Learn: Conservation of Energy

Welcome!Today we'll explore Conservation of Energy, an important physics concept. We'll learn how energy is stored, transferred, and used efficiently.

What is Energy Conservation?The law of conservation of energy states that energy cannot be created or destroyed; it can only be transferred or transformed from one form to another. This principle is key to understanding how energy flows in systems.

Energy StoresEnergy exists in different stores, such as kinetic, gravitational potential, thermal, chemical, and elastic potential energy. For example, a moving car has kinetic energy, while a stretched elastic band stores elastic potential energy.

Energy TransfersEnergy can be transferred between stores through processes like heating, mechanical work (force and movement), and electrical work (current and voltage).For instance, when you boil water, thermal energy is transferred to the water from the kettle.

EfficiencyEfficiency measures how much energy is usefully transferred compared to how much is wasted. It is calculated as a percentage using the formula:Efficiency (%) = (Useful Energy Output ÷ Total Energy Input) × 100

Work DoneWork done is the transfer of energy when a force is applied over a distance. It is calculated using the formula:Work Done = Force × DistanceFor example, lifting a box involves work done on the box as energy is transferred from your muscles to the box.

Review Time!Great work! You've learned about energy conservation, energy stores, transfers, efficiency, and work done. Now let's test your understanding with a few questions.