PHY 5 - Work Flashcards
If displacement is zero, what is the work done ?
0.
Work done = Force x distance moved in direction of force

Why would you include Cos Ø to the work equation ?
To take into account that the force applied is not always at the same angle to the displacement. By using Cos Ø you seperate the force into vetical and horizontal components using the adjacent side.
What are the units of work ?
1 Joule (J) = 1 newton over 1 metre
Describe energy in terms of physics ?
Energy is a scaler, it is a physical quantity capable of producing work.
Name 8 different types of Energy
- Mechanical
- Electrical
- Chemical
- Potential
- Kinetic
- Sound
- Atomic
- Nuclear
What happens to the work done if the displacement is at 90º to the force ?
0 Work done because Cos 90 = 0.
What is the work done by the force normal ?
It is a counter-active force, therefore no work is done.
Describe the work done by friction ?
Always acts opposite to the direction of motion, Cos 180 º always = a negative value.
What equation summarises kinetic energy ?

What equation is described by the work-energy theorem ?
Change in kinetic energy + change in potential energy = Work
What is the equation for potential energy derived from the gravitation forces ?
Potential Energy = mgh
m = mass
g = gravity
h = height
Explain mechanical energy in relation to frictional forces ?
They are non-conservative forms of mechanical energy
What causes friction ?
Molecular adhesion between tangential surfaces- it is independent of the area of the surfaces touching each other.
What direction do frictional forces work on ?
They always oppose the motion
Name the two types of friction
- Static
- Kinetic
What is static friction ?
When the object is not moving, static friction is the force that must be overcome in order to move it.
Describe friction ?
A contact force that acts to oppose sliding motion between surfaces.
Explain when friction would be high or low ?
Increased if surfaces are dry and rough
Decreased if surfaces are wet and smooth
What is the Force Normal ?
The force perpendicular to the surface, typically equal and opposite to the gravitational force.
What is the coefficicent of friction ?
It is defined by the materials from which the two surfaces are made, and the relative roughess of the surfaces in contact.
What factors effect the amount of friction experienced by an object ?
- The force normal
- The coefficient of friction (µ)
Sketch a diagram to demonstrate static friction

What is kinetic friction ?
The force of friction when two surfaces are already moving relative to each other.
It is also the force that slows down a moving object when the force of static friction has been overcome.
What is a normal value for a friction coefficient ?
Usually < 1
µ Kinetic is usually < µ Static





