Conceptual Dynamics - Independent Learning

Rigid-body Work and Energy

 

Lecture content

 

Before we get into how to analyze rigid bodies, let's review the concepts learned in the previous module.

 

  • Work: The amount of energy transferred by a force acting through a distance.
  • Kinetic Energy: Energy due to a body's motion.
  • Potential Energy: Energy due to a body's position.

 

The above definitions don't change when applied to a rigid body.