Units in Physics
This section outlines the fundamental concepts of work, energy, and power, which are vital in understanding physical processes.
Work
Work is defined as the product of force and displacement in the direction of the force, quantified by the formula W = F × s × cos θ. The unit of work is the joule (J), which is derived from the newton-meter. We distinguish between three types of work: positive work, negative work, and zero work, which are determined by the direction of force relative to displacement.
Energy
Energy is the capacity to perform work, also measured in joules. It comes in various forms, mainly kinetic energy (energy of motion) and potential energy (energy of position). The formulas used to calculate these forms of energy are KE = (1/2)mv² for kinetic energy and PE = mgh for potential energy.
Power
Power is defined as the rate of doing work or transferring energy. It is quantified using the formula P = W/t, with its unit being the watt (W), which is equivalent to joules per second. Understanding these relationships between work, energy, and power enhances our insight into mechanical systems and conservation principles.