Mechanics · Work, energy & power
Chapter 1 · 4
The idea
Kinetic and potential energy
Kinetic energy ½mv² and gravitational potential energy mgh, the work–energy principle (the work done by the resultant force equals the change in kinetic energy), and conservation of mechanical energy — including motion along a smooth curved path, where only the overall energy change matters.
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Mechanics · Work, energy & power
Kinetic and potential energy
Kinetic energy ½mv² and gravitational potential energy mgh, the work–energy principle (the work done by the resultant force equals the change in kinetic energy), and conservation of mechanical energy — including motion along a smooth curved path, where only the overall energy change matters.
Why it works
The two energies
A moving object has kinetic energy and an object at height above some reference level has gravitational potential energy both measured in joules. Throughout Paper 4 take .The work–energy principle
The work done by the resultant force on an object equals the change in its kinetic energy: This is often the quickest route to a final speed, because it links force and distance directly to speed without needing the time or the acceleration.Keep reading — free
The rest of the explanation, plus 3 worked examples you step through move by move.
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