| Lesson Plan |
| Grade: |
Date: 25/02/2026 |
| Subject: Physics |
| Lesson Topic: Work, energy and power An understanding of the forms of energy and energy transfers from Cambridge IGCSE/O Level Physics or equivalent is assumed. |
Learning Objective/s:
- Describe conditions for static and dynamic equilibrium and the equations ΣF=0, Στ=0.
- Calculate work done by a constant force using the dot‑product formulation.
- Derive kinetic, gravitational and elastic potential‑energy expressions and apply the work‑energy theorem.
- Apply conservation of mechanical energy when only conservative forces act.
- Compute power from work and time and relate it to force and velocity.
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Materials Needed:
- Projector or interactive whiteboard
- Printed worksheet with equilibrium and energy problems
- Free‑body diagram cards or force‑vector cards
- Spring scale, masses, and smooth incline for a quick demo
- Calculators or physics simulation software
- Ruler, protractor, and graph paper
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Introduction:
Begin with a quick demonstration: pull a small weight up a smooth incline at constant speed while students observe that the force balance appears unchanged. Ask them to recall the definition of equilibrium and predict whether work is being done. Explain that today they will link equilibrium conditions to the concepts of work, energy, and power, and that success will be measured by correctly solving a multi‑step problem.
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Lesson Structure:
- Do‑Now (5') – Short questions on static vs. dynamic equilibrium displayed on the board.
- Mini‑lecture (10') – Review equilibrium equations, introduce work definition and vector dot product, illustrate with a free‑body diagram.
- Guided practice (12') – Work through the inclined‑plane example (tension, work, power) while students follow on worksheets.
- Hands‑on activity (10') – Small groups use spring scales and masses to measure force and displacement, then calculate work and power.
- Concept consolidation (8') – Discuss kinetic, gravitational, and elastic potential energy and the work‑energy theorem; quick matching quiz.
- Exit ticket (5') – Write one sentence summarising how equilibrium can coexist with work being done and give the power formula \(P = Fv\cos\theta\).
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Conclusion:
Summarise that equilibrium ensures net force and torque are zero, yet forces can still perform work when their point of application moves. Highlight the key formulas for work, energy, and power introduced today. For the exit ticket, students write the power expression \(P = Fv\cos\theta\). Assign homework: a set of problems on energy conservation and power calculations.
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