Physical Science: Energy

Kinetic energy is the energy of an object due to its motion, calculated using the formula: $$KE = \frac{1}{2}mv^2$$ , where m is mass and v is velocity.

To calculate kinetic energy, use the formula: $$KE = \frac{1}{2}mv^2$$ , where m is the mass in kilograms and v is the velocity in meters per second.

The unit of energy in the SI system is the Joule (J).

Gravitational potential energy is the energy an object possesses due to its position in a gravitational field, calculated using the formula: $$GPE = mgh$$ , where m is mass, g is the acceleration due to gravity, and h is height.

To calculate gravitational potential energy, use the formula: $$GPE = mgh$$ , where m is mass in kilograms, g is approximately 9.81 m/s², and h is height in meters.

Work is done when energy is transferred from one system to another, and it is calculated as: $$W = Fd$$ , where W is work, F is force, and d is distance.

Power is the rate at which work is done or energy is transferred, calculated using the formula: $$P = \frac{W}{t}$$ , where P is power, W is work, and t is time.

The unit of power in the SI system is the Watt (W), where 1 W = 1 J/s.

In a rocket, the energy transfer is chemical -> thermal/sound/radiant -> kinetic, as fuel is burned to produce thrust.

Power can be calculated using the formula: $$P = \frac{W}{t}$$ , where P is power, W is work done in Joules, and t is time in seconds.