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How does the work done on an object potentially affect its motion?

a) Work done affects only the object's speed
b) Work done does not influence motion
c) Work done changes the object's direction
d) Work done can change the object's kinetic energy and hence, its motion

1 Answer

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Final answer:

Work done on an object can change its kinetic energy, speed, and potentially its direction of motion. According to the work-energy theorem, net work done is equal to the change in kinetic energy, which includes all forces acting on the object.

Step-by-step explanation:

The work done on an object can potentially affect its motion in various ways. When work is done on an object, it can change the object's kinetic energy. If work results in a force applied to the object which is in the direction of the object's displacement, kinetic energy is increased, essentially speeding up the object, and this process is described as potential energy being transformed into kinetic energy. Conversely, work done against the object's displacement, for instance through friction or air resistance, will decrease the kinetic energy, slowing down the object. Furthermore, the direction of motion can also be affected if the force applied is not aligned with the object's initial direction of motion. For example, when a car turns a corner at a constant speed, the engine's force acts perpendicular to the initial motion, so while this doesn't change the car's speed, it changes its direction. According to the work-energy theorem, the net work done on an object is equal to the change in its kinetic energy. This net work includes all forces acting on the object, and incorrect calculation can occur if any are omitted. A consistent velocity implies no net work is being done because kinetic energy remains unchanged. However, if an object accelerates, there's a positive work done, increasing kinetic energy, and if an object decelerates, there's negative work done, decreasing kinetic energy.

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