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Chapter 2: Work and Energy

Solved textbook questions with step-by-step explanations.

Grade 9 Q&A: Chapter 2: Work and Energy

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Grade 9 Q&A: Chapter 2: Work and Energy

Welcome to the Questions and Answers section for Grade 9 Physics, Chapter 2: "Work and Energy." This chapter explores the fundamental concepts of how forces perform work, the capacity of objects to do work (energy), and the rate at which work is done (power). Here, you will find important questions covering key definitions, formulas, derivations, and detailed solutions to the exercise questions from your textbook.

Important Questions and Answers

Q1: Define work in physics. State its SI unit.

Answer: In physics, work is said to be done when a force applied to an object causes a displacement of the object in the direction of the force. If the force and displacement are perpendicular, or if there is no displacement, no work is done.
SI Unit: Joule (J). One Joule is the work done when a force of 1 Newton displaces an object by 1 meter in the direction of the force.

Q2: What are the two essential conditions for work to be done?

Answer: The two essential conditions for work to be done are:

  1. A force must act on the object.
  2. The object must be displaced from its initial position.
  3. The displacement must be in the direction of the applied force (or have a component in that direction).

Q3: Give an example where a force is applied but no work is done.

Answer: When you push hard against a rigid wall, you apply a force, but if the wall does not move, there is no displacement. Therefore, no work is done by you on the wall in the scientific sense.

Q4: Differentiate between positive, negative, and zero work. Give an example for each.

Answer:

  • Positive Work: Work done is positive when the force and displacement are in the same direction.
    Example: Pushing a trolley forward.
  • Negative Work: Work done is negative when the force and displacement are in opposite directions.
    Example: Work done by friction when an object slides, or work done by gravity when an object is lifted upwards.
  • Zero Work: Work done is zero when there is no displacement, or when the force applied is perpendicular to the direction of displacement.
    Example: A coolie carrying a load on his head walks on a horizontal platform (force of gravity and displacement are perpendicular).

Q5: Define energy. State its SI unit.

Answer: Energy is defined as the capacity of an object to do work. An object possesses energy if it can exert a force on another object and cause displacement.
SI Unit: Joule (J).

Q6: What is kinetic energy? Write its formula.

Answer: Kinetic energy is the energy possessed by an object due to its motion. Any object that is moving has kinetic energy.
Formula: $KE = \frac{1}{2}mv^2$ (where $m$ is mass and $v$ is velocity).

Q7: Derive the formula for kinetic energy ($KE = \frac{1}{2}mv^2$).

Answer: Consider an object of mass 'm' moving with initial velocity 'u'. A constant force 'F' acts on it, causing it to accelerate uniformly 'a' and attain a final velocity 'v' after a displacement 's'.
From Newton's Second Law of Motion, we know: $F = ma$ (Equation 1)
From the third equation of motion, we have: $v^2 = u^2 + 2as$
If the object starts from rest, its initial velocity $u = 0$.
So, $v^2 = 0^2 + 2as \Rightarrow v^2 = 2as$
From this, we can express acceleration as: $a = \frac{v^2}{2s}$ (Equation 2)
Now, substitute Equation 2 into Equation 1:
$F = m \left(\frac{v^2}{2s}\right)$
Work done (W) by the force is given by $W = F \times s$.
Substitute the expression for F:
$W = m \left(\frac{v^2}{2s}\right) \times s$
$W = \frac{1}{2}mv^2$
The work done on the object is equal to the kinetic energy it gains.
Therefore, $KE = \frac{1}{2}mv^2$.

Q8: What is potential energy? Write the formula for gravitational potential energy.

Answer: Potential energy is the energy possessed by an object due to its position or configuration. It is stored energy that has the potential to do work.
Formula for Gravitational Potential Energy: $PE = mgh$ (where $m$ is mass, $g$ is acceleration due to gravity, and $h$ is height).

Q9: Derive the formula for gravitational potential energy ($PE = mgh$).

Answer: Consider an object of mass 'm' that is lifted vertically upwards to a height 'h' against the force of gravity.
The minimum force required to lift the object is equal to its weight, which is $F = mg$.
The displacement of the object is 'h' in the upward direction.
Work done (W) in lifting the object is given by: $W = \text{Force} \times \text{Displacement}$
$W = (mg) \times h$
$W = mgh$
This work done against the gravitational force is stored in the object as its gravitational potential energy.
Therefore, $PE = mgh$.

Q10: Define power. State its SI unit and commercial unit of electrical energy.

Answer: Power is the rate at which work is done or energy is transferred. It indicates how quickly work is performed.
SI Unit: Watt (W). (1 Watt = 1 Joule/second)
Commercial Unit of Electrical Energy: Kilowatt-hour (kWh).

Q11: State the Law of Conservation of Energy. Give an example.

Answer: The Law of Conservation of Energy states that energy can neither be created nor destroyed; it can only be transformed from one form to another. The total energy in an isolated system remains constant.
Example: When a ball is dropped from a height, its gravitational potential energy is gradually converted into kinetic energy as it falls. Just before hitting the ground, all its potential energy is converted into kinetic energy (ignoring air resistance). The total mechanical energy (KE + PE) remains constant throughout its fall.

Q12: List and briefly explain four different forms of energy.

Answer:

  1. Heat Energy: Energy associated with the random motion of atoms and molecules. (e.g., warmth from a fire).
  2. Light Energy: A form of electromagnetic radiation that is visible to the human eye. (e.g., light from the sun or a bulb).
  3. Sound Energy: Energy produced by vibrating objects, which travels as waves through a medium. (e.g., music from a speaker).
  4. Chemical Energy: Energy stored in the bonds of chemical compounds, released during chemical reactions. (e.g., energy in food, batteries, or fuels).

Q13: Differentiate between renewable and non-renewable sources of energy. Give two examples of each.

Answer:

  • Renewable Sources of Energy: These are energy sources that are naturally replenished on a human timescale, making them sustainable. They cause less environmental pollution.
    Examples: Solar energy, Wind energy, Hydroelectric energy.
  • Non-renewable Sources of Energy: These are energy sources that exist in finite quantities and are consumed much faster than they are formed. Their use leads to depletion and often significant environmental impact.
    Examples: Coal, Petroleum, Natural Gas, Nuclear fuels (Uranium).

Q14: A 10 kg object is lifted to a height of 5 m. Calculate the work done. (g = 9.8 m/s²)

Answer: Given: Mass ($m$) = $10 \text{ kg}$ Height ($h$) = $5 \text{ m}$ Acceleration due to gravity ($g$) = $9.8 \text{ m/s}^2$ Work done ($W$) = Force $\times$ Displacement = Weight $\times$ Height = $mgh$ $W = 10 \text{ kg} \times 9.8 \text{ m/s}^2 \times 5 \text{ m}$ $W = 490 \text{ J}$
The work done is $490 \text{ J}$.

Q15: A car of mass 1200 kg is moving with a velocity of 20 m/s. Calculate its kinetic energy.

Answer: Given: Mass ($m$) = $1200 \text{ kg}$ Velocity ($v$) = $20 \text{ m/s}$ Kinetic Energy ($KE$) = $\frac{1}{2}mv^2$ $KE = \frac{1}{2} \times 1200 \text{ kg} \times (20 \text{ m/s})^2$ $KE = 600 \text{ kg} \times 400 \text{ m}^2/\text{s}^2$ $KE = 240000 \text{ J} = 240 \text{ kJ}$
The kinetic energy of the car is $240000 \text{ J}$ (or $240 \text{ kJ}$).

Q16: A pump lifts 500 kg of water to a height of 10 m in 20 seconds. Calculate the power of the pump. (g = 9.8 m/s²)

Answer: Given: Mass ($m$) = $500 \text{ kg}$ Height ($h$) = $10 \text{ m}$ Time ($t$) = $20 \text{ s}$ Acceleration due to gravity ($g$) = $9.8 \text{ m/s}^2$ Work done ($W$) = $mgh = 500 \text{ kg} \times 9.8 \text{ m/s}^2 \times 10 \text{ m} = 49000 \text{ J}$ Power ($P$) = $\frac{\text{Work Done}}{\text{Time Taken}} = \frac{49000 \text{ J}}{20 \text{ s}}$ $P = 2450 \text{ W}$
The power of the pump is $2450 \text{ W}$.

Q17: Explain the energy transformations that occur when a pendulum swings.

Answer: When a pendulum swings, there is a continuous transformation between potential energy and kinetic energy.

  • At its highest points (extreme positions), the pendulum bob momentarily stops, so its kinetic energy is zero, and its potential energy is maximum.
  • As it swings downwards towards the lowest point (mean position), its potential energy is converted into kinetic energy, and its speed increases. At the lowest point, its potential energy is minimum (or zero if that's the reference), and its kinetic energy is maximum.
  • As it swings upwards from the lowest point, its kinetic energy is converted back into potential energy, and its speed decreases.
Ignoring air resistance and friction, the total mechanical energy (KE + PE) of the pendulum remains constant throughout its swing, demonstrating the Law of Conservation of Energy.

Q18: What is the relationship between work and energy?

Answer: Work and energy are closely related. Energy is the capacity to do work, and work is the process of transferring energy. When work is done on an object, its energy changes (e.g., its kinetic energy increases if positive work is done, or its potential energy increases if work is done against a conservative force). Conversely, an object that possesses energy has the ability to do work.

Q19: Can an object have energy without doing work? Explain.

Answer: Yes, an object can have energy without doing work. For example, a book resting on a shelf has gravitational potential energy, but it is not doing work. Similarly, a stationary battery has chemical potential energy stored within it, but it is not doing work unless it is connected to a circuit to power a device. Energy is the *capacity* to do work, not necessarily the *act* of doing work.

Q20: Why is a stretched rubber band considered to have potential energy?

Answer: A stretched rubber band has potential energy because work is done on it to change its shape (configuration). This work is stored within the rubber band as elastic potential energy. When the rubber band is released, this stored potential energy is converted into kinetic energy, allowing it to do work (e.g., launch a small object).

Q21: What is the difference between mechanical energy and heat energy?

Answer:

  • Mechanical Energy: It is the sum of the kinetic and potential energy of an object or system. It is associated with the motion and position of macroscopic objects.
  • Heat Energy: It is the energy associated with the random motion of atoms and molecules within a substance. It is a form of internal energy and is transferred due to temperature differences. Mechanical energy can be converted into heat due to friction.

Q22: A person lifts a 5 kg bag to a height of 1.5 m. Calculate the potential energy gained by the bag. (g = 10 m/s²)

Answer: Given: Mass ($m$) = $5 \text{ kg}$ Height ($h$) = $1.5 \text{ m}$ Acceleration due to gravity ($g$) = $10 \text{ m/s}^2$ Potential Energy ($PE$) = $mgh$ $PE = 5 \text{ kg} \times 10 \text{ m/s}^2 \times 1.5 \text{ m}$ $PE = 75 \text{ J}$
The potential energy gained by the bag is $75 \text{ J}$.

Q23: Why do we need to conserve energy?

Answer: We need to conserve energy for several reasons:

  • Depletion of Non-renewable Resources: Most of our energy comes from fossil fuels, which are finite and depleting rapidly. Conservation helps extend their availability.
  • Environmental Impact: Burning fossil fuels releases greenhouse gases, contributing to climate change and air pollution. Conserving energy reduces these harmful emissions.
  • Economic Benefits: Energy conservation reduces energy bills for individuals and industries, saving money.
  • Energy Security: Reducing reliance on imported fossil fuels improves a nation's energy independence.
  • Sustainability: Conserving energy promotes sustainable living and ensures that future generations have access to sufficient energy resources.

Q24: What is the work-energy theorem?

Answer: The work-energy theorem states that the net work done on an object is equal to the change in its kinetic energy.
Mathematically: $W_{net} = \Delta KE = KE_{final} - KE_{initial} = \frac{1}{2}mv^2 - \frac{1}{2}mu^2$.
This theorem provides a direct link between work and energy, showing that work is a means of transferring energy.

Q25: A fan consumes 75 W of power. How much energy does it consume in 4 hours?

Answer: Given: Power ($P$) = $75 \text{ W}$ Time ($t$) = $4 \text{ hours}$ Convert time to seconds: $4 \text{ hours} = 4 \times 3600 \text{ s} = 14400 \text{ s}$ Energy consumed ($E$) = Power $\times$ Time $E = 75 \text{ W} \times 14400 \text{ s}$ $E = 1080000 \text{ J}$
Alternatively, in kWh (commercial unit): Power in kW = $\frac{75}{1000} \text{ kW} = 0.075 \text{ kW}$ Energy consumed = $0.075 \text{ kW} \times 4 \text{ hours} = 0.3 \text{ kWh}$
The fan consumes $1080000 \text{ J}$ or $0.3 \text{ kWh}$ of energy.

Exercise Solutions

Q.1 Multiple Choice Questions (Choose the correct option):

  1. The work done by a force is zero if:
    a) The force is very large.
    b) The object moves at a constant velocity.
    c) There is no displacement.
    d) The force is very small.
    Solution: Work done = Force × Displacement. If displacement (s) = 0, then Work = 0.
    Correct Option: c) There is no displacement.
  2. The energy possessed by a moving object is:
    a) Potential energy
    b) Chemical energy
    c) Kinetic energy
    d) Heat energy
    Solution: Kinetic energy is the energy of motion.
    Correct Option: c) Kinetic energy
  3. The SI unit of power is:
    a) Joule
    b) Newton
    c) Watt
    d) Horsepower
    Solution: The Watt is the standard unit for power.
    Correct Option: c) Watt
  4. Which of the following is a non-renewable source of energy?
    a) Solar energy
    b) Wind energy
    c) Natural gas
    d) Hydroelectric energy
    Solution: Natural gas is a fossil fuel, which is a finite resource.
    Correct Option: c) Natural gas
  5. If the velocity of an object is halved, its kinetic energy becomes:
    a) Half
    b) Double
    c) Four times
    d) One-fourth
    Solution: Kinetic Energy (KE) = ½mv². If 'v' becomes v/2, then KE' = ½m(v/2)² = ½m(v²/4) = ¼(½mv²). So, kinetic energy becomes one-fourth.
    Correct Option: d) One-fourth

Q.2 Fill in the blanks:

  1. Work is done when a force causes a displacement in the direction of the force.
  2. The capacity to do work is called energy.
  3. The energy possessed by an object due to its position is called potential energy.
  4. Power is the rate of doing work.
  5. Energy can neither be created nor destroyed, it can only be transformed from one form to another.

Q.3 Match the pairs:

(Note: As an AI, I will provide the correct pairs.)

  • 1. Work - c. Joule
  • 2. Kinetic Energy - a. ½mv²
  • 3. Potential Energy - d. mgh
  • 4. Power - b. Watt

Q.4 True or False. If false, write the correct statement:

  1. Work is a vector quantity.
    False. Work is a scalar quantity.
  2. A coolie carrying a load on his head and walking on a horizontal platform does work against gravity.
    False. A coolie carrying a load on his head and walking on a horizontal platform does *zero* work against gravity, because the force of gravity is vertical and the displacement is horizontal (they are perpendicular).
  3. The energy of a stretched spring is kinetic energy.
    False. The energy of a stretched spring is elastic potential energy.
  4. Solar energy is a non-renewable source of energy.
    False. Solar energy is a renewable source of energy.
  5. The total energy in an isolated system remains constant.
    True.

Q.5 Answer the following questions:

  1. Define work. Give two examples where work is done and two examples where work is not done.
    Answer: Work is done when a force causes a displacement of an object in the direction of the force.
    Examples where work is done:
    1. Pushing a book across a table.
    2. Lifting a bucket of water from a well.
    Examples where work is not done:
    1. Pushing against a stationary wall.
    2. Holding a heavy bag without moving it.
  2. What is energy? Explain kinetic energy and potential energy with examples.
    Answer: Energy is the capacity of an object to do work.
    Kinetic Energy: Energy possessed by an object due to its motion.
    Example: A moving car, a flying bird, flowing water.
    Potential Energy: Energy possessed by an object due to its position or configuration.
    Example: A book kept on a high shelf (gravitational potential energy), a stretched bow (elastic potential energy).
  3. Derive the formula for kinetic energy ($KE = \frac{1}{2}mv^2$).
    Answer: (Refer to Q7 in 'Important Questions and Answers' section above for the derivation.)
  4. Derive the formula for gravitational potential energy ($PE = mgh$).
    Answer: (Refer to Q9 in 'Important Questions and Answers' section above for the derivation.)
  5. State the Law of Conservation of Energy. Explain with an example of a falling object.
    Answer: The Law of Conservation of Energy states that energy can neither be created nor destroyed; it can only be transformed from one form to another. The total energy in an isolated system remains constant.
    Example (Falling Object): When an object is dropped from a certain height, it initially has maximum gravitational potential energy and zero kinetic energy (since it's at rest). As it falls, its height decreases, so its potential energy decreases. Simultaneously, its speed increases, so its kinetic energy increases. Just before hitting the ground, its potential energy is minimum (or zero), and its kinetic energy is maximum. Throughout the fall (ignoring air resistance), the sum of its potential and kinetic energy (total mechanical energy) remains constant.
  6. Differentiate between renewable and non-renewable sources of energy.
    Answer: (Refer to Q13 in 'Important Questions and Answers' section above for the differentiation.)
  7. Explain different forms of energy.
    Answer: (Refer to Q12 in 'Important Questions and Answers' section above for the explanation of different forms of energy.)

Q.6 Give reasons:

  1. Work done by centripetal force is zero.
    Reason: Work done is zero when the force applied is perpendicular to the direction of displacement. In uniform circular motion, the centripetal force always acts towards the center of the circular path (radially inward), while the displacement of the object at any instant is tangential to the path. Since the force and displacement are always perpendicular to each other, the work done by the centripetal force is zero.
  2. A stretched rubber band has potential energy.
    Reason: A stretched rubber band has potential energy because work is done on it to change its shape (configuration) from its relaxed state. This work is stored within the rubber band as elastic potential energy. This stored energy gives the rubber band the capacity to do work when it returns to its original shape (e.g., when it is released, it can propel an object).
  3. A moving car possesses kinetic energy.
    Reason: A moving car possesses kinetic energy because it is in motion. Kinetic energy is defined as the energy an object has due to its motion. The car's motion means it has the capacity to do work, for example, by colliding with another object and causing its displacement.
  4. We use renewable sources of energy.
    Reason: We use renewable sources of energy because they are sustainable and environmentally friendly. Unlike fossil fuels, which are finite and cause pollution, renewable sources like solar, wind, and hydro are naturally replenished, do not deplete over time, and produce significantly fewer greenhouse gas emissions, helping to combat climate change and ensure long-term energy security.
  5. An object kept at a height has potential energy.
    Reason: An object kept at a height has potential energy because work was done against the force of gravity to lift it to that position. This work is stored as gravitational potential energy. This stored energy gives the object the potential to do work if it falls (e.g., a hammer held above a nail can drive the nail into wood when dropped).

Q.7 Solve the following numerical problems:

  1. A force of 15 N displaces an object by 8 m in the direction of the force. Calculate the work done.
    Solution: Given: Force ($F$) = $15 \text{ N}$ Displacement ($s$) = $8 \text{ m}$ Work done ($W$) = $F \times s$ $W = 15 \text{ N} \times 8 \text{ m}$ $W = 120 \text{ J}$
    The work done is $120 \text{ J}$.
  2. A car of mass 1500 kg accelerates from 10 m/s to 20 m/s. Calculate the change in its kinetic energy.
    Solution: Given: Mass ($m$) = $1500 \text{ kg}$ Initial velocity ($u$) = $10 \text{ m/s}$ Final velocity ($v$) = $20 \text{ m/s}$ Initial Kinetic Energy ($KE_i$) = $\frac{1}{2}mu^2 = \frac{1}{2} \times 1500 \text{ kg} \times (10 \text{ m/s})^2$ $KE_i = 750 \text{ kg} \times 100 \text{ m}^2/\text{s}^2 = 75000 \text{ J}$ Final Kinetic Energy ($KE_f$) = $\frac{1}{2}mv^2 = \frac{1}{2} \times 1500 \text{ kg} \times (20 \text{ m/s})^2$ $KE_f = 750 \text{ kg} \times 400 \text{ m}^2/\text{s}^2 = 300000 \text{ J}$ Change in Kinetic Energy ($\Delta KE$) = $KE_f - KE_i$ $\Delta KE = 300000 \text{ J} - 75000 \text{ J} = 225000 \text{ J}$
    The change in kinetic energy is $225000 \text{ J}$.
  3. A boy of mass 40 kg climbs a staircase of 50 steps. Each step is 15 cm high. Calculate the work done by the boy. (g = 10 m/s²)
    Solution: Given: Mass of boy ($m$) = $40 \text{ kg}$ Number of steps = $50$ Height of each step = $15 \text{ cm} = 0.15 \text{ m}$ Total height climbed ($h$) = Number of steps $\times$ Height of each step $h = 50 \times 0.15 \text{ m} = 7.5 \text{ m}$ Acceleration due to gravity ($g$) = $10 \text{ m/s}^2$ Work done ($W$) = Work done against gravity = Potential Energy gained = $mgh$ $W = 40 \text{ kg} \times 10 \text{ m/s}^2 \times 7.5 \text{ m}$ $W = 400 \times 7.5 \text{ J}$ $W = 3000 \text{ J}$
    The work done by the boy is $3000 \text{ J}$.
  4. A motor pump of 200 W power is used to lift water. How much water can it lift to a height of 10 m in 1 minute? (g = 10 m/s²)
    Solution: Given: Power ($P$) = $200 \text{ W}$ Height ($h$) = $10 \text{ m}$ Time ($t$) = $1 \text{ minute} = 60 \text{ s}$ Acceleration due to gravity ($g$) = $10 \text{ m/s}^2$ We need to find the mass of water ($m$) that can be lifted. We know that Power ($P$) = $\frac{\text{Work Done}}{\text{Time Taken}}$ Work Done ($W$) = Potential Energy gained by water = $mgh$ So, $P = \frac{mgh}{t}$ $200 \text{ W} = \frac{m \times 10 \text{ m/s}^2 \times 10 \text{ m}}{60 \text{ s}}$ $200 = \frac{100m}{60}$ $200 \times 60 = 100m$ $12000 = 100m$ $m = \frac{12000}{100} = 120 \text{ kg}$
    The motor pump can lift $120 \text{ kg}$ of water.
  5. An object of mass 2 kg is dropped from a height of 5 m. Calculate its kinetic energy just before it hits the ground. (g = 9.8 m/s²)
    Solution: Given: Mass ($m$) = $2 \text{ kg}$ Height ($h$) = $5 \text{ m}$ Acceleration due to gravity ($g$) = $9.8 \text{ m/s}^2$ Using the Law of Conservation of Energy: When the object is dropped, its initial kinetic energy is zero. All its energy is potential energy. Just before hitting the ground, all its potential energy is converted into kinetic energy (ignoring air resistance). So, Kinetic Energy just before hitting ground = Initial Potential Energy $KE_{final} = PE_{initial} = mgh$ $KE_{final} = 2 \text{ kg} \times 9.8 \text{ m/s}^2 \times 5 \text{ m}$ $KE_{final} = 98 \text{ J}$
    The kinetic energy of the object just before it hits the ground is $98 \text{ J}$.

References

  1. Maharashtra State Board Science and Technology Standard Nine Textbook (2018 Edition) - Chapter 2: Work and Energy.
  2. NCERT Science Textbook for Class IX - Chapter 11: Work and Energy.