Home Wikituition Browse all terms Categories
Random term
Classical Mechanics

Work-Energy Theorem

The principle stating that net work done by all forces acting on an object equals the net change in its kinetic energy.

Governing formula W_net = ΔKE = ½ m vf² - ½ m vi²
SI unit J

In depth

Positive net work increases kinetic energy and speed, while negative net work decreases kinetic energy and speed.

Examples in the real world

Braking forces doing negative work on a car to reduce its kinetic energy to zero during a stop.