We often hear about the concept of energy in our daily lives, but what does it really mean? In the simplest terms, energy is defined as the capacity to do work. But what kind of work, you may ask? Work is accomplished when an object is moved against a force, such as gravity.
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Energy is a scalar quantity, measured in joules (J). It exists in various forms and can either be kinetic or potential.
Kinetic Energy is the energy an object possesses due to its motion. For instance, a racing car or a bird in flight are examples of kinetic energy.
Where,
m = Mass of the object
v = Velocity of the object
Learn More: Various Forms of Energy
Potential energy is the stored energy an object has due to its position. An example would be a book on a high shelf or an apple hanging from a tree.
Where,
m = Mass of the object (in kilograms)
g = Acceleration due to gravity
h = Height in meters
Other forms of energy include –
Mechanical energy is the sum of potential and kinetic energy. It is associated with the motion and position of an object. The formula for mechanical energy is:
Mechanical Energy = Kinetic Energy + Potential Energy
Chemical energy is the energy stored within the bonds of chemical compounds. This type of energy can be released or absorbed during a chemical reaction.
Other types of energy include Electric, Magnetic, Radiant, Nuclear, Ionization, Elastic, Gravitational, Thermal, Heat & Mechanical work.
Learn More: Work Done
Energy resources serve as fuels for various applications, from powering machinery to generating electricity in power plants. These resources can be classified into two types – Non-renewable and Renewable.
Non-renewable resources, such as oil, natural gas, and coal, cannot be replenished once used.
Renewable resources, such as wind, water, solar, and geothermal energy, are continuously replenished by nature.
Energy resources can also be classified based on their source:
What is energy?
Energy is the ability to do work.
Energy is a scalar or a vector quantity?
Energy is a scalar quantity.
What is the unit of energy?
The SI unit of energy is the joule.
What is kinetic energy?
Kinetic energy is the energy associated with the object’s motion. Example: moving ball.
How are energy resources classified?
Energy resources are classified into: Non-renewable Resources and Renewable Resources