Physics 1111: Conservation of Energy

These flashcards cover key concepts related to the conservation of energy, including definitions and principles regarding forces, energy types, and problem-solving strategies.

Conservative Force

A force for which the work done depends only on the initial and final positions and not on the path taken.

Potential Energy

Energy stored in an object due to its position in a force field, defined only as a difference (change).

Kinetic Energy

The energy of a moving object, calculated as K = 1/2 mv², where m is mass and v is speed.

Work-Kinetic Energy Theorem

States that the net work done on an object is equal to the change in its kinetic energy: W_tot = ΔK.

Mechanical Energy

The sum of kinetic and potential energy in a system, represented as E_mech = K + U.

Work Done by Springs

The work done by a spring depends only on the starting and ending lengths of the spring, independent of the path taken.

Conservation of Mechanical Energy

If only conservative forces do work, the total mechanical energy of the system remains constant.

Gravitational Potential Energy

Potential energy related to an object's height in a gravitational field, calculated as U_g = mgy.

Energy Conservation Problem Solving Steps

1. Identify the system. 2. Identify objects in motion. 3. Identify acting forces. 4. Check if forces are conservative.

Work Done by Gravity (Wg)

The work done by gravity is dependent on the vertical displacement between initial and final heights.