Understanding the Joule: Defining and Applying Energy in Physics

[mudkip9001]

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.

 

[tiny-tim]

Hi mudkip9001!

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