Energy and Work - JSS2 Basic technology Past Questions and Answers - page 2

Energy is defined as the ability to do work or cause change. It exists in various forms such as kinetic, potential, thermal, chemical, electrical, and nuclear energy. Energy can be transferred or converted from one form to another but cannot be created or destroyed, according to the Law of Conservation of Energy. This fundamental concept is crucial in understanding how different processes and systems function in physics and everyday life.

The formula for gravitational potential energy is (PE = mgh) where ( m ) stands for mass, ( g ) is the acceleration due to gravity, and ( h ) represents the height above a reference point. This energy form is related to the position of an object in a gravitational field. When an object is raised to a higher position, its gravitational potential energy increases. This energy can be converted into kinetic energy if the object is allowed to fall.

Work is done when a force causes an object to move in the direction of the force applied. The formula for work is ( W = Fd ), where ( W ) is work, ( F ) is the applied force, ( d ) is the distance. Work involves the transfer of energy to or from an object, resulting in a change in its motion or state. If no movement occurs despite the application of force, no work is done.

Energy and work are closely related concepts in physics. Work is the process of transferring energy from one object or system to another by applying a force over a distance. When work is done on an object, it gains energy; similarly, when an object does work, it loses energy. For example, lifting a weight transfers energy to the weight in the form of gravitational potential energy. This relationship highlights that work is a means of transferring energy.

The Law of Conservation of Energy states that energy cannot be created or destroyed, only transferred or converted from one form to another. This principle means that the total energy in a closed system remains constant over time. For instance, when a pendulum swings, its energy continuously converts between kinetic energy and potential energy, but the total energy remains unchanged. This law is fundamental in understanding energy interactions and transformations in physical systems.