The Fundamentals of Physics! 🚀
These three concepts—**Work**, **Power**, and **Energy**—are the core building blocks of physics. They are all related and describe how forces cause motion and how quickly that motion occurs.
Key Definitions and Formulas 💡
1. Work ($\text{W}$)
Work is done when a **force** causes an object to move a certain **distance**. If you push on a wall but it doesn't move, you've done **zero** scientific work!
$\text{W} = \text{F} \times \text{d}$Units: The unit for work is the **Joule** ($\text{J}$).
2. Power ($\text{P}$)
Power is the **rate** at which work is done, or how fast energy is transferred. It's the difference between doing a job slowly or quickly.
$\text{P} = \frac{\text{W}}{\text{t}} \quad \text{or} \quad \text{P} = \frac{\text{E}}{\text{t}}$Units: The unit for power is the **Watt** ($\text{W}$).
3. Energy ($\text{E}$)
Energy is the **ability to do work**. The two main forms of mechanical energy are Kinetic (motion) and Potential (stored).
$\text{E}_{\text{k}} = \frac{1}{2} \text{mv}^2 \quad \text{and} \quad \text{E}_{\text{p}} = \text{mgh}$Units: The unit for energy is also the **Joule** ($\text{J}$).
Video: Potential vs. Kinetic Energy 🎢
Watch how energy transforms as a roller coaster moves up and down.
Practice Problems (Units)
Click the correct $\text{SI}$ unit for each term.
⚡ Formula Matching Challenge!
Click the correct formula for the term shown.
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