If we did all things we are capable of, we would literally astound ourselves.

– Thomas A. Edison

Tuesday, October 06, 2009

Kerala Engineering Entrance 2009 Multiple Choice Questions on Work and Energy

In the KEAM (Engineering ) 2009 question paper three questions were included from the section ‘work, energy and power’. Here are those questions with solution:

(1) A particle is acted upon by a force F which varies with position x as shown in figure. If the particle at x = 0 has kinetic energy of 25 J, then the kinetic energy of the particle at x = 16 m is

(a) 45 J

(b) 30 J

(c) 70 J

(d) 135 J

(e) 20 J

The work done by a variable force acting along the direction of displacement can be found by drawing a force-displacement graph. The area under this graph gives the work done. Since the force has positive and negative values, the area also has positive (+50 units) and negative (– 30 units) values. The net area is +20 units and hence the gain in kinnetic energy during the movement from position x = 0 to the position x = 16 m is 20 J.

The particle has kinetic energy of 25 J at position x = 0. Therefore the kinetic energy at position x = 16 m is 25 + 20 = 45 J.

(2) Two springs P and Q of force constants kP and kQ [kQ = kP/2] are stretched by applying force of equal magnitude. If the energy stored in in Q is E, then the energy stored in P is

(a) E

(b) 2 E

(c) E/8

(d) E/4

(e) E/2

The potential energy (U) of a spring stretched (by a force F) through distance x is given by

U = ½ kx2 where k is the spring constant (force constant) given by k = F/x

This can be rewritten as

U = ½ (F2/k) since x = F/k

The nergy stored in P and Q are respectively given by UP = ½ (F2/kP) and UQ = ½ (F2/kQ).

Therefore, UP/UQ = kQ/kP = ½ as given in the question.

This gives UP = UQ/2 = E/2.

(3) A rod of mass m and length l is made to stand at an angle of 60º with the vertical. Potential energy of this rod in this position is

(a) mgl

(b) mgl/2

(c) mgl/3

(d) mgl/4

(e) mgl/√2

When the rod is kept inclined at an angle of 60º with the vertical, its centre of gravity is raised (from the ground level) by a height h = (l/2)cos 60º = l/4.

The gravitational potential energy of the rod in this position is mgh = mgl/4.

You will find many useful multiple choice questions on work, energy and power at physicsplus and at AP Physics Resources


No comments: