IB Physics A.3 Work, Energy and Power Key Definitions

Air drag is a resistive force that acts on objects moving through air.

In an isolated system, the total mechanical energy is conserved:

$$E_{\text{total}} = E_k + E_p = \text{constant}$$

Efficiency quantifies how effectively a system converts input energy into useful output energy.

Elastic potential energy is the energy stored in an elastic object, such as a spring, when it is compressed or stretched.

Energy density is defined as the amount of energy stored per unit volume or mass of a substance.

Friction is a force that opposes the motion of an object.

Gravitational potential energy is the energy stored due to the position of an object in a gravitational field.

Mechanical energy is the sum of an object's kinetic energy and potential energy.

Potential energy is the energy stored in an object due to its position or configuration.

Power is the rate at which energy is transferred or converted.

The work-energy theorem states that the net work done on an object is equal to the change in its kinetic energy.

Work is defined as the product of the force applied to an object, the displacement of the object, and the cosine of the angle between the force and the displacement.