Work & Energy: What is 1.89J of Work? Gravitational & Elastic Potential Energy

AI Thread Summary
Work is defined as the product of force and displacement, measured in Joules, which are equivalent to Newton-meters. When 1.89J of work is done, it indicates that a specific amount of force has caused a displacement of an object over a distance. Objects themselves do not store energy; rather, it is the systems that contain them that store energy, such as in the form of potential energy. Gravitational potential energy relates to the position of an object in a gravitational field, while elastic potential energy is associated with the deformation of elastic materials. Understanding these concepts clarifies how energy is transferred and stored within systems.
Moose772
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So work is when a force causes a displacement of an object. So what does it mean when 1.89J of work is done by an applied force? Does it mean this amount of force is needed to cause a displacement? Also how and why does an object store energy? I'm really confused by gravitational and elastic potential energy.
 
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Moose772 said:
So work is when a force causes a displacement of an object. So what does it mean when 1.89J of work is done by an applied force? Does it mean this amount of force is needed to cause a displacement?
Welcome to pf

Joules are the name of the unit of work, but it is just another name for Newton-meters. Newtons are the force. Meters are the distance. Multiply them together and you get the Joules.
Also how and why does an object store energy? I'm really confused by gravitational and elastic potential energy.
Objects don't really store energy except as heat. Systems store energy. Potential energy is the energy between two objects in a system.
 

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