Get Work from Graphs & Use the Work-(kinetic)Energy Theorem
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If the force is more complicated, as is shown in these two diagrams, the same procedure can be used if we approximate the curve with a series of stair steps, but it is cumbersome! We want an easier way to answer the question, "At which location, A or B, is the car moving with a faster speed?"
You should be able to apply the ideas of work and kinetic energy to these two graphs. 1. On each graph, shade in the area that represents the work between positions A and B. 2. Is the work positive or negative? |
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3. Use the sign of the work to answer the question:
Top graph: Object moving faster at point circle one A B
Bottom graph: Object moving faster at point circle one A B