Understanding the Joule: Defining and Applying Energy in Physics

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SUMMARY

The joule is defined as the energy transferred to an object when a force of 1 Newton is applied over a distance of one meter. In the discussion, it is clarified that regardless of the mass of the object, if a force of 1N is applied for one meter, both a 1000 kg object and a 1 kg object will have the same energy imparted to them, due to the relationship between force, mass, and acceleration. The equation W = Fs = mas demonstrates that while the heavier object may move slower, the work done remains constant at 1 joule.

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mudkip9001
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This is really basic, but I can't seem to find that one piece of reasoning that I must be missing...

I don't understand the definition of the joule; 'the energy given to a body if a force of 1N is applied for the distance of one meter'

If I apply 1N to an object of mass 1000kg until it has moved one meter, will I not have given it more energy than if I do the same to an object of 1 kg?

edit: oops, didn't mean to post it in learing materials... sorry.
 
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Hi mudkip9001! :smile:
mudkip9001 said:
I don't understand the definition of the joule; 'the energy given to a body if a force of 1N is applied for the distance of one meter'

If I apply 1N to an object of mass 1000kg until it has moved one meter, will I not have given it more energy than if I do the same to an object of 1 kg?

ah … interesting question …

v2 = 2as, and so W = Fs = mas = mv2/2 …

they have the same energy because the heavier mass is moving much slower :wink:
 

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