Work and Energy

Understand the scientific concept of work, kinetic and potential energy, and the law of conservation of energy.

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Key Concepts & Summary

1. Work

Work is said to be done when a force acts on an object and the object is displaced. Work (W) = Force (F) × Displacement (s). SI unit: Joule (J).

  • Positive Work: Force and displacement are in the same direction.
  • Negative Work: Force and displacement are in opposite directions (e.g., friction).
  • Zero Work: Force and displacement are perpendicular (e.g., carrying a load horizontally).

2. Energy

The capacity of doing work is called energy. Types include:

  • Kinetic Energy (Eₖ): Energy of an object due to its motion. Eₖ = ½mv².
  • Potential Energy (Eₚ): Energy of an object due to its position or configuration. Gravitational potential energy Eₚ = mgh.

3. Law of Conservation of Energy

Energy can only be transformed from one form to another; it can neither be created nor destroyed. The total energy before and after transformation remains constant.

4. Power

The rate of doing work or the rate of transfer of energy. Power (P) = Work / Time. SI unit: Watt (W). Commercial unit: kWh.

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