SAT Subject Test in Physics

The SAT Subject Test in Physics assesses students' understanding of physics concepts and their ability to apply these concepts to solve problems.

Basic Concepts

Energy, Work, and Power

The Physics of Getting Things Done

Energy makes things happen! It can’t be created or destroyed—just transformed.

Types of Energy

  • Kinetic Energy: Energy of motion.
  • Potential Energy: Stored energy due to position.
  • Mechanical Energy: The sum of kinetic and potential energy.

Work

Work is done when a force moves something over a distance (\( W = Fd \)). If you push a box and it moves, you’ve done work!

Power

Power tells us how quickly work is done (\( P = \frac{W}{t} \)). Lifting a heavy backpack quickly takes more power than lifting it slowly.

Real-World Connections

Understanding energy helps us design everything from roller coasters to wind turbines.

Examples

  • Climbing stairs increases your potential energy.

  • A car engine uses chemical energy to do work and make the car go.

In a Nutshell

Energy makes things happen, work is moving stuff with force, and power is how fast it happens.