DUDLE
Feb 12, 2012, 12:45 AM
work done on a body = change in kinetic energy
ebaines
Feb 14, 2012, 12:13 PM
This is not necessarily true. Yes, change in KE may be equal to the work performed, but if the body gains or loses any potential energy (moving vertically against the force of gravity, for example) it's change in KE will be different than the work performed. However, if KE is the only form of energy underconsideration, then consider that from Newton:
F = ma
So a force applied over a distance (the definition of work) gives:
W = Fd = mad
From the formula
v_2^2 - v_1^2 = 2ad
you can substitute to get:
W = Fd = \frac 1 2 m (2ad) = \frac 1 2 m(v_2^2 - v_1^2) = \Delta KE