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Work U is defined as

Dynamics · FE Reference Handbook section

Dynamics
6 formulas
10 exam-style examples
~57 min
All Dynamics lectures

Core formulas for this FE topic

Definitions, applicability, units, assumptions and worked examples for each relation.

Worked exam-style examples

The four ways this section is written on the real exam — thoughts first, then equations, then substitution.

Example 1
Work–energy theorem — solve for work done — Work U is defined as

A dynamics problem uses Work–energy theorem. Given mass (m) = 300.0 kg; initial speed (v1) = 15.0000 m/s; final speed (v2) = 21.0000 m/s, determine the work done (W) in J.

Given

  • mass(m)=300.0kgmass (m) = 300.0 kg
  • initialspeed(v1)=15.0000m/sinitial speed (v_{1}) = 15.0000 m/s
  • finalspeed(v2)=21.0000m/sfinal speed (v_{2}) = 21.0000 m/s

Find

work done (W), in J

Start with the thinking

  • The governing relation printed in this handbook section is Work–energy theorem.
  • Everything except W is given, so isolate W symbolically first — never rearrange after the numbers are in.
  • Tabulate each given with its unit and confirm the units are consistent with the relation before substituting.
  • Dynamics items reward recognising the unknown before touching a calculator.

Step-by-step solution

  1. Step 1 — State the governing relation:

    W=12m(v22−v12)W = \tfrac12 m (v_2^2 - v_1^2)
  2. Step 2 — Rearrange the relation so that W stands alone on the left-hand side.

  3. Step 3 — List the givens: mass (m) = 300.0 kg, initial speed (v1) = 15.0000 m/s, final speed (v2) = 21.0000 m/s.

  4. Step 4 — Substitute the given values into the rearranged relation.

  5. Step 5 — Evaluate:

    W=32400 JW = 32400\ \text{J}
  6. Step 6 — Check: returning W = 32,400 J to

    W=12m(v22−v12)W = \tfrac12 m (v_2^2 - v_1^2)

    reproduces the given quantities, and both sides carry the same units.

Answer:
W=32400 JW = 32400\ \text{J}

Why the other options are there

  • 64,800 — kept a factor of two that cancels in the correct rearrangement.
  • 16,200 — dropped that same factor in the other direction.
  • 35,640 — rounded an intermediate value before the final step.

Reference: FE Reference Handbook — Dynamics → Work U is defined as

Example 2
Work–energy theorem — solve for mass — Work U is defined as (2)

A dynamics problem uses Work–energy theorem. Given initial speed (v1) = 3.0000 m/s; final speed (v2) = 24.5000 m/s; work done (W) = 308,420 J, determine the mass (m) in kg.

Given

  • initialspeed(v1)=3.0000m/sinitial speed (v_{1}) = 3.0000 m/s
  • finalspeed(v2)=24.5000m/sfinal speed (v_{2}) = 24.5000 m/s
  • workdone(W)=308,420Jwork done (W) = 308,420 J

Find

mass (m), in kg

Start with the thinking

  • The governing relation printed in this handbook section is Work–energy theorem.
  • Everything except m is given, so isolate m symbolically first — never rearrange after the numbers are in.
  • Tabulate each given with its unit and confirm the units are consistent with the relation before substituting.
  • Dynamics items reward recognising the unknown before touching a calculator.

Step-by-step solution

  1. Step 1 — State the governing relation:

    W=12m(v22−v12)W = \tfrac12 m (v_2^2 - v_1^2)
  2. Step 2 — Rearrange the relation so that m stands alone on the left-hand side.

  3. Step 3 — List the givens: initial speed (v1) = 3.0000 m/s, final speed (v2) = 24.5000 m/s, work done (W) = 308,420 J.

  4. Step 4 — Substitute the given values into the rearranged relation.

  5. Step 5 — Evaluate:

    m=1043 kgm = 1043\ \text{kg}
  6. Step 6 — Check: returning m = 1,043 kg to

    W=12m(v22−v12)W = \tfrac12 m (v_2^2 - v_1^2)

    reproduces the given quantities, and both sides carry the same units.

Answer:
m=1043 kgm = 1043\ \text{kg}

Why the other options are there

  • 2,087 — kept a factor of two that cancels in the correct rearrangement.
  • 521.6 — dropped that same factor in the other direction.
  • 1,148 — rounded an intermediate value before the final step.

Reference: FE Reference Handbook — Dynamics → Work U is defined as

Example 3
Work–energy theorem — solve for work done (case 2) — Work U is defined as (3)

A dynamics problem uses Work–energy theorem. Given mass (m) = 1,750 kg; initial speed (v1) = 5.5000 m/s; final speed (v2) = 38.5000 m/s, determine the work done (W) in J.

Given

  • mass(m)=1,750kgmass (m) = 1,750 kg
  • initialspeed(v1)=5.5000m/sinitial speed (v_{1}) = 5.5000 m/s
  • finalspeed(v2)=38.5000m/sfinal speed (v_{2}) = 38.5000 m/s

Find

work done (W), in J

Start with the thinking

  • The governing relation printed in this handbook section is Work–energy theorem.
  • Everything except W is given, so isolate W symbolically first — never rearrange after the numbers are in.
  • Tabulate each given with its unit and confirm the units are consistent with the relation before substituting.
  • Dynamics items reward recognising the unknown before touching a calculator.

Step-by-step solution

  1. Step 1 — State the governing relation:

    W=12m(v22−v12)W = \tfrac12 m (v_2^2 - v_1^2)
  2. Step 2 — Rearrange the relation so that W stands alone on the left-hand side.

  3. Step 3 — List the givens: mass (m) = 1,750 kg, initial speed (v1) = 5.5000 m/s, final speed (v2) = 38.5000 m/s.

  4. Step 4 — Substitute the given values into the rearranged relation.

  5. Step 5 — Evaluate:

    W=1270500 JW = 1270500\ \text{J}
  6. Step 6 — Check: returning W = 1,270,500 J to

    W=12m(v22−v12)W = \tfrac12 m (v_2^2 - v_1^2)

    reproduces the given quantities, and both sides carry the same units.

Answer:
W=1270500 JW = 1270500\ \text{J}

Why the other options are there

  • 2,541,000 — kept a factor of two that cancels in the correct rearrangement.
  • 635,250 — dropped that same factor in the other direction.
  • 1,397,550 — rounded an intermediate value before the final step.

Reference: FE Reference Handbook — Dynamics → Work U is defined as

Example 4
Work–energy theorem — solve for mass (case 2) — Work U is defined as (4)

A dynamics problem uses Work–energy theorem. Given initial speed (v1) = 5.0000 m/s; final speed (v2) = 39.5000 m/s; work done (W) = 103,335 J, determine the mass (m) in kg.

Given

  • initialspeed(v1)=5.0000m/sinitial speed (v_{1}) = 5.0000 m/s
  • finalspeed(v2)=39.5000m/sfinal speed (v_{2}) = 39.5000 m/s
  • workdone(W)=103,335Jwork done (W) = 103,335 J

Find

mass (m), in kg

Start with the thinking

  • The governing relation printed in this handbook section is Work–energy theorem.
  • Everything except m is given, so isolate m symbolically first — never rearrange after the numbers are in.
  • Tabulate each given with its unit and confirm the units are consistent with the relation before substituting.
  • Dynamics items reward recognising the unknown before touching a calculator.

Step-by-step solution

  1. Step 1 — State the governing relation:

    W=12m(v22−v12)W = \tfrac12 m (v_2^2 - v_1^2)
  2. Step 2 — Rearrange the relation so that m stands alone on the left-hand side.

  3. Step 3 — List the givens: initial speed (v1) = 5.0000 m/s, final speed (v2) = 39.5000 m/s, work done (W) = 103,335 J.

  4. Step 4 — Substitute the given values into the rearranged relation.

  5. Step 5 — Evaluate:

    m=134.6 kgm = 134.6\ \text{kg}
  6. Step 6 — Check: returning m = 134.6 kg to

    W=12m(v22−v12)W = \tfrac12 m (v_2^2 - v_1^2)

    reproduces the given quantities, and both sides carry the same units.

Answer:
m=134.6 kgm = 134.6\ \text{kg}

Why the other options are there

  • 269.2 — kept a factor of two that cancels in the correct rearrangement.
  • 67.3083 — dropped that same factor in the other direction.
  • 148.1 — rounded an intermediate value before the final step.

Reference: FE Reference Handbook — Dynamics → Work U is defined as

Example 5
Work–energy theorem — solve for work done (case 3) — Work U is defined as (5)

A dynamics problem uses Work–energy theorem. Given mass (m) = 1,740 kg; initial speed (v1) = 1.5000 m/s; final speed (v2) = 17.5000 m/s, determine the work done (W) in J.

Given

  • mass(m)=1,740kgmass (m) = 1,740 kg
  • initialspeed(v1)=1.5000m/sinitial speed (v_{1}) = 1.5000 m/s
  • finalspeed(v2)=17.5000m/sfinal speed (v_{2}) = 17.5000 m/s

Find

work done (W), in J

Start with the thinking

  • The governing relation printed in this handbook section is Work–energy theorem.
  • Everything except W is given, so isolate W symbolically first — never rearrange after the numbers are in.
  • Tabulate each given with its unit and confirm the units are consistent with the relation before substituting.
  • Dynamics items reward recognising the unknown before touching a calculator.

Step-by-step solution

  1. Step 1 — State the governing relation:

    W=12m(v22−v12)W = \tfrac12 m (v_2^2 - v_1^2)
  2. Step 2 — Rearrange the relation so that W stands alone on the left-hand side.

  3. Step 3 — List the givens: mass (m) = 1,740 kg, initial speed (v1) = 1.5000 m/s, final speed (v2) = 17.5000 m/s.

  4. Step 4 — Substitute the given values into the rearranged relation.

  5. Step 5 — Evaluate:

    W=264480 JW = 264480\ \text{J}
  6. Step 6 — Check: returning W = 264,480 J to

    W=12m(v22−v12)W = \tfrac12 m (v_2^2 - v_1^2)

    reproduces the given quantities, and both sides carry the same units.

Answer:
W=264480 JW = 264480\ \text{J}

Why the other options are there

  • 528,960 — kept a factor of two that cancels in the correct rearrangement.
  • 132,240 — dropped that same factor in the other direction.
  • 290,928 — rounded an intermediate value before the final step.

Reference: FE Reference Handbook — Dynamics → Work U is defined as

Example 6
Work–energy theorem — solve for mass (case 3) — Work U is defined as (6)

A dynamics problem uses Work–energy theorem. Given initial speed (v1) = 15.0000 m/s; final speed (v2) = 9.0000 m/s; work done (W) = 1,523,930 J, determine the mass (m) in kg.

Given

  • initialspeed(v1)=15.0000m/sinitial speed (v_{1}) = 15.0000 m/s
  • finalspeed(v2)=9.0000m/sfinal speed (v_{2}) = 9.0000 m/s
  • workdone(W)=1,523,930Jwork done (W) = 1,523,930 J

Find

mass (m), in kg

Start with the thinking

  • The governing relation printed in this handbook section is Work–energy theorem.
  • Everything except m is given, so isolate m symbolically first — never rearrange after the numbers are in.
  • Tabulate each given with its unit and confirm the units are consistent with the relation before substituting.
  • Dynamics items reward recognising the unknown before touching a calculator.

Step-by-step solution

  1. Step 1 — State the governing relation:

    W=12m(v22−v12)W = \tfrac12 m (v_2^2 - v_1^2)
  2. Step 2 — Rearrange the relation so that m stands alone on the left-hand side.

  3. Step 3 — List the givens: initial speed (v1) = 15.0000 m/s, final speed (v2) = 9.0000 m/s, work done (W) = 1,523,930 J.

  4. Step 4 — Substitute the given values into the rearranged relation.

  5. Step 5 — Evaluate:

    m=−21166 kgm = -21166\ \text{kg}
  6. Step 6 — Check: returning m = -21,166 kg to

    W=12m(v22−v12)W = \tfrac12 m (v_2^2 - v_1^2)

    reproduces the given quantities, and both sides carry the same units.

Answer:
m=−21166 kgm = -21166\ \text{kg}

Why the other options are there

  • -42,331 — kept a factor of two that cancels in the correct rearrangement.
  • -10,583 — dropped that same factor in the other direction.
  • -23,282 — rounded an intermediate value before the final step.

Reference: FE Reference Handbook — Dynamics → Work U is defined as

Example 7
Work–energy theorem — solve for work done (case 4) — Work U is defined as (7)

A dynamics problem uses Work–energy theorem. Given mass (m) = 1,040 kg; initial speed (v1) = 8.0000 m/s; final speed (v2) = 10.5000 m/s, determine the work done (W) in J.

Given

  • mass(m)=1,040kgmass (m) = 1,040 kg
  • initialspeed(v1)=8.0000m/sinitial speed (v_{1}) = 8.0000 m/s
  • finalspeed(v2)=10.5000m/sfinal speed (v_{2}) = 10.5000 m/s

Find

work done (W), in J

Start with the thinking

  • The governing relation printed in this handbook section is Work–energy theorem.
  • Everything except W is given, so isolate W symbolically first — never rearrange after the numbers are in.
  • Tabulate each given with its unit and confirm the units are consistent with the relation before substituting.
  • Dynamics items reward recognising the unknown before touching a calculator.

Step-by-step solution

  1. Step 1 — State the governing relation:

    W=12m(v22−v12)W = \tfrac12 m (v_2^2 - v_1^2)
  2. Step 2 — Rearrange the relation so that W stands alone on the left-hand side.

  3. Step 3 — List the givens: mass (m) = 1,040 kg, initial speed (v1) = 8.0000 m/s, final speed (v2) = 10.5000 m/s.

  4. Step 4 — Substitute the given values into the rearranged relation.

  5. Step 5 — Evaluate:

    W=24050 JW = 24050\ \text{J}
  6. Step 6 — Check: returning W = 24,050 J to

    W=12m(v22−v12)W = \tfrac12 m (v_2^2 - v_1^2)

    reproduces the given quantities, and both sides carry the same units.

Answer:
W=24050 JW = 24050\ \text{J}

Why the other options are there

  • 48,100 — kept a factor of two that cancels in the correct rearrangement.
  • 12,025 — dropped that same factor in the other direction.
  • 26,455 — rounded an intermediate value before the final step.

Reference: FE Reference Handbook — Dynamics → Work U is defined as

Example 8
Work–energy theorem — solve for mass (case 4) — Work U is defined as (8)

A dynamics problem uses Work–energy theorem. Given initial speed (v1) = 8.5000 m/s; final speed (v2) = 16.5000 m/s; work done (W) = 218,712 J, determine the mass (m) in kg.

Given

  • initialspeed(v1)=8.5000m/sinitial speed (v_{1}) = 8.5000 m/s
  • finalspeed(v2)=16.5000m/sfinal speed (v_{2}) = 16.5000 m/s
  • workdone(W)=218,712Jwork done (W) = 218,712 J

Find

mass (m), in kg

Start with the thinking

  • The governing relation printed in this handbook section is Work–energy theorem.
  • Everything except m is given, so isolate m symbolically first — never rearrange after the numbers are in.
  • Tabulate each given with its unit and confirm the units are consistent with the relation before substituting.
  • Dynamics items reward recognising the unknown before touching a calculator.

Step-by-step solution

  1. Step 1 — State the governing relation:

    W=12m(v22−v12)W = \tfrac12 m (v_2^2 - v_1^2)
  2. Step 2 — Rearrange the relation so that m stands alone on the left-hand side.

  3. Step 3 — List the givens: initial speed (v1) = 8.5000 m/s, final speed (v2) = 16.5000 m/s, work done (W) = 218,712 J.

  4. Step 4 — Substitute the given values into the rearranged relation.

  5. Step 5 — Evaluate:

    m=2187 kgm = 2187\ \text{kg}
  6. Step 6 — Check: returning m = 2,187 kg to

    W=12m(v22−v12)W = \tfrac12 m (v_2^2 - v_1^2)

    reproduces the given quantities, and both sides carry the same units.

Answer:
m=2187 kgm = 2187\ \text{kg}

Why the other options are there

  • 4,374 — kept a factor of two that cancels in the correct rearrangement.
  • 1,094 — dropped that same factor in the other direction.
  • 2,406 — rounded an intermediate value before the final step.

Reference: FE Reference Handbook — Dynamics → Work U is defined as

Example 9
Work–energy theorem — solve for work done (case 5) — Work U is defined as (9)

A dynamics problem uses Work–energy theorem. Given mass (m) = 1,640 kg; initial speed (v1) = 3.5000 m/s; final speed (v2) = 25.0000 m/s, determine the work done (W) in J.

Given

  • mass(m)=1,640kgmass (m) = 1,640 kg
  • initialspeed(v1)=3.5000m/sinitial speed (v_{1}) = 3.5000 m/s
  • finalspeed(v2)=25.0000m/sfinal speed (v_{2}) = 25.0000 m/s

Find

work done (W), in J

Start with the thinking

  • The governing relation printed in this handbook section is Work–energy theorem.
  • Everything except W is given, so isolate W symbolically first — never rearrange after the numbers are in.
  • Tabulate each given with its unit and confirm the units are consistent with the relation before substituting.
  • Dynamics items reward recognising the unknown before touching a calculator.

Step-by-step solution

  1. Step 1 — State the governing relation:

    W=12m(v22−v12)W = \tfrac12 m (v_2^2 - v_1^2)
  2. Step 2 — Rearrange the relation so that W stands alone on the left-hand side.

  3. Step 3 — List the givens: mass (m) = 1,640 kg, initial speed (v1) = 3.5000 m/s, final speed (v2) = 25.0000 m/s.

  4. Step 4 — Substitute the given values into the rearranged relation.

  5. Step 5 — Evaluate:

    W=502455 JW = 502455\ \text{J}
  6. Step 6 — Check: returning W = 502,455 J to

    W=12m(v22−v12)W = \tfrac12 m (v_2^2 - v_1^2)

    reproduces the given quantities, and both sides carry the same units.

Answer:
W=502455 JW = 502455\ \text{J}

Why the other options are there

  • 1,004,910 — kept a factor of two that cancels in the correct rearrangement.
  • 251,228 — dropped that same factor in the other direction.
  • 552,701 — rounded an intermediate value before the final step.

Reference: FE Reference Handbook — Dynamics → Work U is defined as

Example 10
Work–energy theorem — solve for mass (case 5) — Work U is defined as (10)

A dynamics problem uses Work–energy theorem. Given initial speed (v1) = 17.0000 m/s; final speed (v2) = 6.5000 m/s; work done (W) = 1,891,161 J, determine the mass (m) in kg.

Given

  • initialspeed(v1)=17.0000m/sinitial speed (v_{1}) = 17.0000 m/s
  • finalspeed(v2)=6.5000m/sfinal speed (v_{2}) = 6.5000 m/s
  • workdone(W)=1,891,161Jwork done (W) = 1,891,161 J

Find

mass (m), in kg

Start with the thinking

  • The governing relation printed in this handbook section is Work–energy theorem.
  • Everything except m is given, so isolate m symbolically first — never rearrange after the numbers are in.
  • Tabulate each given with its unit and confirm the units are consistent with the relation before substituting.
  • Dynamics items reward recognising the unknown before touching a calculator.

Step-by-step solution

  1. Step 1 — State the governing relation:

    W=12m(v22−v12)W = \tfrac12 m (v_2^2 - v_1^2)
  2. Step 2 — Rearrange the relation so that m stands alone on the left-hand side.

  3. Step 3 — List the givens: initial speed (v1) = 17.0000 m/s, final speed (v2) = 6.5000 m/s, work done (W) = 1,891,161 J.

  4. Step 4 — Substitute the given values into the rearranged relation.

  5. Step 5 — Evaluate:

    m=−15329 kgm = -15329\ \text{kg}
  6. Step 6 — Check: returning m = -15,329 kg to

    W=12m(v22−v12)W = \tfrac12 m (v_2^2 - v_1^2)

    reproduces the given quantities, and both sides carry the same units.

Answer:
m=−15329 kgm = -15329\ \text{kg}

Why the other options are there

  • -30,657 — kept a factor of two that cancels in the correct rearrangement.
  • -7,664 — dropped that same factor in the other direction.
  • -16,861 — rounded an intermediate value before the final step.

Reference: FE Reference Handbook — Dynamics → Work U is defined as

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