The work done by non-conservative forces is equal to the total change in kinetic and potential energy. True or False?
False.
The work done by non-conservative forces is not necessarily equal to the total change in kinetic and potential energy. The work-energy theorem states that the net work done on an object equals its change in kinetic energy. However, this theorem does not account for potential energy changes.
To calculate the work done by non-conservative forces, you need to sum up the work done by each non-conservative force acting on the object. This can be done using the formula:
W_nc = F_nc * d
where W_nc is the work done by non-conservative forces, F_nc is the non-conservative force acting on the object, and d is the displacement of the object.
On the other hand, changes in kinetic and potential energy can be calculated separately. The change in kinetic energy is given by the formula:
ΔKE = 1/2 * (m * v_f^2 - m * v_i^2)
where ΔKE is the change in kinetic energy, m is the mass of the object, v_f is the final velocity, and v_i is the initial velocity.
The change in potential energy is given by the formula:
ΔPE = PE_f - PE_i
where ΔPE is the change in potential energy, PE_f is the final potential energy, and PE_i is the initial potential energy.
Therefore, in general, the work done by non-conservative forces does not equal the total change in kinetic and potential energy.