What is the work energy theorem?

Hi, Work energy theorem is one of the fundamental theorem in physics. Simply it is a relation between work and kinetic energy of a body. Then a question arises that what is the work energy theorem is all about and how we can understand it.

It is extremely easy to understand. We can understand it in a simple manner. For this sake of purpose; let we study the complete derivation or proof of work energy theorem.

Equation of work energy theorem

We derive the work energy theorem by following the equation of work.

Let we consider in general;

an object of mass ‘m’ is applied by a force ‘f’ which displaced it by a displacement ‘s’

Then amount of work done will be given by the equation of work.

Hence;
work= force x displacement                                                                                                                     w=f x s

Now, consider that an object get displaced by ‘ds’. During this the amount of work will be ‘dw’

It is for very small amount of work.

 Now, the total work done by force is given by;

=final K.E.- Initial K.E. 

=Change in Kinetic Energy

Work energy theorem:

Statement: from the above equation the work energy principle can be stated as the work done by a force to displaced an object is equal to the change in its kinetic energy.

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