How are work and kinetic energy related?

According to the work-energy theorem, the work done on an object by a net force equals the change in kinetic energy of the object.

#W = Delta KE#

The following video shows an example problem of how to solve a problem using the work-energy theorem:

link to work energy theorem video: here

Essentially kinetic energy is the energy used for motion. When things move, they can do work. As things move, they do work. that is what the above demonstrates (#W = Delta KE#). Work is the force on the object as it changes a distance.

Interestingly, as work is done on an object, potential energy can be stored in that object. For example, if you carry a load up the stairs. Now that load will have potential energy that can be transformed into kinetic energy and so on. This where the Law of Conservation of Energy kicks in and provides the theory behind this praxis.