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Physics LibreTexts

26.5: The Work-Energy Theorem

( \newcommand{\kernel}{\mathrm{null}\,}\)

Not only can energy be converted from one form to another, but it can also be converted into work, and vice versa. If a force is applied to a moving body over some distance, then work is done on the body, causing a change in its kinetic energy. The change in kinetic energy of the body is equal to the amount of work done. This result is called the work-energy theorem:

W=ΔK

Example 26.5.1

Suppose a body of mass 1000 kg is moving at a speed of 50 m/s. then its kinetic energy is K=mv2/2=1,250,000 J. If we now do a work of 200,000 J on the body in the direction of motion what is its final velocity

Solution

By the work-energy theorem its kinetic energy will increase to 1,450,000 J. Its final velocity will then be v=2K/m=53.85 m/s.


26.5: The Work-Energy Theorem is shared under a CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 license and was authored, remixed, and/or curated by LibreTexts.

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