Explanation:
In this chapter, we will study the important concepts of kinetic energy and the
closely related concept of work and power.
A- Kinetic Energy
Kinetic energy is a physical quantity, which is associated with the moving objects
and defined as:
K = ½ mv2
If the body is stationary (v=0), its kinetic energy is zero. The SI unit of kinetic
energy is kg.m2
/s2
or Joule (J), where 1 J=1 kg.m2
/s2
. Kinetic energy is a scalar
quantity.
B- Work
The work is defined as the ability to perform a force along a certain displacement.
There are different types of work as follows:
1- Work done by a constant force
The work done by the constant force F is given by the scalar product of the force F
and the displacement d.
WF = F.d = Fd cosθ
where θ is the angle between the force and displacement. The above equation means
that the work is the product of the displacement magnitude by component of the
force parallel to the displacement. Therefore, work is a scalar quantity (only
magnitude, no direction) and can be positive, negative, or zero. The SI unit of work
is (N.m) or joule (J) where 1 N.m = 1 J.
Special cases and remarks:
• If the angle between the force and displacement is zero (parallel), the work is
WF = F d (maximum work)
