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  1. AP Physics 1
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Define the Law of Conservation of Energy.

The total energy of an isolated system remains constant; energy can change forms but is neither created nor destroyed.

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Define the Law of Conservation of Energy.

The total energy of an isolated system remains constant; energy can change forms but is neither created nor destroyed.

What is Total Mechanical Energy (TME)?

The sum of potential (U) and kinetic (K) energies in a system: TME=U+KTME = U + KTME=U+K.

Define the Work-Energy Principle.

The net work done on an object equals its change in kinetic energy: Wnet=ΔK=Kf−KiW_{net} = \Delta K = K_f - K_iWnet​=ΔK=Kf​−Ki​.

What is Power?

The rate at which work is done or energy is transferred: P=WtP = \frac{W}{t}P=tW​ or P=ΔEtP = \frac{\Delta E}{t}P=tΔE​.

What are the units for Power?

Watts (W), equivalent to joules per second (J/s).

What is kinetic energy?

Energy possessed by an object due to its motion.

What is potential energy?

Energy stored in an object due to its position or condition.

What is the effect of friction on the total mechanical energy of a system?

Friction causes a decrease in total mechanical energy, converting it into thermal energy.

What happens when positive work is done on an object?

The object's kinetic energy increases, and it speeds up.

What happens when negative work is done on an object?

The object's kinetic energy decreases, and it slows down.

What is the effect of increasing the spring constant (k) on the potential energy stored in a spring?

Increasing the spring constant increases the potential energy stored in the spring for a given displacement.

What happens to the kinetic energy of an object as it falls in a vacuum?

Its kinetic energy increases as its potential energy decreases, maintaining constant total mechanical energy.

Steps to calculate the speed of a block at the bottom of a frictionless ramp using conservation of energy?

  1. Equate initial potential energy to final kinetic energy: mgh=12mv2mgh = \frac{1}{2}mv^2mgh=21​mv2. 2. Solve for v: v=2ghv = \sqrt{2gh}v=2gh​.

Steps to calculate the potential energy stored in a spring?

  1. Use the formula for potential energy in a spring: U=12kx2U = \frac{1}{2}kx^2U=21​kx2, where k is the spring constant and x is the compression/extension distance.

Steps to calculate work done by friction?

  1. Calculate the normal force (N). 2. Calculate the frictional force: f=μNf = \mu Nf=μN. 3. Calculate work: W=fdW = f dW=fd.

Steps to apply the work-energy theorem?

  1. Identify all forces doing work. 2. Calculate the work done by each force. 3. Calculate the net work: Wnet=ΔKW_{net} = \Delta KWnet​=ΔK. 4. Solve for the unknown (e.g., final velocity).

Steps to calculate the average power output?

  1. Calculate the work done or energy transferred (W or ΔE\Delta EΔE). 2. Measure the time (t) over which the work is done. 3. Calculate power: P=WtP = \frac{W}{t}P=tW​ or P=ΔEtP = \frac{\Delta E}{t}P=tΔE​.