Energy

= Energy =

Energy represents the capacity to do work. Energy is preferable in most circumstances because it is a scalar quantity rather than a vector quantity (see 1D kinematics ). Energy is measured in Joules, equivalent to N*m. Types of energy include kinetic, elastic, internal and potential (including gravitational potential) energy. Energy is a large component of thermodynamics. The work done on an object is equal to the area under the curve on a distance vs. force graph. The Law of conservation of energy states that in an isolated system, energy remains constant over time.

Kinetic energy refers to to the energy stored by a moving object. Translational Kinetic energy is defined as: Uk = 1/2mv^2 where m = mass v = velocity
 * Kinetic Energy **

Gravitational potential energy refers to the energy stored by an object in a gravitational feild and is defined as: Ug = mgy where m = mass g = gravitational acceleration y = a vertical distance
 * Potential Energy**

Elastic energy is the energy stored in an object when it is compressed or stretched. This is defined as: Ue = 1/2kΔx where k = spring constant Δx = compression distance Hooke's Law defines the force of a spring as: F = kΔx where k = spring constant Δx = compression distance
 * Elastic Energy**

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