AP Physics: Chapter 6 Vocabulary

Work

a force exerted through a displacement (scalar); the object is exerted on most move

Work-Energy Theorem

work is equal to a change in energy

Translational Kinetic Energy

the energy a(n) (massive) object possesses due to its motion ((mv^2)/2)

Gravitational Potential Energy

(class) the energy an object possess due to its mass and position in a gravitational field (PEg=mgh)

(book) the energy that an object of mass has by virtue of its potential relative to the surface of the earth | that position is measured by the height of the object relative to an arbitrary zero level

\*\*base level

the lowest point in the problem; a reference point where h=0

Conservation of Energy

when the net work done on a system is zero, the total energy of that system is conserved (ie constant)

\*\*as long as the net work is zero, the path an object takes is irrelevant sacrifices time & direction

Conservative Force

(1) when the work it does on a moving object is independent of the path between the object’s initial and final positions

(2) when it does no net work ion an object moving around a __**closed path**__, starting and finishing at the same point

*ex. gravity and normal force*

Non-Conservative Force

a force is nonconservative if the work it does on an object moving between two points __**depends on the path of the motion between the points**__

*ex. friction & air resistance*

Power

the average rate at which work is done, and it is obtained by dividing work by the time required to perform the work

\*\* unit is in Watts