UPCAT Physics — Work, Energy & ImpulseSlides
If you commute to a UPCAT review centre (or watch Super Tutor on the jeepney), these Work, Energy & Impulse slides are designed for exactly that. Each slide holds one idea, one visual cue, and one UP-style question pattern — ready for quick bursts of review between stops.
Exam context
For the University of the Philippines College Admission Test, University of the Philippines tests Physics under a "Core" label, with Work, Energy & Impulse in the 4th slot across 6 chapters. UPCAT candidates must clear the UPG ≤ 2.2 typical cut on the 2026 paper, which draws about 20 Physics questions. Date to watch: Mid-2026 (announced by UP Admissions).
Work, Energy & Impulse - Slides
This chapter explores the fundamental concepts of work, energy, and impulse in physics. You'll learn how forces cause objects to move and change their energy states, understand different forms of energy and their conservation, and discover how momentum changes during collisions. These concepts are essential for understanding motion, machines, and energy transformations in our daily lives.
Slides
Introduction to Work, Energy & Impulse
Work, energy, and impulse are interconnected concepts that help us understand how objects move and interact. Work involves applying force over a distance, energy represents the ability to cause changes, and impulse describes how momentum changes over time.
Notes
This overview slide introduces the chapter's main topics and shows their relationships
Topic
Chapter Overview
Slide Id
S1
Visual Type
mermaid
Image Prompt
Slide Number
1
Mermaid Diagram
Code
mindmap root((Work Energy Impulse)) Work Force applied Distance moved W = F × d Energy Kinetic Energy Potential Energy Conservation Impulse Change in momentum Force × time Collisions
Type
mermaid_mindmap
Description
Mind map showing the three main concepts and their key components
What is Work?
In physics, work has a specific meaning. Work is only done when a force causes an object to move in the direction of the force. If you push a wall and it doesn't move, no work is done despite applying force.
Notes
Emphasize that both force and displacement are required for work to be done
Topic
Work Definition
Slide Id
S2
Visual Type
mermaid
Image Prompt
Slide Number
2
Mermaid Diagram
Code
flowchart TD A[fa:fa-hand-paper Apply Force] --> B{Object moves?} B -->|Yes| C[fa:fa-check Work is Done] B -->|No| D[fa:fa-times No Work Done] C --> E[W = F × d] D --> F[W = 0]
Type
mermaid_flowchart
Description
Decision flowchart showing when work is done and the formula to calculate it
Types of Work
The sign of work depends on the relationship between force and displacement. When you lift an object, you do positive work, but gravity does negative work on the same object.
Notes
Use real-world examples to help students understand the different types of work
Topic
Work Types
Slide Id
S3
Visual Type
mermaid
Image Prompt
Slide Number
3
Mermaid Diagram
Code
flowchart LR A[Force Direction] --> B{Angle with displacement} B -->|0° Same direction| C[Positive Work] B -->|90° Perpendicular| D[Zero Work] B -->|180° Opposite| E[Negative Work]
Type
mermaid_flowchart
Description
Flowchart showing how the angle between force and displacement determines the type of work
Introduction to Energy
Energy is one of the most important concepts in physics. It represents the ability to cause changes or do work. The law of conservation of energy states that energy in an isolated system remains constant.
Notes
Emphasize that energy is conserved but can change forms
Topic
Energy Basics
Slide Id
S4
Visual Type
mermaid
Image Prompt
Slide Number
4
Mermaid Diagram
Code
stateDiagram-v2 [*] --> ChemicalEnergy ChemicalEnergy --> KineticEnergy: Muscle movement KineticEnergy --> PotentialEnergy: Lift object PotentialEnergy --> KineticEnergy: Drop object KineticEnergy --> HeatEnergy: Friction HeatEnergy --> [*]
Type
mermaid_stateDiagram
Description
State diagram showing energy transformations in everyday activities
Kinetic Energy
Kinetic energy is the energy an object has due to its motion. The faster an object moves or the more massive it is, the more kinetic energy it possesses. Notice that velocity is squared in the formula, making it more significant than mass.
Notes
Emphasize that velocity has a greater effect than mass due to the square relationship
Topic
Kinetic Energy
Slide Id
S5
Visual Type
mermaid
Image Prompt
Slide Number
5
Mermaid Diagram
Code
flowchart TD A[Moving Object] --> B[Has Kinetic Energy] B --> C[KE = ½mv²] C --> D[Depends on mass m] C --> E[Depends on velocity² v²] E --> F[fa:fa-exclamation-triangle Velocity effect is stronger]
Type
mermaid_flowchart
Description
Flowchart showing kinetic energy formula and the factors that affect it
Potential Energy
Potential energy is stored energy that has the potential to do work. The most common type is gravitational potential energy, which increases with height. Objects at greater heights have more potential energy.
Notes
Connect potential energy to everyday situations students can relate to
Topic
Potential Energy
Slide Id
S6
Visual Type
mermaid
Image Prompt
Slide Number
6
Mermaid Diagram
Code
flowchart TD A[Object at Height] --> B[Gravitational PE] B --> C[PE = mgh] D[Stretched Spring] --> E[Elastic PE] E --> F[PE = ½kx²] C --> G[fa:fa-arrow-down Can convert to KE] F --> G
Type
mermaid_flowchart
Description
Flowchart showing types of potential energy and their formulas
Mechanical Energy
Mechanical energy is the total energy due to motion and position. In the absence of friction and other non-conservative forces, mechanical energy remains constant as it transforms between kinetic and potential energy.
Notes
Use the pendulum or bouncing ball as concrete examples of energy conservation
Topic
Mechanical Energy
Slide Id
S7
Visual Type
mermaid
Image Prompt
Slide Number
7
Mermaid Diagram
Code
flowchart LR A[Maximum Height] --> B[PE maximum, KE = 0] B --> C[Falling] C --> D[PE decreases, KE increases] D --> E[Lowest Point] E --> F[PE = 0, KE maximum] F --> G[ME = KE + PE = constant]
Type
mermaid_flowchart
Description
Energy transformation in a falling object showing conservation of mechanical energy
Conservation of Energy
The law of conservation of energy is one of the most fundamental principles in physics. While energy may appear to be lost in real-world situations, it's actually converted to other forms like heat or sound.
Notes
Emphasize that energy conservation applies to all physical processes
Topic
Energy Conservation
Slide Id
S8
Visual Type
mermaid
Image Prompt
Slide Number
8
Mermaid Diagram
Code
flowchart TD A[Initial Energy] --> B[Energy Transformation] B --> C[Different Energy Forms] C --> D[Final Total Energy] A --> E[E₁] D --> F[E₂] E --> G[E₁ = E₂] F --> G G --> H[fa:fa-balance-scale Energy Conserved]
Type
mermaid_flowchart
Description
Flowchart illustrating the conservation of energy principle
Work-Energy Theorem
The work-energy theorem connects work and energy. When work is done on an object, its kinetic energy changes by exactly the amount of work done. This theorem helps solve many physics problems.
Notes
Use this theorem to solve problems involving work and energy changes
Topic
Work-Energy Theorem
Slide Id
S9
Visual Type
mermaid
Image Prompt
Slide Number
9
Mermaid Diagram
Code
flowchart TD A[Work Done on Object] --> B{Type of Work} B -->|Positive Work| C[KE Increases] B -->|Negative Work| D[KE Decreases] C --> E[W = ΔKE] D --> E E --> F[fa:fa-calculator W = KE₂ - KE₁]
Type
mermaid_flowchart
Description
Flowchart showing the work-energy theorem and its applications
Introduction to Momentum
Momentum describes the 'quantity of motion' an object has. It depends on both the object's mass and velocity. A heavy truck moving slowly can have the same momentum as a light car moving fast.
Notes
Emphasize that momentum is a vector quantity with both magnitude and direction
Topic
Momentum Introduction
Slide Id
S10
Visual Type
mermaid
Image Prompt
Slide Number
10
Mermaid Diagram
Code
flowchart TD A[Moving Object] --> B[Has Momentum] B --> C[p = mv] C --> D[Depends on mass m] C --> E[Depends on velocity v] D --> F[fa:fa-balance-scale Both factors important] E --> F
Type
mermaid_flowchart
Description
Diagram showing momentum formula and its dependence on mass and velocity
What is Impulse?
Impulse describes how momentum changes when a force is applied over time. A small force applied for a long time can produce the same impulse as a large force applied briefly.
Notes
Connect impulse to safety applications like airbags and protective equipment
Topic
Impulse Definition
Slide Id
S11
Visual Type
mermaid
Image Prompt
Slide Number
11
Mermaid Diagram
Code
flowchart TD A[Force Applied] --> B[Over Time Period] A --> C[J = F × t] B --> C C --> D[Impulse Created] D --> E[Changes Momentum] E --> F[J = Δp] F --> G[fa:fa-arrows-alt-h Same impulse, different F and t]
Type
mermaid_flowchart
Description
Flowchart showing impulse calculation and its relationship to momentum change
Impulse-Momentum Theorem
The impulse-momentum theorem states that the impulse applied to an object equals its change in momentum. This principle explains why safety features like airbags and helmets work by increasing collision time.
Notes
Emphasize real-world safety applications of this theorem
Topic
Impulse-Momentum Theorem
Slide Id
S12
Visual Type
mermaid
Image Prompt
Slide Number
12
Mermaid Diagram
Code
flowchart TD A[Collision Occurs] --> B[Large Force] B --> C{Can we change force?} C -->|Increase time| D[Reduce Force] C -->|Decrease time| E[Increase Force] D --> F[fa:fa-shield-alt Safer] E --> G[fa:fa-exclamation-triangle More Dangerous] D --> H[Same Impulse] E --> H
Type
mermaid_flowchart
Description
Safety application of impulse-momentum theorem showing how time affects force
Conservation of Momentum
In any collision or interaction between objects, the total momentum of the system remains constant if no external forces act on it. This principle helps analyze collisions, explosions, and rocket propulsion.
Notes
Use collision examples to make momentum conservation concrete and understandable
Topic
Momentum Conservation
Slide Id
S13
Visual Type
mermaid
Image Prompt
Slide Number
13
Mermaid Diagram
Code
flowchart LR A[Before Collision] --> B[Object 1: p₁] A --> C[Object 2: p₂] B --> D[Total: p₁ + p₂] C --> D D --> E[Collision] E --> F[After Collision] F --> G[Object 1: p₁'] F --> H[Object 2: p₂'] G --> I[Total: p₁' + p₂'] H --> I D --> J[fa:fa-equals Equal] I --> J
Type
mermaid_flowchart
Description
Diagram showing momentum conservation in a collision
Types of Collisions
Collisions are classified based on whether kinetic energy is conserved. In elastic collisions, objects bounce off each other with no energy lost. In inelastic collisions, some kinetic energy is converted to other forms like heat or sound.
Notes
Distinguish between the conservation laws for different collision types
Topic
Collision Types
Slide Id
S14
Visual Type
mermaid
Image Prompt
Slide Number
14
Mermaid Diagram
Code
flowchart TD A[Collision Type] --> B{Kinetic Energy?} B -->|Conserved| C[Elastic Collision] B -->|Not Conserved| D[Inelastic Collision] D --> E{Objects stick?} E -->|Yes| F[Perfectly Inelastic] E -->|No| G[Partially Inelastic] C --> H[fa:fa-recycle KE and momentum conserved] F --> I[fa:fa-link Only momentum conserved] G --> I
Type
mermaid_flowchart
Description
Classification flowchart for different types of collisions
Problem-Solving Strategies
Solving work, energy, and impulse problems requires a systematic approach. Start by identifying the type of problem, list known values, choose the correct equations, and solve step by step.
Notes
Emphasize the importance of systematic problem-solving approach
Topic
Problem Solving
Slide Id
S15
Visual Type
mermaid
Image Prompt
Slide Number
15
Mermaid Diagram
Code
flowchart TD A[fa:fa-book Read Problem] --> B[fa:fa-list-ul List Given Values] B --> C[fa:fa-question Identify What to Find] C --> D[fa:fa-calculator Choose Formula] D --> E[fa:fa-pencil Solve Step by Step] E --> F[fa:fa-check Check Units] F --> G[fa:fa-lightbulb Verify Answer Makes Sense]
Type
mermaid_flowchart
Description
Step-by-step problem-solving strategy for physics problems
Applications in Daily Life
Work, energy, and impulse concepts are everywhere in daily life. Understanding these principles helps explain how machines work, why safety features are designed certain ways, and how energy is converted and used.
Notes
Connect physics concepts to students' everyday experiences and interests
Topic
Real-World Applications
Slide Id
S16
Visual Type
mermaid
Image Prompt
Slide Number
16
Mermaid Diagram
Code
mindmap root((Applications)) Sports Ball games Athletic performance Equipment design Transportation Vehicle safety Fuel efficiency Collision analysis Technology Renewable energy Energy storage Machine design Construction Cranes and pulleys Building materials Safety systems
Type
mermaid_mindmap
Description
Mind map showing various real-world applications of work, energy, and impulse
Chapter Summary
This chapter covered the fundamental relationships between work, energy, and impulse. These concepts help us understand motion, collisions, and energy transformations in both natural phenomena and human-made systems.
Notes
This summary reinforces the main concepts and their relationships
Topic
Chapter Summary
Slide Id
S17
Visual Type
mermaid
Image Prompt
Slide Number
17
Mermaid Diagram
Code
mindmap root((Key Concepts)) Work W = F × d Force causes displacement Work-energy theorem Energy Kinetic energy KE Potential energy PE Conservation law Impulse J = F × t Changes momentum Safety applications Momentum p = mv Vector quantity Conservation in collisions
Type
mermaid_mindmap
Description
Summary mind map of all key concepts from the chapter
References
- UPCAT Physics Review Materials
- Philippine Department of Education K-12 Physics Curriculum
- College Physics Textbooks aligned with Philippine Standards
- UPCAT and College Entrance Exam Physics References
In summary
Understanding work, energy, and impulse is essential for explaining motion and interactions in our physical world. These concepts form the foundation for more advanced physics topics and have countless applications in engineering, technology, and everyday life. The conservation laws for energy and momentum are among the most fundamental principles in physics, helping us analyze everything from simple machines to complex systems like spacecraft and power plants.
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