Joule (J)
Definition
The Joule is a unit used for measuring energy, work, or heat. It represents the amount of energy transferred when a force of one Newton acts on an object and moves it one meter in the direction of that force.
Analogy
Imagine pushing a heavy box across a room. The Joule can be likened to how much effort you exert multiplied by how far you move the box. Just like it takes more energy to push a heavier box or move it further, larger values in Joules represent greater amounts of energy.
Related terms
Potential Energy: Potential energy refers to stored energy possessed by an object due to its position or condition. It can be gravitational potential energy (based on height) or elastic potential energy (due to deformation).
Kinetic Energy: Kinetic energy represents the energy possessed by an object due to its motion and depends on its mass and velocity.
Conservation of Energy: Conservation of Energy states that within an isolated system, total energy remains constant over time; it can only change form from one type (e.g., kinetic) to another (e.g., potential), but cannot be created or destroyed.
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