Topic

Work & Energy

Learning resources

Level
4th - 6th
Format
iPhone/iPad
Level
High School - College
Format
Online class

About Work & Energy

Work and energy are two important concepts in physics. Work is the transfer of energy from one place to another, or the transfer of energy from one object to another. Energy is the ability to do work. There are many forms of energy, including kinetic energy, potential energy, thermal energy, electrical energy, and chemical energy.

Work is done when a force is applied to an object and the object moves in the direction of the force. The amount of work done is equal to the force applied times the distance the object moves.

Energy is the ability to do work. There are many forms of energy, including kinetic energy, potential energy, thermal energy, electrical energy, and chemical energy.

Kinetic energy is the energy of motion. It is the energy an object has because of its motion.

Potential energy is energy that is stored in an object. It is the energy an object has because of its position.

Thermal energy is the energy of heat. It is the energy an object has because of its temperature.

Electrical energy is the energy of electricity. It is the energy an object has because of its charge.

Chemical energy is the energy of chemicals. It is the energy an object has because of its chemical composition.

The SI unit for energy is the joule (J), and the unit of work is the watt (W). One watt is equal to one joule per second.

The concept of energy is important in understanding the behavior of physical systems. Energy is conserved, meaning that it cannot be created or destroyed. It can only be converted from one form to another. For example, when a ball is thrown into the air, its potential energy is converted into kinetic energy.

Learning Work & Energy