Physics Notes Sheets: Energy, Conservation of Energy, and Power

What is the definition of energy?

The capacity to do work or cause change in a system.

What is the formula for work?

W = F x d (Work = Force applied over a distance).

What is power in the context of energy?

The rate of doing work or transferring energy (P = W / t).

What is gravitational potential energy (GPE)?

Stored energy due to position or configuration, calculated with GPE = mgh (mass x gravity x height).

What is the formula for kinetic energy (KE)?

KE = ½ mv² (Energy of motion).

Name the types of mechanical energy.

Potential Energy (PE) and Kinetic Energy (KE).

What is the law of conservation of energy?

Total energy in a closed system remains constant; energy can transform between different forms but is neither created nor destroyed.

What is the formula for total energy in a closed system?

Total Energy = GPE + KE + Other Energy Forms.

How is power calculated?

Power (P) is Work done per unit time: P = W / T.

What are the units for power?

Watts (W) which equals Joules/second (J/s).

What is the practical example of energy transformation in a roller coaster?

Conversion of gravitational potential energy (GPE) to kinetic energy (KE).

What is the importance of energy transformations in a pendulum?

Continuous energy transformation between potential and kinetic energy.

What energy transformation occurs in a hydroelectric dam?

Conversion of gravitational potential energy (GPE) to electrical energy.