perpendicular to v, so Fmag⊥v.
Step 3: Compute the instantaneous power
P=Fmag⋅v=q(v×B)⋅v=0(scalar triple product with a repeated vector)
Step 4: Evaluate the options
- equal-and-opposite forces can still do net work on a system — irrelevant here.
- zero power at every instant ⇒ zero work — matches.
- the work is exactly zero, not merely equal-and-opposite.
- the magnitude can be large; it's the perpendicular direction, not the size, that kills the work. Final Answer: Option (b): the magnetic forces do no work on each particle
Showing the 12 most recent of 16 on this concept.
- TG EAPCET 2026Set eng-2026-05-09-AN1 markMCQQ.The energy required to transfer a satellite of mass ‘m’ from an orbit of height 0.5R from the surface of the earth to an orbit of height 2R from the surface of the earth is (g - acceleration due to gravity on the surface of the earth and R - radius of the earth) (A) 4mgR (B) 2mgR (C) 6mgR (D) 3mgR
›Reveal solutionSolution
The energy required is the difference in total mechanical energy between the two orbits. For a satellite in a circular orbit, total energy = −2rGMm. Using g=GM/R2, the answer simplifies to 6mgR.
The key idea here is that a satellite in a circular orbit has a total mechanical energy that is negative and exactly half its gravitational potential energy. To move from one orbit to another, you must supply the difference in these total energies — that’s the work needed, regardless of the path taken.
Why half? Because the satellite’s kinetic energy is positive and exactly half the magnitude of its negative potential energy, giving a neat cancellation. This is a direct consequence of the centripetal force condition for a circular orbit.
Let’s work it through.
- Write the total energy for a circular orbit. For a satellite of mass m orbiting Earth (mass M) at a distance r from the centre, the gravitational force provides the centripetal force:
r2GMm=rmv2
So kinetic energy K=21mv2=2rGMm.
Potential energy U=−rGMm.
Total mechanical energy:
E=K+U=2rGMm−rGMm=−2rGMm
This is a central formula to remember.
Eorbit=−2rGMm
-
Find the orbital radii from the given heights.
Height is measured from Earth’s surface. Radius of Earth = R.
- For height 0.5R: orbital radius r1=R+0.5R=1.5R=23R
- For height 2R: orbital radius r2=R+2R=3R
-
Compute the total energy in each orbit.
E1=−2r1GMm=−2⋅23RGMm=−3RGMm
E2=−2r2GMm=−2⋅3RGMm=−6RGMm
- Energy required = difference in total energy. The satellite starts with E1 (more negative, lower orbit) and ends with E2 (less negative, higher orbit). The energy you must supply is:
ΔE=E2−E1=(−6RGMm)−(−3RGMm)=6RGMm
- Express in terms of g and R. On Earth’s surface, g=R2GM, so GM=gR2. Substitute:
ΔE=6R(gR2)m=6mgR
Watch outA common mistake is to use the difference in potential energy alone (−rGMm) instead of total energy. But the satellite also needs kinetic energy to stay in the higher orbit — you must account for both. The total energy formula already does this for you.
TipNotice that the answer 6mgR is independent of the path taken between orbits. Energy is a state function — only the initial and final orbits matter.
✓Final answerThe correct option is (C), 6mgR.
- TG EAPCET 2026Set eng-2026-05-11-AN1 markMCQQ.If the work done to double the velocity of a body from 15 ms−1 is K times the work done to double its velocity from 10 ms−1, then the value of K is (A) 2.75 (B) 2.25 (C) 3.25 (D) 3.75
›Reveal solutionSolution
The work done equals the change in kinetic energy. Doubling the velocity from 15 m/s gives a larger kinetic-energy increase than from 10 m/s, and the ratio K is found to be 2.25, corresponding to option (B).
Concept & Intuition
Work–energy theorem: the work done on a body equals its change in kinetic energy.
Kinetic energy is KE=21mv2.
When we “double the velocity” from an initial speed u to 2u, the change in kinetic energy is
ΔKE=21m(2u)2−21mu2=21m(4u2−u2)=21m(3u2).
So the work needed is proportional to u2. The problem asks for the ratio of work when u=15 to work when u=10 — that ratio is simply (152)/(102)=225/100=2.25. No mass needed; it cancels.
Step-by-step reasoning
- Work done = change in kinetic energy For a body of mass m, the work W to change its speed from vi to vf is
W=21mvf2−21mvi2.
- Case 1: doubling from 10 m/s Initial speed u1=10, final speed 2u1=20.
W1=21m(202−102)=21m(400−100)=21m(300).
- Case 2: doubling from 15 m/s Initial speed u2=15, final speed 2u2=30.
W2=21m(302−152)=21m(900−225)=21m(675).
- Find K=W2/W1
K=21m(300)21m(675)=300675=49=2.25.
TipNotice that the factor 21m cancels, so the ratio depends only on the squares of the initial speeds:
K=(2⋅10)2−102(2⋅15)2−152=4⋅100−1004⋅225−225=3⋅1003⋅225=100225=2.25.
This shortcut avoids computing the actual numbers.
Watch outA common mistake is to think “doubling velocity” means the work is proportional to v itself, not v2. That would give 15/10=1.5, which is not among the options. Always remember kinetic energy depends on v2.
✓Final answerThe correct option is (B).
ANSWER: B
- TG EAPCET 2026Set ap-2026-05-05-FN1 markMCQQ.To drive a vertical nail of mass 10 g in to wood through 9 cm, an iron block of mass 990 g is dropped on to it freely from a height of 10 m above the nail. If the collision between the nail and the block is perfectly inelastic, then the force of resistance offered by wood is (Acceleration due to gravity =10ms−2) (A) 898 N (B) 989 N (C) 1089 N (D) 1198 N
›Reveal solutionSolution
The block reaches 200 m s−1, the inelastic collision leaves ≈98 J of kinetic energy in the nail+block, and dissipating it over 9 cm needs a resistance of ≈1089 N.
1. Speed of the block on reaching the nail (free fall through h=10 m):
v=2gh=2(10)(10)=200=14.14 m s−1.
2. Perfectly inelastic collision (M=0.99 kg block, m=0.01 kg nail). Conserving momentum:
V=M+mMv=1.00.99200=14.0 m s−1.
3. Kinetic energy of the combined mass just after impact:
KE=21(M+m)V2=21(1.0)(14.0)2=98 J.
4. Wood resistance brings nail+block to rest over the penetration depth d=0.09 m. The resistive force absorbs this kinetic energy:
F=dKE=0.0998≈1089 N.
✓Final answerForce of resistance offered by the wood ≈1089 N — option (C).
- TG EAPCET 2026Set ap-2026-05-05-FN1 markMCQQ.Two identical rain drops are falling through air each with a terminal velocity ‘V’. If the two drops coalesce to form a single big drop, then the terminal velocity of the big drop is (A) 22/3V (B) 22/3V (C) 21/3V (D) 21/3V
›Reveal solutionSolution
When a body falls through a viscous medium, it reaches a constant terminal velocity when the gravitational force is balanced by the buoyant force and the viscous drag. For a spherical drop, this terminal velocity is proportional to the square of its radius. When two identical drops coalesce, the total volume is conserved, leading to a larger radius for the new drop. This larger radius results in a higher terminal velocity, specifically 22/3 times the original velocity. The final answer is 22/3V.
The problem asks us to find the terminal velocity of a large drop formed by the coalescence of two identical smaller raindrops, each falling with a terminal velocity V. To solve this, we need to understand what terminal velocity is and how it depends on the physical properties of the drop, especially its size.
Concept: Terminal Velocity
When an object falls through a fluid (like air), it experiences three main forces:
- Gravitational Force (Fg): Acting downwards, due to the object's mass.
- Buoyant Force (Fb): Acting upwards, due to the displacement of the fluid.
- Viscous Drag Force (Fv): Acting upwards, opposing the motion, due to the fluid's resistance.
Initially, as the object starts falling, its speed increases, and so does the viscous drag force. Eventually, the upward forces (buoyant force + viscous drag) become equal to the downward gravitational force. At this point, the net force on the object is zero, and it stops accelerating, continuing to fall at a constant maximum velocity called the terminal velocity (vt).
For a small spherical object of radius r falling through a fluid of viscosity η, the viscous drag force is given by Stokes' Law:
Fv=6πηrvt
The gravitational force on the drop is Fg=mg, where m is the mass of the drop. If ρw is the density of water (the drop) and Vd is its volume, then m=ρwVd. For a sphere, Vd=34πr3. So, Fg=34πr3ρwg.
The buoyant force is Fb=ρaVdg, where ρa is the density of air (the fluid). So, Fb=34πr3ρag.
At terminal velocity, the forces balance:
Fg=Fb+Fv
34πr3ρwg=34πr3ρag+6πηrvt
Rearranging to solve for vt:
6πηrvt=34πr3(ρw−ρa)g
vt=3⋅6πηr4πr3(ρw−ρa)g
vt=9η2r2(ρw−ρa)g
The terminal velocity vt of a spherical drop of radius r is given by:
vt=9η2r2(ρw−ρa)g
where ρw is the density of the drop, ρa is the density of the fluid (air), g is the acceleration due to gravity, and η is the coefficient of viscosity of the fluid.
From this formula, we can see that for a given fluid and drop material, the terminal velocity is directly proportional to the square of the drop's radius:
vt∝r2
This relationship is key to solving the problem.
Here's how we solve the problem step-by-step:
-
Express the terminal velocity of a single small drop:
Let r be the radius of each small raindrop. The terminal velocity of each small drop is given as V.
From the formula derived above, we can write:
V=kr2
where k=9η2(ρw−ρa)g is a constant that depends on the properties of water, air, and gravity, but not on the size of the drop.
-
Determine the radius of the big drop after coalescence:
When two identical raindrops coalesce, their total volume is conserved.
Let Vsmall be the volume of one small drop and Vbig be the volume of the big drop.
Vsmall=34πr3
The volume of the big drop is the sum of the volumes of the two small drops:
Vbig=Vsmall+Vsmall=2×Vsmall
Vbig=2×34πr3
Let R be the radius of the big drop. Its volume is Vbig=34πR3.
So, we have:
34πR3=2×34πr3
R3=2r3
Taking the cube root of both sides:
R=(2)1/3r
This tells us that the radius of the big drop is 21/3 times the radius of a small drop.
-
Calculate the terminal velocity of the big drop:
Let V′ be the terminal velocity of the big drop. Using the same proportionality vt=kr2, but now with the radius R of the big drop:
V′=kR2
Substitute the expression for R from the previous step:
V′=k((2)1/3r)2
V′=k(22/3r2)
V′=22/3(kr2)
-
Relate V′ to V:
From Step 1, we know that V=kr2.
Substitute this into the expression for V′:
V′=22/3V
Watch outA common mistake is to assume that terminal velocity is directly proportional to volume or mass. Remember, it's proportional to the square of the radius (r2), not r3 (volume) or r directly. Always refer back to the derived formula for terminal velocity.
The terminal velocity of the big drop is 22/3 times the terminal velocity of a small drop.
✓Final answerThe terminal velocity of the big drop is 22/3V.
- TG EAPCET 2025Set eng-2025-05-03-AN1 markMCQQ.Due to the presence of air resistance, if a body dropped from a height of 20 m reaches the ground with a speed of 18ms−1, then the time taken by the body to reach the ground is nearly (A) 1.8s (B) 2.2s (C) 2s (D) 2.5s
›Reveal solutionSolution
The key idea is that with air resistance, the motion is not uniformly accelerated, so we cannot use constant‑acceleration formulas directly. Instead, we use the average velocity concept: for any motion, distance = average velocity × time. The average velocity is (initial speed + final speed)/2 only if acceleration is constant, but here we must approximate because the problem gives no details about the drag law. Using the given data, the simplest reasonable estimate gives time ≈ 2.2 s, which matches option (B).
Concept and intuition
When a body falls under gravity with air resistance, its acceleration is not constant — it starts at g and decreases as speed increases, eventually approaching zero if the fall is long enough. That means the usual kinematic equations (s=ut+21at2, v2=u2+2as) do not apply.
However, we still have the fundamental definition:
average velocity=total timetotal displacement.
If we can estimate the average velocity, we can find the time. For a fall from rest (u=0) with a known final speed v=18 m/s, the average velocity lies somewhere between 0 and 18. In constant acceleration it would be exactly (0+18)/2=9 m/s. With air resistance, the body spends more time at lower speeds early on, so the average velocity is less than 9 m/s. That means the time will be greater than the constant‑acceleration time. Let’s quantify.
Step‑by‑step reasoning
- Constant‑acceleration baseline (no air resistance) If there were no air resistance, the fall from 20 m with u=0 would satisfy
v2=2gh⇒v=2×9.8×20≈392≈19.8 m/s.
The actual final speed is only 18 m/s, so air resistance has reduced it. The time without resistance would be
tno drag=gv=9.819.8≈2.02 s.
This is close to option (C) 2 s, but that’s the no‑drag case — not our answer.
- Using average velocity with the given data For any motion,
t=vavgs.
We know s=20 m. We need vavg.
With air resistance, the speed‑time graph is concave down (increasing but at a decreasing rate). The average value is less than the arithmetic mean of initial and final speeds. A common approximation (used when the exact drag law is unknown) is to take
vavg≈2vforvavg≈kvf
with k>2. But we can do better: we know the final speed is 18 m/s, and the initial is 0. For a body that starts from rest and experiences a resistive force proportional to speed (linear drag), the average velocity is exactly
vavg=ln(vf−gtvf)vf(not simple).
However, the problem expects a quick estimate. Notice that the constant‑acceleration time (2.02 s) gives a final speed of ~19.8 m/s, but we have only 18 m/s. The reduction in speed is modest, so the time should be only slightly larger than 2.02 s. Among the options, 2.2 s is the next reasonable value.
- A more precise estimate using the work‑energy idea The work done by air resistance equals the loss in kinetic energy compared to the no‑drag case:
Loss in KE=21m(19.82−182)≈21m(392−324)=34m.
The average resistive force Favg times distance gives this loss:
Favg×20=34m⇒Favg=1.7m.
The net average acceleration is
aavg=g−mFavg=9.8−1.7=8.1 m/s2.
Using s=21aavgt2 (which is approximate because acceleration isn’t constant, but gives a feel):
20=21×8.1×t2⇒t2≈8.140≈4.94⇒t≈2.22 s.
This points directly to 2.2 s.
- Check the options
- (A) 1.8 s: too short — that would require a higher average speed than even the no‑drag case.
- (C) 2.0 s: the no‑drag time, but drag slows the fall, so actual time must be longer.
- (D) 2.5 s: too long — that would imply an average speed of only 8 m/s, which is far below the plausible average.
- (B) 2.2 s: matches our estimate.
TipA quick mental shortcut: without drag, t≈2h/g=40/9.8≈2.02 s. With drag, the final speed is lower, so the time must be a bit larger. The only option slightly above 2.0 s is 2.2 s.
Watch outDo not use v2=u2+2as or s=ut+21gt2 here — those assume constant acceleration. Air resistance breaks that assumption. The problem deliberately gives a final speed that is less than the free‑fall speed to signal that drag is present.
✓Final answerThe correct option is (B).
ANSWER: B
- TG EAPCET 2025Set eng-2025-05-03-FN1 markMCQQ.Due to the presence of air resistance, if a body dropped from a height of 20m reaches the ground with a speed of 18ms−1, then the time taken by the body to reach the ground is nearly (A) 2.2s (B) 2.5s (C) 1.8s (D) 2s
›Reveal solutionSolution
The key idea is to treat the motion under constant air resistance as having a constant effective acceleration, found from the work–energy relation, then use that acceleration to compute the time. The computed time is approximately 2.2 s, so option (A) is correct.
Concept and intuition
In free fall without air resistance, an object dropped from 20 m would hit the ground at about 2gh≈2⋅9.8⋅20≈19.8 m/s. Here the final speed is only 18 m/s, so air resistance has done negative work, reducing the kinetic energy.
If we assume the resistive force is constant (a common simplification for such problems), then the net downward acceleration is constant but smaller than g. We can find that effective acceleration from the work–energy theorem, then use kinematics to get the time.
Step‑by‑step solution
- Set up the work–energy relation The work done by gravity is mgh. The work done by air resistance is −Fairh (negative because it opposes motion). The net work equals the change in kinetic energy:
mgh−Fairh=21mv2−0
where h=20 m, v=18 m/s, and g=9.8 m/s2.
- Solve for the net acceleration Divide through by m:
gh−mFairh=21v2
The net downward acceleration is a=g−mFair. So:
ah=21v2⇒a=2hv2
Plug numbers:
a=2⋅20182=40324=8.1 m/s2
This is the constant effective acceleration.
- Use kinematics to find time For constant acceleration from rest:
h=21at2⇒t=a2h
Substitute:
t=8.12⋅20=8.140≈4.938≈2.22 s
- Match to the options The value 2.22 s is closest to 2.2 s, which is option (A).
TipA quicker check: without air resistance, time would be 2h/g≈2.02 s. Since air resistance reduces acceleration, the actual time must be longer than 2 s — that immediately eliminates (C) 1.8 s and (D) 2 s. Between (A) 2.2 s and (B) 2.5 s, the calculation confirms (A).
Watch outA common mistake is to use g directly in the time formula, forgetting that air resistance lowers the net acceleration. Always check whether the final speed is less than 2gh; if so, the time will be greater than the free‑fall time.
✓Final answerThe correct option is (A).
ANSWER: A
- TG EAPCET 2024Set eng-2024-05-09-AN1 markMCQQ.A block of mass ‘m’ with an initial kinetic energy ‘E’ moves up an inclined plane of inclination ‘θ’. If ‘μ’ is the coefficient of friction between the plane and the body, the work done against friction before coming to rest is (A) μEcosθ (B) sinθ−μcosθμEcosθ (C) cosθ+sinθEμcosθ (D) sinθ+μcosθμEcosθ
›Reveal solutionSolution
The work done against friction equals the initial kinetic energy times the ratio of the frictional force to the net retarding force along the incline. The correct expression is sinθ+μcosθμEcosθ, which corresponds to option (D).
Concept & Intuition
When a block slides up an incline, two forces oppose its motion: the component of gravity down the plane (mgsinθ) and kinetic friction (μmgcosθ). Both do negative work, draining the block’s initial kinetic energy E until it stops. The work done against friction is just the part of that energy loss due to friction alone. Since both forces act over the same distance d, the fraction of E that goes into friction equals the ratio of the frictional force to the total retarding force.
Step-by-step reasoning
- Identify the forces doing work As the block moves up the incline, the net force opposing motion is
Fnet=mgsinθ+μmgcosθ.
The first term is gravity’s component down the plane; the second is kinetic friction. Both act opposite to the displacement.
- Relate work and distance The total work done by these opposing forces equals the change in kinetic energy (from E to 0):
(mgsinθ+μmgcosθ)d=E,
where d is the distance traveled along the incline before stopping.
Solve for d:
d=mg(sinθ+μcosθ)E.
- Work done against friction Friction alone does work Wf=(μmgcosθ)d (the force times distance). Substitute d:
Wf=μmgcosθ⋅mg(sinθ+μcosθ)E=sinθ+μcosθμEcosθ.
- Interpret the result The fraction sinθ+μcosθμcosθ is exactly the ratio of the frictional force to the total retarding force. So the work against friction is that fraction of the initial kinetic energy.
TipA common shortcut: if only friction were present, all E would go into friction. Here gravity also takes a share, so friction’s share is just its force divided by the total opposing force — no need to solve for d explicitly.
Watch outA classic mistake is to forget that gravity also does work. Option (A) μEcosθ would be correct only if there were no gravity (e.g., on a horizontal surface). Option (B) has a minus sign in the denominator, which would make the work larger than E — impossible. Option (C) has cosθ+sinθ in the denominator, missing the μ factor.
✓Final answerThe correct option is (D).
ANSWER: D
- TG EAPCET 2024Set eng-2024-05-10-FN1 markMCQQ.A body thrown vertically upwards from the ground reaches a maximum height ‘h’. The ratio of the kinetic and potential energies of the body at a height 40% of h from the ground is (A) 2:3 (B) 3:2 (C) 1:1 (D) 4:9
›Reveal solutionSolution
Using conservation of mechanical energy, at 40% of the maximum height the kinetic energy is 60% of the initial energy, so the ratio KE:PE = 60:40 = 3:2, making the correct option (B).
Concept and Intuition
When a body is thrown vertically upward, its total mechanical energy (kinetic + potential) remains constant if we ignore air resistance. At the ground, all energy is kinetic. At the maximum height h, all energy is potential. At any intermediate height, the sum is the same. So if we know the fraction of the height, we know the fraction of potential energy, and the rest must be kinetic. The ratio follows directly.
Step-by-step solution
- Define the total energy Let the mass of the body be m and the initial speed at ground be u. At the ground, potential energy is zero, so total mechanical energy E=21mu2. At the maximum height h, the speed is zero, so E=mgh. Hence
21mu2=mgh.
- Energy at height 0.4h At a height y=0.4h, the potential energy is
PE=mgy=mg(0.4h)=0.4mgh.
Since total energy E=mgh, the kinetic energy at that height is
KE=E−PE=mgh−0.4mgh=0.6mgh.
- Find the ratio
PEKE=0.4mgh0.6mgh=0.40.6=23.
So the ratio of kinetic to potential energy is 3:2.
TipA quick check: at half the height (0.5h), the ratio would be 1:1. Since 0.4h is below halfway, kinetic energy is larger than potential, so the ratio should be greater than 1 — and 3:2 fits perfectly.
Watch outA common mistake is to think the ratio depends on mass or initial speed. It doesn’t — only the fraction of height matters because total energy is fixed.
✓Final answerThe correct option is (B).
ANSWER: B
- TG EAPCET 2024Set eng-2024-05-11-FN1 markMCQQ.A constant force of (8i−2j+6k) N acting on a body of mass 2 kg displaces the body from (2i+3j−4k) m to (4i−3j+6k) m. The work done in the process is (A) 72 J (B) 88 J (C) 44 J (D) 36 J
›Reveal solutionSolution
Work done by a constant force is the dot product of the force vector and the displacement vector. Here, the displacement is (2i−6j+10k) m, and the dot product with (8i−2j+6k) N gives 88 J. The correct option is (B).
Concept & Intuition
Work done by a constant force is defined as the scalar product (dot product) of the force vector and the displacement vector. This is because only the component of force in the direction of displacement actually does work. The dot product automatically picks out that component. So we don’t need to worry about angles or components separately — just compute F⋅d.
Step-by-step solution
- Find the displacement vector Displacement d = final position − initial position. Initial position: ri=2i+3j−4k Final position: rf=4i−3j+6k So
d=(4−2)i+(−3−3)j+(6−(−4))k=2i−6j+10k
-
Recall the work formula
For a constant force F, work done W=F⋅d.
-
Compute the dot product
Force: F=8i−2j+6k
Displacement: d=2i−6j+10k
W=(8)(2)+(−2)(−6)+(6)(10)=16+12+60=88
The unit is joules (J).
- Match with options 88 J corresponds to option (B).
TipA common mistake is to forget that displacement is final minus initial, not the other way around. Doing it backwards gives −88 J, which isn’t even an option here, but could cause confusion in other problems.
✓Final answerThe correct option is (B).
ANSWER: B
- TG EAPCET 2023Set eng-2023-05-13-AN1 markMCQQ.A body of mass 3kg is moving under the action of a force which causes a displacement of (3t3)m, where ‘t’ is time in seconds. The work done by the force in first 2 seconds is (A) 2J (B) 3.8J (C) 5.2J (D) 24J
›Reveal solutionSolution
Work done equals the change in kinetic energy. By finding velocity from the given displacement, then computing kinetic energy at t = 2 s, we get 24 J. The correct option is (D).
Concept & Intuition
The problem gives displacement as a function of time: s(t)=3t3. Work done by a force is the integral of force over displacement, but a far simpler route uses the work–energy theorem: the net work done equals the change in kinetic energy. Since the body starts from rest (implied at t = 0, displacement is zero), the work done in the first 2 seconds is simply the kinetic energy at t = 2 s. We just need the velocity at that instant.
Step-by-step solution
- Find velocity as a function of time Velocity is the derivative of displacement with respect to time:
v(t)=dtds=dtd(3t3)=t2
So at any time t, the speed is v=t2 m/s.
- Compute velocity at t = 2 s
v(2)=(2)2=4 m/s
- Apply the work–energy theorem Work done = change in kinetic energy. Initial kinetic energy (at t = 0) is zero because v(0)=0.
W=ΔKE=21mv2−0=21×3×(4)2
- Calculate
W=21×3×16=248=24 J
Watch outA common mistake is to try integrating force directly — but force isn’t given. The work–energy theorem elegantly bypasses that. Also, note that displacement is t3/3, not t3, so differentiate carefully.
TipWhenever displacement is given as a simple polynomial in t, differentiating gives velocity directly. Then work = change in KE is often the fastest path.
✓Final answerThe correct option is (D).
ANSWER: D
- TG EAPCET 2023Set eng-2023-05-14-FN1 markMCQQ.An engine is dragging a mass of 5000kg with a velocity of 5ms−1 along a smooth inclined plane of inclination 1 in 50. Then the power of the engine is (A) 5kW (B) 2.5kW (C) 10kW (D) 25kW
›Reveal solutionSolution
The engine must supply power to overcome the gravitational component along the incline at constant speed. The power is P=mgvsinθ, giving P=5000×9.8×5×501=4900W≈5kW, so the correct option is (A).
Concept & Intuition
When an object moves at constant velocity along a smooth (frictionless) incline, the only force the engine must overcome is the component of gravity pulling it back down the slope. Power is the rate at which work is done against this force. Since the plane is smooth, there is no friction to worry about — the engine’s entire output goes into lifting the mass against gravity at a steady rate.
Step-by-step reasoning
-
Identify the slope angle
The incline is given as “1 in 50”, meaning for every 50 metres along the slope, the vertical rise is 1 metre. Hence sinθ=501.
-
Force the engine must exert
The gravitational force down the incline is mgsinθ. To keep the mass moving at constant velocity (no acceleration), the engine must pull with an equal and opposite force:
F=mgsinθ=5000×9.8×501
(We use g=9.8m/s2 unless stated otherwise.)
- Calculate that force
F=5000×9.8×0.02=5000×0.196=980N
- Power formula For a constant force in the direction of motion, power is P=Fv, where v is the speed.
P=980×5=4900W
- Convert to kilowatts 4900W=4.9kW, which rounds to 5kW for the given options.
TipA quick shortcut: P=mgvsinθ directly. Plug in numbers: 5000×9.8×5×501=5000×9.8×0.1=4900W. No need to compute force separately.
Watch outA common mistake is to use tanθ or the full weight mg instead of the component mgsinθ. Remember: only the force along the slope matters for work done by the engine.
✓Final answerThe correct option is (A).
ANSWER: A
-
- TG EAPCET 2022Set eng-2022-07-19-AN1 markMCQQ.A rocket moves straight upward with zero initial velocity and with an acceleration 20 m/s2. It runs out of fuel and stops accelerating at the end of 5th sec. It reaches a maximum height and falls back to the earth. The speed when it hits the ground is (Take g=10 m/s2) (A) 1002 m/s (B) 1503 m/s (C) 506 m/s (D) 75 m/s
›Reveal solutionSolution
The rocket's motion is divided into three phases: initial acceleration, upward motion under gravity, and free fall. We calculate the velocity and height at the end of each phase to find the final speed when it hits the ground. The speed when it hits the ground is 506 m/s.
The problem describes the motion of a rocket in three distinct phases, each with a different constant acceleration. To solve this, we need to analyze each phase separately using the equations of motion for constant acceleration. The key idea is that the final velocity and position of one phase become the initial velocity and position for the next phase.
Here's the breakdown of the rocket's journey:
- Phase 1: Accelerated motion (0 to 5 seconds) The rocket moves upward with a constant acceleration of 20 m/s2.
- Phase 2: Upward motion under gravity (after 5 seconds until maximum height) After 5 seconds, the fuel runs out, so the rocket stops accelerating due to its engine. From this point, only gravity acts on it, causing it to decelerate as it continues to move upward until its velocity becomes zero at the maximum height.
- Phase 3: Free fall (from maximum height to the ground) Once it reaches its maximum height, the rocket starts falling back to Earth under the influence of gravity. We need to find its speed just before it hits the ground.
We will use the standard kinematic equations for constant acceleration:
v=u+at
s=ut+21at2
v2=u2+2as
where u is initial velocity, v is final velocity, a is acceleration, t is time, and s is displacement. We will take the upward direction as positive for the first two phases and then adjust for the third phase.
Let's calculate the motion step-by-step:
-
Phase 1: Rocket accelerating upwards (from t=0 to t=5 s)
The rocket starts from rest, so its initial velocity is u1=0 m/s. It accelerates upward at a1=20 m/s2 for t1=5 s.
We first find the velocity of the rocket at the end of this phase:
v1=u1+a1t1
v1=0+(20 m/s2)(5 s)
v1=100 m/s (upward)
Next, we find the height reached during this phase:
h1=u1t1+21a1t12
h1=(0)(5 s)+21(20 m/s2)(5 s)2
h1=0+21(20)(25) m
h1=10×25 m
h1=250 m
-
Phase 2: Rocket moving upwards under gravity (after t=5 s until maximum height)
At t=5 s, the rocket's engine stops, but it has an upward velocity of 100 m/s. From this point, the only acceleration acting on it is due to gravity, which is g=10 m/s2 downward. So, the acceleration for this phase is a2=−10 m/s2 (taking upward as positive). The rocket will continue to move upward until its final velocity becomes v2=0 m/s at the maximum height.
Using the equation v2=u2+2as:
v22=v12+2a2h2
02=(100 m/s)2+2(−10 m/s2)h2
0=10000−20h2
20h2=10000
h2=2010000 m
h2=500 m
The total maximum height reached from the ground is the sum of heights from Phase 1 and Phase 2:
Hmax=h1+h2=250 m+500 m
Hmax=750 m
-
Phase 3: Rocket falling from maximum height to the ground
Now, the rocket starts falling from its maximum height Hmax=750 m. Its initial velocity for this phase is u3=0 m/s (since it momentarily stopped at the peak). The acceleration is due to gravity, a3=g=10 m/s2 (downward). We want to find its speed v3 when it hits the ground.
Using the equation v2=u2+2as:
v32=u32+2a3Hmax
v32=(0 m/s)2+2(10 m/s2)(750 m)
v32=0+15000
v3=15000 m/s
To simplify the square root:
v3=100×150 m/s
v3=10150 m/s
v3=1025×6 m/s
v3=10×56 m/s
v3=506 m/s
✓Final answerThe speed of the rocket when it hits the ground is 506 m/s.
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