Important Formulas and Theorems in Work, Energy, and Power
Work, Energy and Power Revision Notes – Key Concepts & Formulas
FAQs on Work, Energy and Power Revision Notes – Key Concepts & Formulas
1. What is work in physics?
Work in physics is defined as the measure of energy transfer when a force acts on an object causing displacement. It is a key concept for JEE revision notes and is mathematically expressed as:
- Work (W) = Force (F) × Displacement (d) × cosθ
- SI unit: Joule (J)
- Work is maximum when force and displacement are in the same direction.
2. What is energy and its types?
Energy is the ability of a system or object to do work. In physics, there are several key types of energy relevant to work, energy, and power revision notes:
- Kinetic Energy (energy due to motion)
- Potential Energy (energy due to position or configuration)
- Chemical Energy
- Mechanical Energy
- Thermal Energy
3. What is power and its SI unit?
Power in physics measures the rate at which work is done or energy is transferred.
- Formula: Power (P) = Work (W)/Time (t)
- SI unit: Watt (W)
- 1 Watt = 1 Joule per second
- Understanding power helps solve calculation-based questions in JEE and boards.
4. How are work, energy, and power related?
Work, energy, and power are interconnected in physics and often come together in exam problems.
- Work is the transfer of energy.
- Power is the rate at which work or energy transfer occurs.
- These concepts use similar units (Joule, Watt), making understanding their difference crucial for problem-solving.
5. What are the formulas for work, energy, and power?
The key formulas for work, energy, and power are vital for quick revision and exams:
- Work (W) = F × d × cosθ
- Kinetic Energy (KE) = (1/2)mv²
- Potential Energy (PE) = mgh
- Power (P) = Work (W)/Time (t)
- Work-Energy Theorem: W = ΔKE
6. What is the work-energy theorem and how is it derived?
The work-energy theorem states that the total work done on an object equals the change in its kinetic energy.
- Mathematically: W = ΔKE = KEfinal - KEinitial
- To derive, use Newton’s laws and kinematic equations.
- It is a crucial topic for JEE Main Physics notes and board exams.
7. What are common mistakes students make in solving work, energy, and power problems?
Students often make errors in formulas, unit conversions, and identifying scalar/vector quantities:
- Incorrect use of angle θ in work formula
- Confusing Joule (for work/energy) and Watt (for power)
- Mixing up kinetic and potential energy formulas
- Forgetting that work is scalar and direction is key
8. Can work be negative or zero? What does it mean?
Yes, work can be positive, negative, or zero depending on the direction of force and displacement.
- Positive work: Force and displacement in same direction.
- Negative work: Force acts opposite to displacement.
- Zero work: Force is perpendicular to displacement or no displacement occurs.
9. What are some real-life examples of work, energy, and power?
Examples help clarify work, energy, and power concepts:
- Pushing a cart on a road (work)
- Water stored in a dam (potential energy)
- Moving vehicles (kinetic energy)
- Bulb lighting up (power consumption)
- Running up stairs (work and power)
10. Where can I download work, energy, and power revision notes PDF?
Most educational websites, including Vedantu, offer downloadable work, energy, and power revision notes PDFs for Class 11 and JEE preparation.
- Check the topic page for a prominent download button.
- PDFs usually include key formulas, concept summaries, and practice questions.
11. Do all forces do work? For example, does a perpendicular (centripetal) force do work?
No, not all forces do work. For instance:
- A force perpendicular to the direction of motion, like centripetal force in circular motion, does no work as there is no displacement in the direction of the force.
- This concept is crucial in both theoretical and numerical questions for physics exams.
12. How is energy conserved in physical processes?
The law of conservation of energy states energy cannot be created or destroyed, only transformed.
- Total energy remains constant in an isolated system.
- Examples: Potential energy converting to kinetic energy as a ball falls.
- Essential for NEET, JEE, and board numericals.

















