Work and Energy

MCAT Basics (from MedSchoolCoach)

In this episode, we cover the topic of work and energy. We’ll start off by talking about work, which includes the mathematical and conceptual definitions and the sign convention of work. We’ll also talk a little bit about mechanical advantage and also path dependency. Moving on to energy, we’ll talk about the general definition of energy, we’ll compare and contrast energy in work and the different types of energy that includes kinetic energy, potential energy, thermal energy, and total mechanical energy. Lastly, we’ll talk about energy transfer, specifically heat transfer, and the three types of convection, conduction, and radiation.

Visit MedSchoolCoach.com for more help with the MCAT.

Jump Into the Conversation:

00:00 Introduction

05:27 Summary: Limits of equation for work and force

08:39 Positive work: force and displacement in same direction

09:32 Comparison of mechanical and thermodynamic work sign conventions

12:50 Work changes kinetic energy of moving objects

16:32 Friction and energy

22:25 Pitching

27:10 Kinetic and potential energy relation

32:14 Sun and heat transfer