I keep getting “Work–energy theorem” questions wrong in Work, Energy & Power. What's the trap?
using only one force's work instead of the net work.
The usual trap: using only one force's work instead of the net work. How to avoid it: net work > 0 speeds a body up; net work < 0 slows it down. Go back to the definition — the net work done on a body equals its change in kinetic energy.
Key point
Work–energy theorem
Common mistake
using only one force's work instead of the net work.
Memory tip
net work > 0 speeds a body up; net work < 0 slows it down.
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