Chapter 6: Work and Energy

Work

Force applied over a distance, calculated as the product of force and displacement, W = Fs.

Kinetic Energy (KE)

Energy of an object in motion, KE = 1/2mv^2, always positive.

Gravitational Potential Energy

Energy due to an object's position relative to the earth's surface, PE = mgh.

Conservative Forces

Forces where work is independent of the path, conserving mechanical energy.

Conservation of Mechanical Energy

Total mechanical energy (KE + PE) remains constant if net work by nonconservative forces is zero.

Nonconservative Forces

Forces like friction, air resistance, where work done is not zero, affecting total mechanical energy.

Power

Average rate of work done, P = W/t or Fv, measured in watts (W) or joules per second.

Conservation of Energy

Energy can't be created or destroyed, only converted between different forms.