A comprehensive introduction to the fundamental concepts of physics as tested on the MCAT, including mechanics, thermodynamics, electricity, and more.
Work, energy, and power are all about how things change and how much oomph is required to make them change.
When a force moves an object over a distance, work is done. If you lift a backpack, you’re doing work against gravity.
Energy is the ability to do work. There are different types:
Power is how quickly work is done.
Understanding work and energy helps you figure out how much food you need for a workout, or why hybrid cars save fuel.
Calculating the energy a cyclist uses to pedal uphill.
Figuring out the power output of a hair dryer.
Work is using a force over distance, energy is the capacity to do work, and power is the rate at which work is done.