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  2. Living Physics 9 - Mechanical energy  (V5: This is the latest version.)
Living Physics 9 - Mechanical energy
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Part 10 of 12
Highlights: chapter 9 of an intro physics text for life-science students introducing the quantification of the concept of energy, kinetic and potential
Abstract: Although all our students have been introduced to the concept of energy, few have had any introduction to the quantification of energy. In this chapter, we build definitions of kinetic and potential energy carefully, beginning with Newton's laws and blending concepts with math.

We create a basis for later exploration of intermolecular forces, ionic fluids, and cellular electricity. We begin our analysis with the question: What does Newton's laws tell us about how forces change speed (rather than velocity)? The answer leads us to introduce work and the dot product in physically meaningful ways.
Resource Types: Student reading, Instructor supplement, Restricted access
Remote Learning Ready: This resource has been designed or adapted for use in remote learning.
Commercially available in:  TopHat
Authors:

TOPICS

Physics Topics: 

Classical Mechanics > Work and Energy > Conservation of Energy, Conservative Fields, Non-Conservative Forces, Work

Life Sciences Topics: 

Biochemistry

Human and Animal Physiology > Neurophysiology

Chemistry Topics: 

Intermolecular Forces

Math Topics: 
Algebra; Differential Calculus; Geometry; Graphical Analysis; Trigonometry

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Living Physics 9 - Mechanical energy

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SUBMISSION DETAILS

Copyright:   2025 Edward Redish, Ginny Redish

License:   CC BY-NC-SA - Attribution, No Commercial uses and Share Alike. Derivative works must have the same license.

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