Difference Between Work and Energy, Definition and Types

Difference Between Work and Energy: Work transfers a portion of energy accomplished by applying force over a certain distance in a specific direction. Energy, on the other hand, is the capacity to perform work. Both work and energy are scalar quantities.

Difference Between Work and Energy Overview

Difference Between Work and Energy

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What is Work?

Types of Work

• Definition: Mechanical work is the most common type of work involving the application of force to move an object through a distance.
• Formula: Work (W)=Force (F)×Displacement (s)×cos(θ), where � θ is the angle between the force and displacement vectors.

• Definition: Work done against or by gravity when an object is moved vertically.
• Formula: Work (W)=Weight (mg)×Vertical Displacement (h), where m is the mass, g is the acceleration due to gravity.

• Definition: Work done by an electric force moving charges within an electric field.
• Formula: Work (W)=Charge (Q)×Voltage (V)Work (W)=Charge (Q)×Voltage (V)

• Definition: Work done in expanding or compressing gases.
• Formula: Work (W)=−P×ΔV, where  P is the pressure and  ΔV is the pressure and Δ V is the volume change.

• Definition: Work done when a force is applied through a flexible connector (like a rope or cable).
• Formula: Work (W)=Tension Force×Displacement×cos ⁡ ( θ )Work (W)=Tension Force×Displacement×cos( θ )

• Definition: Work done in compressing or extending a spring.
• Formula: Work (W)= 1/2kx² , where k is the spring constant and x is the displacement from equilibrium.

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What is Energy?

Types of Energy

• Definition: The energy possessed by an object due to its motion.
• Formula: KE =1/2mv², where m is the mass of the object and v is its velocity.

• Gravitational Potential Energy (GPE): GPE=mgh, where m is the mass, g is the acceleration due to gravity, and h is the height.
• Elastic Potential Energy: EPE =1/2 kx ², where k is the spring constant and x is the displacement from equilibrium.

• Definition: The sum of kinetic energy and potential energy in a system.
• Formula: ME=KE+PE

• Definition: The internal energy of a system associated with the random motion of its particles.
• Related Concepts: Heat is the transfer of thermal energy between systems.

• Definition: Energy stored in the chemical bonds of molecules.
• Example: Energy stored in food, fuel, and batteries.

• Definition: Energy associated with the movement of electric charges.
• Example: Powering electronic devices, electrical circuits.

• Definition: Energy released during nuclear reactions.
• Examples: Nuclear power plants, nuclear fission, and fusion.

• Definition: Energy carried by electromagnetic waves (light).
• Example: Solar energy, visible light.

• Definition: Energy produced by vibrating objects transmitted through a medium.
• Example: Sound waves, acoustic energy.

• Definition: Energy associated with the alignment of magnetic fields.
• Examples: Magnetic storage devices and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).