History of Energy: How it Came to Be

In summary, the concepts of potential and kinetic energies were not discovered by one person, but rather have been attributed to various individuals. The law of conservation of kinetic energy in perfect collisions was discovered by German mathematician Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz, not Christiaan Huygens.
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quasar987
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How did it came into being?

Did it all strated when someone (Huygens?) discovered that the quantity 1/2mv^2 was (almost) conserved in some collision experiments?

Or was it discovered purely analytically from the laws of motion that when a force acted on a particle on a certain distance, it produced a variation of this bizarre 1/2mv^2 quantity.

Or was it discovered "backward"? I.e. through the need for the "potential energy" of an object in a gravitationnal field (pendulum)?
 
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quasar987 said:
How did it came into being?
Did it all strated when someone (Huygens?) discovered that the quantity 1/2mv^2 was (almost) conserved in some collision experiments?
Or was it discovered purely analytically from the laws of motion that when a force acted on a particle on a certain distance, it produced a variation of this bizarre 1/2mv^2 quantity.
Or was it discovered "backward"? I.e. through the need for the "potential energy" of an object in a gravitationnal field (pendulum)?

The discoveries of the concepts of potential and kinetic energies are not attribitued to one person,it's like in the case of the invention of the wheel.It was there,but we don't know the guy who's responsible.The only thing we know is that the famous germen mathematician Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz discovered the law of conservation of Kinetic energy in perfect collisions.It wasn't Christiaan Huygens.

Daniel.
 

FAQ: History of Energy: How it Came to Be

1. What is the earliest form of energy known to humans?

The earliest form of energy known to humans is fire. It was discovered by ancient humans through natural processes such as lightning strikes, volcanic eruptions, and friction. This discovery eventually led to the control and use of fire for cooking, heating, and other tasks.

2. When was the first use of coal as an energy source?

The first recorded use of coal as an energy source was in China around 1000 BC. It was used primarily for cooking and heating, but it wasn't until the 18th century that coal became a major source of energy for industrialization.

3. How did the discovery of electricity impact the history of energy?

The discovery of electricity in the late 19th century revolutionized the way we use and produce energy. It allowed for the development of electric motors and generators, which led to the widespread use of electricity in homes and industries. This also led to the development of other forms of energy such as nuclear and hydroelectric power.

4. When was the first oil well drilled and how did it change the energy industry?

The first oil well was drilled in Pennsylvania in 1859. This discovery led to the rapid growth of the oil industry and the development of new technologies for extracting and refining oil. It also became a major source of energy for transportation and manufacturing.

5. How has renewable energy evolved throughout history?

Renewable energy has been used by humans for thousands of years, with early civilizations harnessing the power of wind, water, and the sun. In recent history, there has been a push towards more sustainable and renewable forms of energy due to concerns about climate change and finite resources. This has led to the development of technologies such as solar, wind, and hydroelectric power, which are becoming increasingly important sources of energy in modern society.

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