What is the work-energy theorem?

The work-energy theorem states that the work done on an object is equal to the change in its kinetic energy.

The work-energy theorem is a fundamental concept in physics that connects the work done on an object to the change in its kinetic energy. This theorem is derived from Newton's second law of motion and is a cornerstone of classical mechanics. It provides a quantitative description of the relationship between work and energy, two key concepts in physics.

When a force is applied to an object and it moves, work is done on the object. This work results in a change in the object's kinetic energy, which is the energy it possesses due to its motion. The work-energy theorem states that the work done on an object is equal to the change in its kinetic energy. This means that if you do work on an object, you're either increasing its kinetic energy (if the work is positive) or decreasing its kinetic energy (if the work is negative).

For example, if you push a box along the floor, you're doing work on the box and giving it kinetic energy. The harder you push and the further the box moves, the more work you do and the more kinetic energy the box gains. Conversely, if you apply a force to slow down a moving box, you're doing negative work and removing kinetic energy from the box.

The work-energy theorem is a powerful tool in physics because it allows us to calculate the work done or the change in kinetic energy without knowing the details of the motion. It's a principle that helps us understand and predict how objects move and interact in the world around us.