Define the work caused by an external force?
Define the work caused by an external force?
When an external force acts on a body or object ,there is some displacement of the body, hence work is said to be done on the body. Due to the virtue of this work ,energy is stored in the body.
If an external force acts on a body, the total mechanical energy of the body changes. Mechanical energy of a system means summation of its potential and kinetic energy.
The work can be positive or negative in nature. If the displacement of the body is in the direction of the applied external force then positive work is said to be done. Due to this positive work mechanical energy of the object increases.
Similarly if the displacement of the body is in opposite direction of the applied external force then negative work is said to be done, which decreases the mechanical energy of the object .
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