What does the work-energy theorem state?

What does the work-energy theorem state?

• A. Work done is equal to the change in potential energy
• B. Work done is equal to the change in kinetic energy
• C. Work done is the product of force and displacement
• D. Work done has no relation to energy

Answer: (B)

The work-energy theorem states that the work done on an object is equal to the change in its kinetic energy. This principle is foundational in mechanics because it links the concepts of work and energy in a clear way. When a net force acts on an object, it causes the object to accelerate, leading to a change in its velocity. The work done by this force translates directly into changes in kinetic energy, which is defined as the energy possessed by an object due to its motion. To understand this in practice, consider a scenario where a constant force is applied to an object, such as pushing a car to make it move faster. The amount of work done by the force results in an increase in the car's kinetic energy, which can be quantified by measuring the change in its speed. Therefore, the relationship is not merely theoretical; it has practical implications in analyzing the motion of objects. The other options each describe different principles that don’t correctly represent the work-energy theorem. For example, while work done can relate to potential energy changes under specific conditions (e.g., lifting an object), these situations represent only one aspect of work and energy in mechanics. The statement about work being the product of force and displacement refers to the definition of work itself, rather than

The work-energy theorem states that the work done on an object is equal to the change in its kinetic energy. This principle is foundational in mechanics because it links the concepts of work and energy in a clear way. When a net force acts on an object, it causes the object to accelerate, leading to a change in its velocity. The work done by this force translates directly into changes in kinetic energy, which is defined as the energy possessed by an object due to its motion.

To understand this in practice, consider a scenario where a constant force is applied to an object, such as pushing a car to make it move faster. The amount of work done by the force results in an increase in the car's kinetic energy, which can be quantified by measuring the change in its speed. Therefore, the relationship is not merely theoretical; it has practical implications in analyzing the motion of objects.

The other options each describe different principles that don’t correctly represent the work-energy theorem. For example, while work done can relate to potential energy changes under specific conditions (e.g., lifting an object), these situations represent only one aspect of work and energy in mechanics. The statement about work being the product of force and displacement refers to the definition of work itself, rather than