Work, energy and power

– Work
– Energy
– Mechanical energy
– Internal energy
– Interchange of energy between potential
energy and kinetic energy
– Transfer of energy from one kind to another
– Heat energy
– Sun as a source of energy explain each with at least 2 examples each
1. Work:
Work is the application of force to an object, resulting in the displacement of the object in the
direction of the force applied. Mathematically, work (W) is calculated as the product of force (F)
and displacement (d) along the direction of the force: W = F * d. Work is measured in joules (J).

Examples:
a. Lifting a box: When you lift a box from the ground to a shelf, you exert an upward force on
the box over a certain distance, doing work against the force of gravity.
b. Pushing a car: Pushing a car that has stalled requires applying a force over a distance to move
the car and overcome the friction between the tires and the road.

2. Energy:
Energy is the ability to do work. It exists in various forms and can be converted from one form to
another. The SI unit of energy is also the joule (J).

Examples:
a. Electrical energy: When you plug in an electronic device like a laptop, electrical energy flows
from the power source to the device, allowing it to function.
b. Chemical energy: In a battery-powered flashlight, chemical energy is converted into electrical
energy when the battery's chemicals undergo reactions, enabling the light to illuminate.
3. Mechanical Energy:
Mechanical energy is the sum of potential energy and kinetic energy possessed by an object in
motion. It is a form of energy associated with the motion and position of an object.

Examples:
a. Swinging pendulum: As a pendulum swings, it possesses both kinetic energy (at the lowest
point of its swing) and potential energy (at the highest point) due to its position above the
ground.
b. Rolling ball: A ball rolling down a hill has both kinetic energy (due to its motion) and
potential energy (due to its position above the ground).

4. Internal Energy:
Internal energy refers to the total energy stored within a system at the microscopic level,
considering the kinetic energy of particles and potential energy associated with their positions. It
includes both thermal energy (due to the temperature of the system) and the internal potential
energy of molecules.

Examples:
a. Heating water: When you heat a pot of water on a stove, the internal energy of the water
increases as the molecules gain kinetic energy, leading to a rise in temperature.
b. Compressing a gas: When you compress a gas inside a container, the internal energy of the gas
increases due to the increase in kinetic energy of its molecules.

5. Interchange of Energy between Potential Energy and Kinetic Energy:

Potential energy is the energy stored in an object due to its position or configuration, while
kinetic energy is the energy possessed by an object in motion. Energy can be transferred between
these two forms.

Examples:
a. Falling object: As an object falls, its potential energy decreases while its kinetic energy
increases due to its motion under the influence of gravity.
b. Bouncing ball: When a ball bounces, it converts its potential energy into kinetic energy as it
moves downward, and then back into potential energy as it reaches the highest point of the
bounce.
formula for kinetic energy:
KE = 1/2 * m * v^2
Where:
• KE is the kinetic energy of the object (in joules)
• m is the mass of the object (in kilograms)
• v is the velocity of the object (in meters per second)
Math problem:
A 50 kg ball is moving at a velocity of 10 m/s. What is the kinetic energy of the ball?
Solution:
KE = 1/2 * m * v^2 = 1/2 * 50 kg * 10 m/s^2 = 2500 J
Therefore, the kinetic energy of the ball is 2500 J.

6. Transfer of Energy from One Kind to Another:

Energy can be converted or transferred from one form to another.

Examples:
a. Solar panels: Solar panels convert sunlight (radiant energy) into electrical energy, which can
be used to power various devices.
b. Gasoline engine: In a car's gasoline engine, the chemical energy in the fuel is converted into
mechanical energy to propel the vehicle.

7. Heat Energy:
Heat energy is the transfer of thermal energy from one object or substance to another due to a
temperature difference. It flows from hotter to colder regions.

Examples:
a. Boiling water: As you heat water in a kettle on the stove, heat energy is transferred from the
stove's heating element to the water, causing it to boil.
b. Radiator heating: In a central heating system, radiators transfer heat energy from hot water or
steam to the surrounding air, warming up a room.

8. Sun as a Source of Energy:

The sun is a primary source of energy for the Earth, providing a wide range of energy forms
essential for life and various processes.

Examples:
a. Solar energy: Solar panels harness sunlight to generate electricity, as mentioned earlier,
making use of photovoltaic cells that convert sunlight into electrical energy.
b. Photosynthesis: Plants utilize solar energy to convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose
and oxygen through the process of photosynthesis, providing energy for their growth and
releasing oxygen into the atmosphere.
Greenhouse effect
The image shows the following:
1. The sun's rays hit the Earth's atmosphere.
2. Some of the sun's rays are reflected back into space.
3. Some of the sun's rays are absorbed by the Earth's surface.
4. The Earth's surface warms up and emits infrared radiation.
5. Some of the infrared radiation is absorbed by greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.
6. The greenhouse gases trap the heat, which warms the Earth's atmosphere.