Solving Work-Energy Problems

The Work-Energy Practice Problems Video Tutorial focuses on the use of work-energy concepts to solve problems. After providing a background and a short strategy, Mr. H steps through detailed solutions to six example problems involving work and energy. Learn how to use the concepts to solve for speed, height, and distance.

The video lesson answers the following questions:

1. How do you use the work-energy relationship to solve problems involving speed, height, and distance?

Video

You can watch the video below, or click here to watch on YouTube (opens in a new tab).

To improve the effectiveness of the learning experience, The Physics Classroom has provided the following tools:

Additional and Related Learning Tools

Calculator Pad, Work and Energy Problem Set, Problems #20 - #28
Our Calculator Pad section consists of a collection of problems on varied topics, Each problem comes with an answer and an audio file that extensively addresses the solution. What more do you need? If your course emphasizes problem-solving, then we would emphasize that you make the Calculator Pad your friend.

Minds On Physics, Work and Energy Module. Missions WE8
Minds On Physics is a unqiue set of questioning modules that present questions and provide immediate feedback to student response. When difficulty is detected, it continuously presents similar questions to target your difficulties. Each question is accompanied by a rather extensive discussion of how to approach the question. You want to learn? Devote some time to "MOPs".

Minds On Physics, Work and Energy Section: Mission WE10
"MOPs" is a tough task-master. But when you finish a mission, you know you understand the material. Take the challenge. This Minds On Physics mission will improve your game when it comes to analyzing situations involving external energy transfers.

Concept Builders, Work and Energy section: Energy Analysis 1
Analyze the energy of a water park rider or some other object undergoing an up and down motion. Use your calculator and mechanical energy conservation to complete the analysis.

Concept Builder, Work and Energy Section: Energy Analsysis 2
This Concept Builder will provide you with some awesome practice analyzing external energy transfers.

The Physics Classroom Tutorial, Work, Energy, and Power Chapter, Applications and Practice Questions
Sometimes you need to quickly brush up on a topic. Our Tutorial section helps you do just that. This page is the written version of our Tutorial. Give it try.

Teacher Resources

Curriculum Corner, Work, Energy, and Power Section: Energy
Get students active and thinking with one of our free Think Sheets from the Curriclum Corner section of our website. The following three makes a good fit to this video:
Work-Energy Relationships
Energy Concepts
Work-Energy Calculations

Teacher Toolkits, Work-Energy Relationships
Try a Teacher Toolkit ... you might be very glad that you did. Each toolkit includes annotated links to vetted resources from across the web that we feel reliably support the specific topic. Give this one on work and energy a try.

The Calculator Pad, Work and Energy Problem Set, Problems #20-28
The Calculator Pad consists of problems with answers and audio-guided solutions. It's a great way to learn. It's a great place to send your students.

Minds On Physics, Work and Energy Module. Missions WE8
"MOPs" is a tough task-master. But when a student finishes a mission, you know they understand the material. Challenge students to improve their game with this mission on analyzing situations involving mechanical energy conservation.

Minds On Physics, Work and Energy Section: Missions WE10
Similar to the above ... but this mission involves analyzing situations involving external energy transfers.

Concept Builders, Work and Energy section: Energy Analysis 1
This Concept Builder will provide students with some awesome practice with the quantitative side of this topic. And if you hae a Task Tracker account, you can assign the task and know how students have done.

Concept Builder, Work and Energy Section: Energy Analsysis 2
This Concept Builder will provide students with some awesome practice with the quantitative side of this topic. And if you hae a Task Tracker account, you can assign the task and know how students have done.

Physics Interactives, Work and Energy section, Roller Coaster Simulation
This simulation and accompanying exercise provide a controlled and playful environment that allows students to think about ideas that pertain to the energy of a roller coaster.

The Physics Classroom Tutorial, Work, Energy, and Power Chapter, Applications and Practice Questions
The Physics Classroom Tutorial is a great place to brush up on a topic. Its easy-to-understand language combined with informative graphics and appeals to your sense of reason make this a powerful learning tool. This page is the written equivalent of the video.

Lesson Notes

Download (opens in a new tab) or view below

Slides

Do you like the slides we used? They are available in our low cost Teacher Presentation Pack, along with other updated materials used in our presentation.