Episode 7 — Mechanics - Work, Energy and Power

The Work-Energy Theorem

Learners will be able to:

• Identify the specific meaning of work in physics as the change in energy due to a force moving an object over a distance. • Calculate the net work done on an object using the formula W = F × d × cos(θ). • Apply Newton's second law (F_net = m × a) to derive the equation for net work done (W = m × v_f^2 - m × v_i^2 / 2). • Solve problems involving the calculation of kinetic energy and net work using the work-energy theorem. • Interpret the relationship between net work, change in kinetic energy, and the direction of force relative to displacement. • Calculate the magnitude and direction of forces acting on an object when given information about net work done.