Work and Kinetic Energy

This flashcard set covers key concepts and definitions related to work and kinetic energy as discussed in the lecture notes.

Kinetic Energy (KE)

Energy that an object possesses due to its motion, given by the formula KE = 1/2 mv².

Work

The process of energy transfer that occurs when an object is moved over a distance by an external force.

Work-Energy Theorem

The work done by the total force acting on a particle equals the change in kinetic energy of that particle.

Tension

The force exerted by a string, cable, or rope when it is pulled tight by forces acting from opposite ends.

Gravitational Force

The force of attraction between two bodies due to their mass, proportional to the product of the masses and inversely proportional to the square of the distance between them.

Dissipative Forces

Forces that convert mechanical energy into thermal energy or other forms of energy, such as friction.

Cosine of the Angle (cos(θ))

A mathematical function that relates the angle of a triangle to the ratio of the length of the adjacent side to the hypotenuse.

Potential Energy (PE)

The energy stored in an object due to its position in a force field, typically gravitational.

Elastic Potential Energy

The energy stored in elastic materials as the result of their stretching or compressing.

Mechanical Energy

The sum of potential energy and kinetic energy in a system.

Hooke's Law

The principle stating that the force needed to extend or compress a spring is proportional to the distance it is stretched or compressed, expressed as F = -kx.

Net Work

The total work done on an object, equal to the change in its kinetic energy.

Negative Work

Work done by a force that opposes the motion of an object, resulting in a reduction of the object's energy.

Power

The rate at which work is done or energy is transferred, measured in watts (W).

Equilibrium Position

The position of a mechanical system at rest where the net forces acting are zero.