Kinetic energy (Force and d(x))

[nlsed]

Homework Statement

If no energy is dissipated , how much KE does an object gain if
a) A 10N force is applied for 5m
b) A 20N force is applied for 2m

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution

I know there is work being done if an object moves causing it to have KE. I think work is Force * displacement and the units for Force (N) and displacement (m) works out to Joules. So does that mean I use multiply force and displacement to find the amount of KE gained?

 

[Ofey]

Yes.

 

[nlightner]

Yes, you are correct. The formula for calculating kinetic energy is KE = 1/2 * m * v^2, where m is the mass of the object and v is its velocity. However, in this situation, we can use the formula for work, W = F * d, where F is the applied force and d is the displacement, to find the amount of kinetic energy gained.

a) For a 10N force applied for 5m, the work done would be W = 10N * 5m = 50J. This means that the object has gained 50J of kinetic energy.

b) For a 20N force applied for 2m, the work done would be W = 20N * 2m = 40J. This means that the object has gained 40J of kinetic energy.

Remember, work is a measure of energy transfer, so the work done on an object will result in an increase in its kinetic energy. If no energy is dissipated, then all of the work done will be converted into kinetic energy.