Difference between energy and force?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on the differences between energy and force, exploring their definitions, relationships, and implications in physical contexts. Participants examine theoretical aspects and practical examples to clarify these concepts.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions whether energy is merely a measurement of force.
  • Another participant illustrates the difference by stating that holding a rope taut involves force, while pulling something with the rope involves energy.
  • Energy is described as a property that arises when a force is applied over a distance, simplifying calculations related to force.
  • Energy is characterized as the potential to exert force, with work being a function of force.
  • A participant provides an example involving bowling, explaining how the kinetic energy of the ball is used to exert force on the skittles.
  • It is noted that force can be easily altered using devices like levers, whereas energy is a conserved quantity, leading to different implications in physical scenarios.
  • Another participant emphasizes the conservation of energy law, contrasting it with the absence of a conservation principle for force, using the example of lifting an object versus using an inclined plane.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the relationship between energy and force, with no consensus reached on whether energy can be considered a measurement of force. Multiple perspectives on their definitions and implications remain present in the discussion.

Contextual Notes

Some statements rely on specific definitions of energy and force, which may not be universally accepted. The discussion includes various assumptions about the contexts in which energy and force are applied, and the implications of conservation laws are not fully resolved.

syano
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What is difference between energy and force? Is energy just a measurement of a force?

Thanks,

S
 
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Simple example: Holding a rope taut is using force. Pulling something with rope is using energy.
 
Energy is a 'property' which you have when a force is applied over a certain distance. It's sort of counting up all the force which has acted on you, and giving a number you can use to make calculations simpler.
 
energy is sort of the potential to exert a force.

more accurately, energy is the potential to do work, but work is a function of force.

forces change the way things move. to make something move, change direction or stop moving, you need to exert a force on it. but you cannot exert a force unless you have the energy to do so.

when you move your mouse, your hand exerts a force on the mouse to move it. the energy required to exert that force comes from the energy stored in your muscles.

another example: think about bowling a ball at some skittles. when the ball is rolling, it has energy (kinetic energy), when it hits the skittles, it uses up that energy to exert a force on the skittles. the force knocks the skittles over. the movement of the ball gives it the energy to exert that force.
 
Last edited:
Originally posted by syano
What is difference between energy and force? Is energy just a measurement of a force?

A big difference between the two is that force can be changed to much larger or smaller values by simple devices such as levers, screws, etc. But energy is a conserved quantity. So a given quantity of energy can be expended by applying a relatively large force over short distance, or smaller force over longer distance.
 
Also important: there is a "conservation of energy" law. There is no "conservation of force". In order to lift an object with weight 1 Newton a height of 1 meter, I MUST do 1Newton* 1 meter= 1 Joule of work. But if I use an inclined plane instead of lifting it straight up, I can reduce the force necessary.
 

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