Question

Calculate whether the kinetic energy of the particle increase, decrease or remain the same if the particle`s velocity changes (a) from -3 m/s to -2 m/s and (b) from -2 m/s to 2 m/s if the particle moves along x axis.? (c) In each situation, is the work done on the particle positive, negative or zero?

Answer 1

(a) The kinetic energy of the particle will decrease if the particle's velocity changes from -3 m/s to -2 m/s.

(b) The kinetic energy of the particle will increase if the particle's velocity changes from -2 m/s to 2 m/s.

(c) The work done on the particle in both situations is positive. This is because work is the energy transferred to or from a system and the kinetic energy of the particle increases in both cases, indicating energy was transferred to the particle.