Understanding Energy & Work: Seeking Help on Physics Theory

In summary, the conversation discusses the relationship between energy and work, specifically in the context of physics and equations used to solve problems involving kinetic and potential energy. The work energy theorem is mentioned, as well as the concept of conservative and non-conservative forces. The conversation also includes a request for a set of equations to use for problem-solving and a reference to a website for further information.
  • #1
luis_alonzo
3
0
This is my first attempt seeking help on a forum so i hope its in the right place and i did look for similar questions but couldn't find any.

How does energy relate to work?
I have a couple of equations on my book but if you guys could like put here all the equations about energy and work. i know that probably includes a lot. I am studying electric charges, planets, and the more common stuff like falling objects and such.
what I am looking for is equations that relate kinetic and potencial enrgy to work and how does work relates to the net force of conservative and non conservative forces. i don't know a whole much of physics so if anyone could elaborate a litle on this i would appreciate greatly. i do have a basic understanding of math and calculus but i just don't get the theory involving this subject.
Thank you in advance.
 
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  • #2
Hi Luis,

You can learn about energy by starting with the expression x=.5at^2
(The location of an object accelerating uniformly for a time t)

Next multiply both sides of the equation by a. This gives

ax=.5(at)(at) where you know that at=v because the acceleration is
constant.

So ax=.5v^2

Notice that time is not in this equation. That's important.
Also notice that the left side is called "work"
The right side is callled "kinetic energy"

If the acceleration is not constant then you replace ax with adx but
you've already learned the foundation.
 
  • #3
thanks, still if anyone could give me a set of equations that i could use to solve execises. i don't mean to sound lazy because i have looked and its either very complicated to understand or not a big help.
thanks.
 
  • #4
Exactly what do you find complicated?
 
  • #5
luis_alonzo said:
How does energy relate to work?
[tex]\text{Energy} = \text{Work}[/tex]

AM
 
  • #6
its nothing specific, or rather its a lot of things, but they mostly relate to work. Maybe what I am asking for isn't simply stated but i guess i wanted a kind of an underlying theory.
 
  • #7
And WHAT is the underlying "theory" in Newtonian physis?
What are the basic laws?
 
  • #8
luis_alonzo said:
How does energy relate to work?
By the work energy theorem which states that the work done on a particle equals the change in kinetic energy of that particle. The work done on a particles which are acted upon for a conservative force equals the negative change of potential energy. The sum of the potential and kinetic energy for a conservative system is a constant of motion.
I have a couple of equations on my book but if you guys could like put here all the equations about energy and work. i know that probably includes a lot. I am studying electric charges, planets, and the more common stuff like falling objects and such.
See
http://www.geocities.com/physics_world/sr/work_energy.htm

Pete
 

FAQ: Understanding Energy & Work: Seeking Help on Physics Theory

What is energy and work?

Energy is a measure of an object's ability to do work. Work, on the other hand, is a measure of the force applied to an object over a distance. In simpler terms, energy is the ability to make things change, and work is the process of using that energy to make things happen.

What are the different forms of energy?

There are many forms of energy, including kinetic, potential, thermal, chemical, electrical, and nuclear. Kinetic energy is the energy of motion, potential energy is stored energy, thermal energy is the energy of heat, chemical energy is the energy stored in chemical bonds, electrical energy is the energy of moving electrons, and nuclear energy is the energy stored in the nucleus of an atom.

How is energy transferred?

Energy can be transferred from one object to another through various processes, such as conduction, convection, and radiation. In conduction, energy is transferred through direct contact between two objects. In convection, energy is transferred through the movement of fluids, such as air or water. And in radiation, energy is transferred through electromagnetic waves, such as light or heat.

What is the relationship between energy and work?

The relationship between energy and work is based on the principle of conservation of energy, which states that energy cannot be created or destroyed, but only transformed from one form to another. This means that the energy used to do work must come from some other form of energy, and the work done will result in a change in the energy of the system.

How can I apply the concept of energy and work in real-life situations?

Understanding energy and work can help us understand and analyze various real-life situations, such as the efficiency of machines, the cost-effectiveness of different energy sources, and the impact of energy usage on the environment. It can also help us make informed decisions about energy consumption and conservation in our daily lives.

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