Energy Methods
PHYS 201 · Module 3
This module develops energy as a powerful alternative to force-based analysis. Students learn work, kinetic energy, conservative forces, potential energy, conservation of mechanical energy, and power.
Lessons in this module
Work and the work-energy theorem
Work measures energy transfer by a force through displacement. This lesson derives the work-energy theorem and explains its use in variable-force problems.
Conservative forces and potential energy
Conservative forces allow potential energy functions to be defined. This lesson explains path independence, force from potential energy, and energy diagrams.
Conservation of mechanical energy
Mechanical energy is conserved when only conservative forces do work. This lesson explains how to use conservation of energy to solve motion problems efficiently.
Power
Power measures the rate of energy transfer or work done. This lesson connects average power, instantaneous power, force, velocity, and efficiency.
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