WorkInClassicMechanics 2006-07-18 10:14:41 2006-07-21 15:18:19 Definition % this is the default PlanetPhysics preamble. as your knowledge % of TeX increases, you will probably want to edit this, but % it should be fine as is for beginners. % almost certainly you want these \usepackage{amssymb} \usepackage{amsmath} \usepackage{amsfonts} % used for TeXing text within eps files %\usepackage{psfrag} % need this for including graphics (\includegraphics) %\usepackage{graphicx} % for neatly defining theorems and propositions %\usepackage{amsthm} % making logically defined graphics %\usepackage{xypic} % there are many more packages, add them here as you need them % define commands here Work is defined as the change of mechanic energy of an object caused by a force along a distance. Work is commonly denoted by the latter $W$ The SI unit for work is Joule [$J$] which is the same as $N*m$ in SI base units. When focusing on an object moving along a straight line under the effect of constant forces $\Sigma F$. Let's define a $x$ axis along the line of motion. According to newton: $\Sigma F_x$ = $ma_x$ The acceleration $a$ is constant (the sum of forces is constant, and so the following kinematic formula is relevant: $ v_f{}^2 = v_i{}^2 + 2a \Delta x $ ($v_f$-The final velocity, $v_i$-The initial velocity) \[ \rightarrow a = \frac{v_f{}^2 - v_i{}^2}{2\Delta x}\]