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Unit 2: How does physics help us to understand the world?

Quick questions on Work-energy theorem applications (VCE Physics Unit 2)

4short Q&A pairs drawn directly from our worked dot-point answer. For full context and worked exam questions, read the parent dot-point page.

What is forgetting $\cos\theta$ in $W = Fd\cos\theta$?
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A force at $90°$ to motion does no work.
What is treating $W$ as scalar but signed?
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Work has a sign even though it is a scalar.
What is adding KE and PE on the wrong side?
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Conservation balances total mechanical energy before and after; friction work goes on the "after" side as $E_{\text{lost}}$.
What is confusing $\frac{1}{2}mv^2$ with $mv$?
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KE involves $v^2$ and a factor of $\frac{1}{2}$; momentum is linear in $v$.

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