Work-Energy Theorem

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Energy Noun

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[en-er-jee]

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Energy

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The fundamental property of a system that represents its capacity to perform work or transfer heat.

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Example: This diagram shows the parts of an incandescent lamp, a device that converts electrical energy into light and heat energy.

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Work Noun

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[wurk]

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Work

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The transfer of energy that occurs when a force is applied to an object, causing its displacement.

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Example: This image shows examples of career-related activities, not the physics concept of work, which involves a force causing an object to move a distance.

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Joule Noun

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[jool]

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Joule

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The standard SI unit of work and energy, equivalent to the work done by a one-newton force over one meter.

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Example: This image shows that a Joule is a unit of energy, calculated here by multiplying electrical power (in Watts) by time (in seconds).

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Kinetic Energy Noun

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[ki-net-ik en-er-jee]

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Kinetic Energy

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The form of energy that an object possesses due to its motion, dependent on its mass and velocity.

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Example: A pendulum gains kinetic energy (the energy of motion) as it swings downwards, reaching its maximum speed and kinetic energy at the lowest point of its arc.

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Work-Energy Theorem Noun

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[wurk en-er-jee thee-uh-rem]

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Work-Energy Theorem

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The principle stating that the net work done on an object is equal to the change in its kinetic energy.

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Example: Applying a net force over a distance (work) changes an object's speed and therefore its kinetic energy, demonstrating the work-energy theorem.

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Force Noun

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[fors]

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Force

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An interaction, such as a push or a pull, that has the capacity to change an object's state of motion.

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Example: A person applies a push, which is a type of force, to an object, and the arrow shows the direction of that force.

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Displacement Noun

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[dis-pleys-muhnt]

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Displacement

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The change in an object's position, defined as a vector quantity from the initial to the final point.

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Example: A teacher moves from an initial position (x₀ = 1.5 m) to a final position (x_f = 3.5 m), resulting in a displacement (Δx) of +2.0 meters.

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Velocity Noun

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[vuh-los-i-tee]

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Velocity

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The rate at which an object changes its position, specified by both its speed and direction of motion.

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Example: This diagram shows the velocity formula, where velocity (v) equals displacement (d) divided by time (t), a key calculation in physics.

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Mass Noun

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[mas]

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Mass

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A fundamental property of a physical body that quantifies its amount of matter and its resistance to acceleration.

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Example: An object's mass gives it inertia. When the car stops suddenly, the box's inertia keeps it moving forward, demonstrating its resistance to a change in motion.

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Net Work Noun

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[net wurk]

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Net Work

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The algebraic sum of the work done by all individual forces acting on an object as it undergoes displacement.

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Example: When a ball is dropped, the net force of gravity does work on it, causing it to accelerate and gain kinetic energy.