Physics Work Unit I

Mechanical Energy

Energy possessed by an object due to its motion or position.

Unit of Mechanical Energy

Joule.

Total Mechanical Energy (TME) Equation

TME = Potential Energy (PE) + Kinetic Energy (KE).

Example of Mechanical Energy

Barbell lifted high on a bookshelf.

Kinetic Energy

Energy of motion.

Unit of Kinetic Energy

Joule.

Kinetic Energy (KE) Equation

KE = 0.5 * m * v^2.

Example of Kinetic Energy

Windmills moving.

Gravitational Potential Energy (PE)

Energy stored in an object as a result of its vertical position (height).

Symbol for Potential Energy

PE.

Potential Energy Equation

PE = m * g * h.

Work

When a force acts upon an object to cause displacement.

Symbol for Work

W.

Unit of Work

Joule.

Work Equation

W = F * d * cos(θ).

Examples of Work

Horse plowing through a field, pushing a grocery cart, dogs pushing a sleigh.

Power

Rate at which work is done.

Symbol for Power

P.

Unit of Power

Watt (N).

Power Equation

Power = Work / Time.

Potential Energy Definition

Energy stored in an object.