The Work-Energy Principle in Daily Living

For instance, in the case of a straight collision, the work portion of the equation can be compared to the impact multiplied by the distance traveled at the time of the impact. This is expressed in the equation which states, ~average impact force x distance traveled = change in kinetic energy~. Examples of scenarios such as these are often found in word problems, such as, ~If car A ~ weighing 3200 pounds ~ is traveling at 35 miles per hour and hits a tree..., etc.~

The effects of kinetic energy is the reason that we need to use seatbelts in order to protect ourselves from the harm of being thrown through the windshield of a car or tossed about within the interior of the car. The use of a seatbelt enables us to improve our chances of not falling victim to the force of kinetic energy. The next time someone tells you that an equal number of people get injured by using seatbelts as those who are injured by the lack of them, explain kinetic energy and see if they want to take their chances.

At its most basic, energy is defined as the ability to do work. How much energy we have tells us how much work we can accomplish. Moreover, whenever we move an arm or drive the car to work we are expending energy. The work- energy principle I mentioned above is equally applicable to human actions and the actions of inanimate objects, like cars or planes. Given the ways in which kinetic energy can assert itself, it really is good sense to be careful.

The point is that everything we do takes energy. It is the work-energy principle that enables us to live, to breathe--in short, to function as human beings. Energy is what gives rise to work, and without it nothing would ever get done.