work is the action of applying force to move an object, while energy is the capacity to do that work. Consider a simple example of lifting a book against gravity. Work and energy involved are listed below:
| Aspect | Work | Energy |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | Work is the transfer of energy through motion. | Energy is the capacity to do work. |
| Symbol | W | E |
| Formula | W=F⃗⋅d⃗⋅cos(θ) | No specific formula for energy. |
| Units | Joules (J) | Joules (J) |
| Type | Scalar quantity | Scalar quantity |
| Examples | Lifting a book | The book on the shelf has gravitational potential energy. |
| Scenario | Work Example | Energy Example |
|---|---|---|
| Lifting a Backpack | Carrying a backpack up a flight of stairs. | Potential energy in the backpack due to its elevated position. |
| Riding a Bicycle | Pedaling a bicycle against friction and air resistance. | Kinetic energy of the moving bicycle and rider. |
| Swinging on a Swing | Pumping your legs to swing higher. | Potential energy at the highest point of the swing. |
| Turning on a Light Switch | Flicking a light switch to turn on a light. | Electrical energy powering the light bulb. |
| Throwing a Ball | Tossing a ball into the air. | Kinetic energy as the ball moves through the air. |
| Charging a Phone | Plugging in a phone to charge. | Electrical potential energy stored in the phone’s battery. |
| Raising a Garage Door | Opening a garage door manually. | Potential energy in the raised garage door. |
| Boiling Water on a Stove | Heating water in a pot on the stove. | Thermal energy in the heated water. |
| Using a Wind-up Toy | Winding up a spring in a wind-up toy. | Elastic potential energy in the wound-up spring. |
| Riding an Escalator | Going up an escalator. | Potential energy gain as you move upward. |
| Climbing a Staircase | Walking up a flight of stairs. | Potential energy increase with higher elevation. |
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