In: Physics
Is work done when dragging a mass up a hill the same as the change in potential energy?
Is work the same as energy? I am confused as to why
Work is not the same as energy.
Work done a a body is equal to the net change in the kinetic energy of the body.
In your case if the body is dragged uphill by a constant velocity, only then will the work done be same as change in potential energy.
Take for example that friction is not acting on body
Initial velocity of block = v m/s
Initial height= 0 m
final velocity= v/ms
final height = h m
Work done is lifting body by height h metre= F d = (-mg)*h = -mgh (-mg because gravity acts downwards)
Change in Kinetic energy = (1/2) m (v12 - v22 ) = (1/2)m (v2-v2)=0
Change in Kinetic energy= change in Potential energy + Work done
=> Work done = - Change in potential energy
=> Work done= -mg (h2-h1)= -mgh
If the velocity of body doesnt remain constant , then
Work done= Change in kinetic energy- Change in potential energy- Work done by frictional forces.
Thus work and energy are not the same thing but change in energy of system gives work done on it.