What will be the formula used to find work done against resistance if loss in potential energy and gain in kinetic energy is given?

1 Answer
Steve J.
Apr 16, 2018

W_"dar" = PE_"lost" - KE_"gain" (notice below what I have chosen those variable names to represent).

Explanation:

Energy is not destroyed. But if one type of energy has decreased, that lost energy must have gone somewhere.

We have to assume work done against resistance, W_"dar", and gain in kinetic energy, KE_"gain", are the only types of energy that could have received that lost potential energy, PE_"lost". Therefore

PE_"lost" = W_"dar" + KE_"gain"

If you know PE_"lost" and KE_"gain" then

W_"dar" = PE_"lost" - KE_"gain"

I hope this helps,
Steve

Related questions
Impact of this question
4200 views around the world
You can reuse this answer
Creative Commons License