Work, Energy & Power — Class XI Physics Chapter 6 | Academia Aeternum
Class XI Physics  ·  Chapter 6

Work, Energy & Power

NCERT | Class 11 | Physics

Energy is the currency of the universe. Every process from nuclear reactions to muscle contractions is governed by the principle of energy conservation.

\(W = \vec{F}\cdot\vec{d} = Fd\cos\theta\)
3
Energy Forms Covered
2
Collision Types
31
NCERT Exercises
W=Fd cosθ
Core Formula
JEE/NEET
Very High Weightage

Conceptual Framework

Core Topics at a Glance

🏗️
Work Done by a Force
Work is the dot product of force and displacement. Work is zero if F⊥d (circular motion), or if there is no displacement (pushing a wall).
\(W = Fd\cos\theta = \vec{F}\cdot\vec{d}\)
Kinetic Energy
Energy due to motion. The work-energy theorem states that the net work done on a body equals the change in its kinetic energy.
\(W_{\text{net}} = \Delta KE = \tfrac{1}{2}mv^2 - \tfrac{1}{2}mu^2\)
🌱
Potential Energy
Energy stored in a system due to configuration — gravitational (mgh) or elastic (½kx²). Defined only for conservative forces.
\(U_g = mgh,\; U_e = \tfrac{1}{2}kx^2\)
⚖️
Conservation of Mechanical Energy
In a conservative system, total mechanical energy (KE + PE) remains constant. This is the most powerful tool for solving motion problems.
\(KE + PE = \text{const}\)
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Collisions
Elastic: both KE and momentum conserved. Inelastic: only momentum conserved. Perfectly inelastic: bodies stick together after collision.
\(e=1\text{ (elastic)},\; e=0\text{ (perf. inelastic)}\)
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Power
Power is the rate of doing work. Average power = W/t. Instantaneous power = F·v (extremely useful for engine problems).
\(P = W/t = \vec{F}\cdot\vec{v}\)

Quick Reference

Key Formulae

QuantityFormulaRemarks
Work\(W = Fd\cos\theta\)θ = angle between F and d
Kinetic Energy\(KE = \tfrac{1}{2}mv^2\)Always ≥ 0
Work-Energy Theorem\(W_{\text{net}} = \Delta KE\)Net work = ΔKE
Spring PE\(U = \tfrac{1}{2}kx^2\)x = extension/compression
Power\(P = \vec{F}\cdot\vec{v} = W/t\)Instantaneous power
Elastic Collision (1D)\(v_1'=\dfrac{(m_1-m_2)u_1+2m_2u_2}{m_1+m_2}\)Final velocity of m₁
Coefficient of Restitution\(e = \dfrac{v_2-v_1}{u_1-u_2}\)e=1 elastic; e=0 perfectly inelastic
1 kWh\(1\text{ kWh} = 3.6\times10^6\text{ J}\)Electrical energy unit

Exam-Ready Insights

Important Points to Remember

01

Work is a scalar. Work done by friction is always negative (force opposite to displacement).

02

Work done = 0 when: F⊥d (tension in circular motion), d = 0 (static friction on stationary body), or F = 0.

03

Conservative forces (gravity, spring) have associated PE. Non-conservative forces (friction) dissipate energy as heat.

04

In elastic collision: kinetic energy is conserved. In inelastic: KE is not conserved (converted to heat, sound, deformation).

05

At maximum compression in elastic collision on a spring: both bodies have the same velocity (not zero!).

06

Power = Fv: this form is crucial for problems involving vehicles and engines at constant speed.

07

Momentum is always conserved in all collisions (elastic, inelastic) if net external force = 0.

Competitive Exams

Exam Corner

Work, Energy & Power is tested across all major competitive examinations. Here are the most frequently tested topics:

⚡ JEE Main🔷 JEE Advanced🟢 NEET🟡 CBSE Board
AllWork-energy theorem — numericals
JEEElastic & inelastic collisions in 1D/2D
NEETConservation of mechanical energy
AllSpring potential energy problems
JEEPower and efficiency — engine problems
BoardDerivation — work-energy theorem
AllCoefficient of restitution

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NCERT Class 11 Physics Chapter 5: Work, Energy and Power – Concepts & Formulas
NCERT Class 11 Physics Chapter 5: Work, Energy and Power – Concepts & Formulas — Complete Notes & Solutions · academia-aeternum.com
These NCERT exercise solutions for Class 11 Physics, Chapter “Laws of Motion”, have been written to guide students from raw problem statements to clear, confident answers. Each solution follows a clean, textbook style structure: given data are identified first, the appropriate physical law is chosen, and then the algebra is carried out carefully with units at every step. Situations involving forces on raindrops, corks, kites, cars, electrons, and pendulum bobs are treated using Newton’s laws…
🎓 Class 11 📐 Physics 📖 NCERT ✅ Free Access 🏆 CBSE · JEE
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