MCQEasyJEE 2026Kinetic Energy & Work-Energy Theorem

JEE Physics 2026 Question with Solution

A body of mass 2kg2 \, \text{kg} is moving along x-direction such that its displacement as function of time is given by x(t)=αt2+βt+γx(t) = \alpha t^2 + \beta t + \gamma m, where α=1m/s2\alpha = 1 \, \text{m/s}^2, β=1m/s\beta = 1 \, \text{m/s} and γ=1m\gamma = 1 \, \text{m}. The work done on the body during the time interval t=2st = 2 \, \text{s} to t=3st = 3 \, \text{s}, is _____ J.

  • A

    4242

  • B

    2424

  • C

    1212

  • D

    4949

Answer

Correct answer:B

Step-by-step solution

Standard Method

Given: m=2kgm = 2 \, \text{kg} and x(t)=t2+t+1x(t) = t^2 + t + 1.

Find: Work done from t=2st = 2 \, \text{s} to t=3st = 3 \, \text{s}.

Using the Work-Energy Theorem, the work done by the net force equals the change in kinetic energy.

Velocity is obtained by differentiating displacement with respect to time:

v(t)=dx(t)dt=ddt(t2+t+1)=2t+1v(t) = \frac{dx(t)}{dt} = \frac{d}{dt}(t^2 + t + 1) = 2t + 1

At ti=2st_i = 2 \, \text{s}:

vi=2(2)+1=5m/sv_i = 2(2) + 1 = 5 \, \text{m/s}

At tf=3st_f = 3 \, \text{s}:

vf=2(3)+1=7m/sv_f = 2(3) + 1 = 7 \, \text{m/s}

Now apply the work-energy theorem:

W=ΔK=12m(vf2vi2)W = \Delta K = \frac{1}{2}m\left(v_f^2 - v_i^2\right)

Substituting m=2kgm = 2 \, \text{kg}, vf=7m/sv_f = 7 \, \text{m/s} and vi=5m/sv_i = 5 \, \text{m/s}:

W=122(7252)W = \frac{1}{2} \cdot 2 \cdot (7^2 - 5^2) W=4925=24JW = 49 - 25 = 24 \, \text{J}

Therefore, the work done is 24J24 \, \text{J}. The correct option is B.

Common mistakes

  • Differentiating x(t)x(t) incorrectly. The velocity is v(t)=dxdt=2t+1v(t) = \frac{dx}{dt} = 2t + 1, not t2+1t^2 + 1 or any other expression. Always take the time derivative before using energy relations.

  • Using displacement difference instead of change in kinetic energy. Work done by the net force here is found most directly from W=ΔKW = \Delta K, not from substituting Δx\Delta x into an unrelated formula.

  • Forgetting to square the velocities in kinetic energy. The theorem uses 12mv2\frac{1}{2}mv^2, so the change is based on vf2vi2v_f^2 - v_i^2, not vfviv_f - v_i.

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