When a net force acts on an object over a displacement in the direction of that force, work is done on the object, resulting in a change in its energy.

This energy transformation can take several forms:

• Kinetic Energy: A car's engine applies a force that accelerates the vehicle, increasing its velocity and kinetic energy.
• Gravitational Potential Energy: Lifting a ball changes its displacement vertically, increasing its height and gravitational potential energy.
• Thermal & Sound Energy: Dragging a chair across the floor at a constant speed still requires work. Although its speed and height remain unchanged, the applied work overcomes friction and transforms into heat and sound.

Watch the video below to explore the Work-Energy Theorem and see how these formulas are mathematically derived.

Energy Skate Park Exploration

1. Select the Intro tab and place the skater at the top of the ramp. At this point, the skater has maximum gravitational potential energy (U) and zero kinetic energy (K).
2. Open the Bar Graph panel to monitor energy transfers in real time.
3. What happens to the values of U and K as the skater descends?
4. What happens to the Total Energy bar throughout the motion?
5. Since total mechanical energy is conserved, can the skater reach a point higher than their starting height?
6. Switch to the Friction tab to simulate a more realistic environment.
7. Observe the updated bar graphs as the skater moves.
8. Which energy bar stays constant, and where is the missing mechanical energy going?