Energy, Work, and Power Glossary
14 essential terms — because precise language is the foundation of clear thinking in Energy, Work, and Power.
Showing 14 of 14 terms
Total energy in isolated system remains constant. Energy transforms but is never created or destroyed.
Force with path-independent work. Examples: gravity, spring, electrostatic.
Energy in deformed spring: = frac{1}{2}kx^2$.
Energy from height in gravitational field: = mgh$ near Earth surface.
Power unit: 1 hp = 746 W.
SI unit of energy and work: 1 J = 1 N m.
Energy of motion: = frac{1}{2}mv^2$. Scalar, always non-negative.
Sum of KE and PE: {mech} = KE + PE$. Conserved with only conservative forces.
Force with path-dependent work. Friction and air resistance dissipate mechanical energy.
Rate of energy transfer: = W/t$. Measured in watts. Also = Fv$.
Stiffness measure in Hookes law: = -kx$. Units: N/m.
SI unit of power: 1 W = 1 J/s.
Energy transferred when force causes displacement: = Fdcos heta$. Measured in joules.
Net work equals change in KE: {net} = Delta KE$.