A simple transformation of Newtons second law results in an equation that motivate the definitions of work, kinetic energy and potential energy. This equation can greatly simplify the solution of the problem involving certain forces that depend on an objects position, including gravitational forces and forces exerted by springs.
The term is called kinetic energy associated with the motion of center of mass.
Work and Kinetic Energy The work done on an object as it moves between two positions equals the change in its kinetic energy.
Work Done by Particular Forces 1. Weight Determine the work done by the weight of an object moving from position 1 to position 2 as shown in Fig. 15.3
Note: + The work done is negative if the height increase and positive if it decreases. + The work done is independent of the path the object follows from position 1 to position 2.
Work Done by Particular Forces 2. Springs Suppose that a linear spring connects an object to a fixed support as shown.
Where S1 and S2 are the values of the stretch at the initial and final positions.
Example 1: An automobile weighing 4000 lb is driven down a 5 degree incline at a speed of 60 mi/h when the brakes are applied, causing a constant total braking force (applied by the road on the tires) of 1500 lb. Determine the distance traveled by the automobile as it comes to a stop?
Example 2: Two blocks are joined by an inextensible cable as shown. If the system is released from rest, determine the velocity of block A after it has moved 2 m. Assume that the coefficient of kinetic friction between block A and the plane is k = 0.25 and that the pulley is weightless and frictionless.
Recommended Homework Problems (In the textbook): Active example: 15 1, 2, 3 Problems: 15 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 12, 13, 19, 20, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 29
Potential Energy: The work done on an object by some forces can be expressed as the change of a function of the objects position called the potential energy. When all the forces that do the work on a system have this property, we can state the principle of work and energy as a conservation law: the sum of the kinetic and potential energies is constant.
Potential Energy: + V1 and V2 are the values of potential energy V at the position r1 and r2, respectively. + When an object is subjected to both conservative and nonconservative forces, the principle of work and energy can be written in the following form:
+ The term U12 includes the work done by all nonconservative forces acting on the object
Conservative Forces
+ The weight of an object and the forces exerted by a spring attached to a fixed support are conservative forces. + Frictional forces are not conservative.
Weight: Potential energy of the weight of an object is the product of the objects weight and height. V = mgy y the height can be measured from any convenient reference level or datum. Spring: Potential energy of a linear spring: Where S the stretch of the spring
Example: A 20-lb collar slides without friction along a vertical rod as shown. The spring attached to the collar has an undeformed length of 4 in. and a constant of 3 lb/in. If the collar is released from rest in position 1, determine its velocity after it has moved 6 in to position 2.
Recommended Homework Problems (In the textbook): Active example: 15-8 Problems: 15 78, 79, 82, 83, 84, 118, 119