The work-energy theorem states that a force acting on a particle as it moves over a changes the energy of the particle if the force has a component parallel to the motion. Choose the best answer to fill in the blanks above: Choose the best answer to fill in the blanks above: distance / potential distance / kinetic vertical displacement / potential none of the above

The work-energy theorem states that a force acting on a particle as it moves over a distance changes the kinetic energy of the particle if the force has a component parallel to the motion.

Explanation:

The correct answer is presented below and all reasons are presented to explain all facts:

The work-energy theorem states that a force acting on a particle as it moves over a distance changes the kinetic energy of the particle if the force has a component parallel to the motion.

Reasons:

According to the Work-Energy Theorem, the work done on a particle () equals the change in its kinetic energy (). That is:

(1)

By definition of work we expand this definition:

(2)

Where:

- Vector force.

- Vector travelled distance.

And by definition of dot product we conclude that:

Where:

- Magnitude of the vector force.

- Magnitude of the differential of the vector travelled distance.

- Angle between vectors, measured in sexagesimal degrees.

- Initial and final position of the particle.

From this expression we infer that change in kinetic energy is maximum if and only if in every point of the path travelled by the particle. In addition, change in kinetic energy occurs when component of force parallel to path is not zero.