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  1. AP Physics C Mechanics
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What is the effect of doing positive work on an object?

The object speeds up, increasing its kinetic energy.

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What is the effect of doing positive work on an object?

The object speeds up, increasing its kinetic energy.

What is the effect of doing negative work on an object?

The object slows down, decreasing its kinetic energy.

What happens to the kinetic energy if no net work is done on an object?

The kinetic energy remains constant.

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

Friction, a non-conservative force, causes energy loss, typically converted to heat.

Define 'Work' in physics.

Work is the result of a force causing displacement. Mathematically, it's W=Fdcos⁡θW = Fd\cos\thetaW=Fdcosθ, where FFF is force, ddd is displacement, and θ\thetaθ is the angle between them.

What is Kinetic Energy (KE)?

Kinetic Energy is the energy of motion. It's calculated as KE=12mv2KE = \frac{1}{2}mv^2KE=21​mv2, where mmm is mass and vvv is velocity.

Define the Work-Energy Theorem.

The net work done on an object equals the object’s change in kinetic energy.

What are conservative forces?

Conservative forces (like gravity and springs) depend only on position.

What are non-conservative forces?

Non-conservative forces (like friction and air resistance) depend on velocity.

What are the steps to derive the Work-Energy Theorem?

  1. Start with Newton's Second Law: F=maF = maF=ma. 2. Use the chain rule: a=vdvdxa = v\frac{dv}{dx}a=vdxdv​. 3. Substitute: F=mvdvdxF = mv\frac{dv}{dx}F=mvdxdv​. 4. Integrate work: W=∫Fdx=∫mvdvW = \int F dx = \int mv dvW=∫Fdx=∫mvdv. 5. Integrate from initial to final velocity to get W=ΔKEW = \Delta KEW=ΔKE.

How do you calculate work done by a variable force?

The work done by a variable force is the area under a force vs. position graph.

What is the first step in solving a problem using the Work-Energy Theorem?

Always start with a free-body diagram.