JEE Main · Physics ↓ Falling

Work, Energy and Power appeared 31 times across 3 years — 3.6% of Physics. This question is from Conservation of Mechanical Energy.

Year 2026 2025 2024 Total
Questions 8 15 8 31

A bead of mass m slides without friction on the wall of a vertical circular hoop of radius R as shown in figure. The bead moves under the combined action of gravity and a massless spring (k) attached to the bottom of the hoop. The equilibrium length of the spring is R . If the bead is released from top of the hoop with (negligible) zero initial speed, velocity of bead, when the length of spring becomes R , would be (spring constant is k , g is acceleration due to gravity)
Conservation of Mechanical Energy diagram for Q10 - JEE Main 2025 Morning
A bead sliding along a vertical circular ring constrained by a tracking baseline spring system.

Solution & Explanation

Core Logic

Let's apply the comprehensive Work-Energy theorem framework across key layout tracking nodes:

Geometric resolution angle resolution profile for Q10
A bead sliding along a vertical circular ring constrained by a tracking baseline spring system.

Wall = Δ K M g (R + R 60°) + (1)/(2) k (R² - 0²) = (1)/(2) m v²

Simplifying the gravitational shift and potential expansions:

M g 3R2 + kR²2 = (1)/(2) m v²
Step 1: Final Kinematic Value
v = 3gR + kR²m

Matches parameters specified by option (4).

Pattern Recognition

Isolate spring metrics at node points: Initial extension equals 2R - R = R. Final extension is 0 since spring length matching R satisfies unextended conditions.

Chapter Mix

Class 11 Physics: Work, Energy and Power

More Work, Energy and Power Previous-Year Questions

Q jee_main_2026_21_jan_morning Potential Energy
Potential energy (V) versus distance (x) is given by the graph, Rank various regions as per the magnitudes of the force (F) acting on a particle from high to low.
Potential Energy diagram for Q26 - JEE Main 2026 Morning
The image shows a graph of potential energy versus distance with marked regions AB, BC, CD, and DE.
  • A. FBC > FCD > FDE > FAB
  • B. FCD > FAB > FBC > FDE
  • C. FCD > FDE > FAB > FBC
  • D. FBC > FAB > FDE > FCD

Solution

Related Formula
F = -(dV)/(dx)
Core Logic

The magnitude of the force is given by the absolute value of the slope of the potential energy versus position curve: |F| = |slope of V-x graph|.

Comparing the slopes of different regions from the graph:

  • Region BC has the steepest slope (largest magnitude).
  • Region AB has a moderate positive slope.
  • Region DE has a moderate negative slope, but less steep than AB.
  • Region CD is perfectly flat (slope = 0).
Step 1: Ranking Forces

Therefore, magnitudes of the force follow the order:

FBC > FAB > FDE > FCD
Pattern Recognition

In a V-x graph, steeper slopes always mean a stronger restoring or repulsive force. A flat line means zero force (equilibrium).

Chapter Mix

Class 11 Physics: Work, Energy and Power

Q44 jee_main_2026_21_jan_evening Work Done by Variable Force
A body of mass 2 kg is moving along x-direction such that its displacement as function of time is given by x(t) = α t² + β t + γ m, where α = 1 m/s², β = 1 m/s and γ = 1 m. The work done on the body during the time interval t = 2 s to t = 3 s, is ________ J.
  • A. 49
  • B. 42
  • C. 24
  • D. 12

Solution

Related Formula
W = ∫ F · dx = F · Δ x (if force is constant) v = (dx)/(dt), a = (dv)/(dt)

F = m a

Core Logic

Given displacement equation:

x(t) = 1t² + 1t + 1

Velocity is the first derivative: v(t) = 2t + 1 Acceleration is the second derivative:

a(t) = 2 m/s²

Since acceleration is constant, the force is also constant:

F = m a = 2 × 2 = 4 N
Step 1: Finding Displacement Interval

We need the displacement during the interval t=2 to t=3:

x(3) = 3² + 3 + 1 = 9 + 3 + 1 = 13 m x(2) = 2² + 2 + 1 = 4 + 2 + 1 = 7 m

Total displacement S = x(3) - x(2) = 13 - 7 = 6 m

Step 2: Final Conclusion

Work done:

W = F · S = 4 N × 6 m = 24 J
Pattern Recognition

If x(t) is a quadratic in t, acceleration is constant. Work done simply becomes ma × Δ x.

Chapter Mix

Class 11 Physics: Kinematics Class 11 Physics: Work, Energy and Power

Q41 jee_main_2026_22_january_evening Conservative Forces and Work Done
Given below are two statements : Statement I: An object moves from position r₁ to position r₂ under a conservative force field F. The work done by the force is W = -∫_r₁^r₂ F · dr. Statement II : Any object moving from one location to another location can follow infinite number of paths. Therefore, the amount of work done by the object changes with the path it follows for a conservative force. In the light of the above statements, choose the correct answer from the options given below :
  • A. Both Statement I and Statement II are true
  • B. Statement I is false but Statement II is true
  • C. Statement I is true but Statement II is false
  • D. Both Statement I and Statement II are false

Solution

Related Formula
W = ∫r₁r₂ F · d r ∮ Fcons · d r = 0
Core Logic

Evaluating Statement I: Work done by a force is defined as W = +∫r₁r₂ F · d r. The negative sign represents potential energy change (Δ U = -W), not work done itself. Thus Statement I is incorrect.

Evaluating Statement II: For a conservative force, work done depends ONLY on initial and final positions, independent of the path taken. Thus Statement II is incorrect.

Step 1: Final Conclusion

Both Statement I and Statement II are false.

Pattern Recognition

Conservative force definition: Work done is path-independent (W depends only on end points). Formula for work is +∫ F · d r.

Chapter Mix

Class 11 Physics: Work, Energy and Power

Q27 jee_main_2026_23_january_morning Vertical Circular Motion
A small both A of mass m is attached to a massless rigid rod of length 1m pivoted at point P and kept at an angle of 60° with vertical as shown in figure. At distance of 1m below point P, an identical bob B is kept at rest on a smooth horizontal surface that extends to a circular track of radius R as shown in figure. If bob B just manages to complete the circular path of radius R upto a point Q after being hit elastically by bob A, then radius R is
Vertical Circular Motion diagram for Q27 - JEE Main 2026 Morning
Displays bob A on a rod hitting bob B which enters a circular track.
  • A. (3)/(5)
  • B. (1)/(5)
  • C. 2+√(3)5
  • D. 2-√(3)5

Solution

Related Formula
V = √(2gl(1 - θ)) Vmin = √(5gR)
Core Logic

Bob A gains kinetic energy converting from potential energy when it falls from angle 60°. Since the collision is elastic and masses are identical, Bob A will transfer its entire momentum to Bob B. Bob B will then use this velocity to complete the vertical circular loop.

Step 1: Velocity of Bob A before collision

Velocity of Bob A at the lowest point:

VA = √(2gl(1 - θ)) VA = √(2 × 10 × 1 (1 - (1)/(2))) = √(10) m/s
Step 2: Velocity of Bob B after collision

Due to elastic collision between identical masses, velocities are exchanged.

VB = VA = √(10) m/s
Step 3: Condition for completing loop

To just complete the circular track of radius R, the minimum velocity required at the lowest point is:

VB = √(5gR) √(10) = √(5 × 10 × R)

10 = 50R

R = (1)/(5) m
Pattern Recognition

Sees: "elastic collision" + "identical masses" → velocities swap instantly. "just completes circular path" → velocity is exactly √(5gR) at the bottom.

Chapter Mix

Class 11 Physics: Work, Energy and Power Class 11 Physics: Systems of Particles and Rotational Motion

Q32 jee_main_2026_23_january_morning Potential Energy of a Spring
Two blocks with masses 100g and 200g are attached to the ends of springs A and B as shown in figure. The energy stored in A is E. The energy stored in B, when spring constants kA, kB of A and B, respectively satisfy the relation 4kA = 3kB, is :
Potential Energy of a Spring diagram for Q32 - JEE Main 2026 Morning
Two identical-looking springs vertically suspended with masses attached.
Potential Energy of a Spring diagram for Q32 - JEE Main 2026 Morning
Two identical-looking springs vertically suspended with masses attached.
  • A. 4E
  • B. 2E
  • C. 3E
  • D. (4)/(3)E

Solution

Related Formula

kx = mg

U = (1)/(2)kx² = (1)/(2) m²g²k
Core Logic

For a block suspended in equilibrium, the restoring force of the spring balances gravity. Thus, the extension is x = mg/k. Substituting this into the spring energy equation gives energy directly in terms of mass and spring constant.

Step 1: Compare Energy Ratios

Given energy proportional relation:

U ∝ m²k UAUB = ( mAmB)²( kBkA)
Step 2: Insert values

Given 4kA = 3kB kBkA = (4)/(3) Also mA = 100g, mB = 200g mAmB = (1)/(2)

UAUB = ((1)/(2))²((4)/(3)) = (1)/(4) × (4)/(3) = (1)/(3)
Step 3: Final Calculation

Since UA = E, we have:

EUB = (1)/(3) UB = 3E
Pattern Recognition

Sees: "energy stored" + "spring under gravity weight" → jump straight to U = ((mg)²)/(2k) instead of finding x first.

Chapter Mix

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