Chapter 7: Work and Kinetic Energy Reference Tools & Resources

Reference Tools & Resources

I. Key Terms and Phrases

work: work is done when force acts through a displacement.

kinetic energy: the quality that measures the amount of work that goes into the motion of an object.

work-energy theorem: the expression W_total = DK that relates work and kinetic energy.

power: the rate at which work is done.

II. Important Equations

Name/Topic	Equation	Explanation
work	W = Fdcosq	The work done by a constant force F on an object that undergoes a displacement of magnitude d.
kinetic energy		The kinetic energy of a mass m moving at speed v.
work-energy theorem	Wtotal = DK	The relationship between work and kinetic energy change
work by a variable force		The work required to deform a spring an amount x from equilibrium.
power		The average power delivered when work is done over a time period t.

III. Know Your Units

Quantity	Dimension	SI Unit
work		J
kinetic energy		J
power		W

Reference Tools and Resources by David Reid, Eastern Michigan University. ©2002 by Prentice Hall, Inc.

© 2000-2002 by Prentice-Hall, Inc. A Pearson Company Distance Learning at Prentice Hall Legal Notice