9-1-work-power-and-the-work-energy-theorem_summary

This section is about Work, Power, and the Work-Energy Theorem in physics. The learning objectives aim to help students understand and apply the work-energy theorem, describe and calculate work, and power. Work is defined as the application of force to move an object over a distance in the direction that the force is applied. Examples of work include lifting a rock off the ground or walking up stairs, whereas things like homework are not considered work because objects are not being moved over a distance. The Work-Energy Theorem states that the net work done on an object equals the change in its kinetic energy (KE): W_net = ΔKE. When this theorem is applied to an object that accelerates, the initial kinetic energy (KE_1) is zero. Work is measured in units of joules (J), which is equivalent to newton-meters (N-m). Energy can take various forms, with mechanical energy coming in two forms: kinetic energy (KE) and potential energy (PE). Kinetic energy is related to an object's motion, and PE is stored energy resulting from an object's position. When doing work on an object, it changes the object's energy. For instance, lifting a rock off the ground increases its potential energy (PE), while dropping the rock increases its kinetic energy as it moves downward due to gravity. Power is the rate at which work is done, and it's calculated by dividing the work done by the time it took to do the work. Power is measured in units of watts (W), and when multiplied by time, gives the amount of energy. The text mentions James Watt, who made significant contributions to increasing the power of steam engines during the Industrial Revolution. This led to an increase in the speed of transportation and changes in manufacturing processes, essentially revolutionizing various aspects of life in the 1800s.