Copy of Copy of Concept 1 Notes - Nature of Energy

What is Energy

The ability to cause change, measured in Joules (J).

Kinetic Energy

Energy in motion, calculated as KE = ½ mv² where m is mass in kg and v is velocity in m/s.

Potential Energy

Stored energy, which can exist in various forms such as elastic, chemical, and gravitational.

Joule (J)

The unit of energy, defined as 1 kg*m²/s².

Gravitational Potential Energy (GPE)

Energy stored in an object above Earth's surface, calculated as GPE = mgh.

Elastic Potential Energy

Energy stored in objects that are compressed or stretched, such as a bow or a spring.

Chemical Potential Energy

Energy stored in the chemical bonds of compounds, found in substances like food and batteries.

Mass

A measure of the amount of matter in an object, measured in kilograms (kg).

Velocity

The speed of an object in a specific direction, measured in meters per second (m/s).

Acceleration due to gravity

The acceleration experienced by an object due to the gravitational force, approximately 9.8 m/s² on Earth.