Chapter 10.1, Problem 24SSC

To determine

The way to find the change in energy of a system if three agents exert forces on the system at once.

Explanation of Solution

Introduction:

Work is the change in kinetic energy. Firstly, calculate the work done by each force.The work can be positive, negative or zero depending on the relative angles of force and displacement of the object.

The sum of the three works is the change in energy of the system.

Change in energy

  $\Delta E=W_1+W_2+W_3$

Conclusion:

The change in energy of a system if three agents exert forces on the system at once is the sum of the three works due to those forces.