Physics

Energy and work

Work, kinetic and potential energy, power, conservation.

Basics

Work

W = F · s = F s cosθ. If force is perpendicular to displacement, work is zero (centripetal force in uniform circular motion). Unit: J = N·m.

Mechanical energy

With only conservative forces, K+U is constant. Friction and drag are non-conservative: mechanical energy falls and heat rises. Energy changes form, not total amount (closed system).

Formulas

Kinetic energy

K = ½ m v²

Proportional to speed squared. Work–energy: W_net = ΔK.

Gravitational potential energy

U = m g h (지표 근처)

The zero of h is a choice; only differences matter.

Symbols

  • h height

Elastic potential energy

U = ½ k x², F = −k x

Hooke's law. k is the spring constant; x is displacement from equilibrium.

Symbols

  • k spring constant (N/m)
  • x displacement

Power

P = W / t = F · v

Rate of doing work or transferring energy. Unit W = J/s.

In this field