In performing our day-to-day activities we use various words like power, work and energy etc; which are closely related to each other. Sometimes we use these words without paying any attention. In this article we let you know some differences between work and energy.Â
Work:
In our daily life, we use the term work in various situations. The word work takes on different meanings depending on the situation. For example, statements like ‘i am working in a factory’, ‘ the Ramayana is a great work of Valmiki’s. There is a difference between the way we use the term work in our day-to-day life and the way we use it in science.
In science, we define work to be equal to the product of the force (F) and the distance (s) moved along the direction of the force.
Work done = force⨯ displacement
W= Fs
This formula for work is used in only translatory motion of the object. Work has only magnitude, no direction. So work is a scalar.
Energy:
The word energy is very often used in daily life on various occasions like ‘He is more energetic’ ‘i am so tired and lost my energy, etc;Â
- What is energy?
- How can we decide if an object possesses energy or not?
What is Energy?
Energy is the ability to do work. They are divided into different types of energies like potential energy, kinetic energy, mechanical energy, etc;
In science, we consider work has been done only when there is a change in the position of the object. The object is able to change its position due to the energy transferred to it by the force doing the work. Thus whenever work is done on an object its energy increases or decreases.
Kinetic Energy:
The energy possessed by an object due to its motion is called kinetic energy. The kinetic energy of an object increases with its speed.
Potential Energy:
The energy possessed by an object because of its position or shape is called its potential energy.
Difference Between Work and Energy:
| work | energy |
|---|---|
| Meaning | |
| Work is equal to the product of the force and the distance moved along the direction of the force. | Energy is the ability to do work. There are different types of energies like potential energy, kinetic energy etc; |
| Definition | |
| Work is the ability to provide force and a change in distance to an object. | Energy is the ability to produce or create work. |
| Introduced by | |
| In the field of physics, work was introduced by the French mathematician Gaspard | Aristotle used this term. It is derived from Greece word ‘Energia’ |
| Year | |
| Work was used in 1826 | The energy was coined in the 4th century BC. |
| Types | |
| There is only one type of work. | There are many types of energy such as solar energy, kinetic energy, potential energy etc; |
| Formula | |
| Formula : work = force⨯ displacement | There are various equations depending upon the type of energy. Kinetic energy = ½ mv^2 Potential energy = mgh |
| Example | |
| Example: a student lifting a backpack full of books upon his/her shoulder. | For example, a dog barking is a type of sound energy. |
Bottom line:
As a result of the preceding discussion, when we compare work and energy, energy is the ability to produce work and work is the ability to provide force and a change in the distance of an object. but there are some similarities that are both work and energy are scalar units and are measured in joules.
Further related readings:
Difference between Conventional energy and non-conventional energy
