What is Energies: Definition and 314 Discussions

In physics, energy is the quantitative property that must be transferred to a body or physical system to perform work on the body, or to heat it. Energy is a conserved quantity; the law of conservation of energy states that energy can be converted in form, but not created or destroyed. The unit of measurement in the International System of Units (SI) of energy is the joule, which is the energy transferred to an object by the work of moving it a distance of one metre against a force of one newton.
Common forms of energy include the kinetic energy of a moving object, the potential energy stored by an object's position in a force field (gravitational, electric or magnetic), the elastic energy stored by stretching solid objects, the chemical energy released when a fuel burns, the radiant energy carried by light, and the thermal energy due to an object's temperature.
Mass and energy are closely related. Due to mass–energy equivalence, any object that has mass when stationary (called rest mass) also has an equivalent amount of energy whose form is called rest energy, and any additional energy (of any form) acquired by the object above that rest energy will increase the object's total mass just as it increases its total energy. For example, after heating an object, its increase in energy could be measured as a small increase in mass, with a sensitive enough scale.
Living organisms require energy to stay alive, such as the energy humans get from food. Human civilization requires energy to function, which it gets from energy resources such as fossil fuels, nuclear fuel, or renewable energy. The processes of Earth's climate and ecosystem are driven by the radiant energy Earth receives from the Sun and the geothermal energy contained within the earth.

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  1. N

    Looking up Atomic Transition Energies

    Hi I am looking at strontium, and I wish to find the difference in energy between the 1S0-1P1 transition (~ 461nm) in Sr-88 and Sr-86. I don't need to calculate it, I need to look it up in a table. I thought that NIST would be helpful (http://physics.nist.gov/PhysRefData/ASD/lines_form.html)...
  2. T

    Ground-state energies of electron gas

    I read from a textbook that there are two boundaries conditions that may be used in order to determine the energies of N electron system in a cube of volume V (and side a). ... (check out the attached file) ... As you can see in the attached file, the energies got by using the the two...
  3. W

    The root second notation for collider energies

    Every paper I read about cross-section measurements from colliders has a line saying (for example): ...positron-electron annihilations at \sqrt{s} = 40 GeV are studied... 1) What does this mean? I'm guessing it means that in the CM frame, the energy of each beam is 40 GeV. 2) Why use...
  4. C

    Ligand field stabilization energies, is it correct to say

    the following?: low-spin d5 metal. Energy = -2Δ -4K (where K is exchange energy. i,e. minimization of energy due to parallel spins) low-spin d6 metal. Energy = -1.6Δ -3K Therefore: energy needed to add an electron = ΔE= 0.4Δ + K Is that correct? maybe I should be talking about...
  5. A

    Finding the energies of 2 photons from a decay of a travelling mass

    Homework Statement Mass M traveling at v=c/3 decays into 2 photons in x and -x directions. Mass M orginally formed by mass m traveling at v=3c/5 hitting a stationary mass m. This gives M v=c/3 and M=3m/√2. Homework Equations E=K + mc^2 p = gamma m v E = gamma m c^2 K =...
  6. S

    Photoelectric effect theory (why does this text imply distribution of energies?)

    Homework Statement Problem: Consider the experimental results of the photoelectric effect described in Sec. 1.1, i–iv. For each result discuss whether it would be expected on the basis of the classical properties of electromagnetic waves. Sec. 1.1(iii): For constant frequency and...
  7. T

    Ranking Electric Potential Energies: A=C>B=D

    Rank the electric potential energies of the systems of charges shown in the figure below from largest to smallest. Indicate equalities if appropriate. (Use only ">" or "=" symbols. Do not include any parentheses around the letters or symbols.) I was thinking A=C>B=D Please help me if I am wrong!
  8. C

    Solar efficiencies of photovoltaics in relation to the band gap energies?

    I'm reading a paper on photovoltaic hydrogen production and the author claims that for reasonable solar efficiencies the band gap must be less than 2.0eV. This I understand. My question is how will it effect the photon absorption if the band gap is much smaller. Say the band gap energy is...
  9. J

    Compairing the momentum of two bodies on condition having equal kinetic energies

    Homework Statement If two bodies one light and other heavy have equal kinetic energies, which one has a greater momentum. Homework Equations The Attempt at a Solution the way i am solving this problem is , i am assigning any arbitrary values to both masses and velocity of anyone...
  10. K

    Perfectly inelastic collision - energies

    Homework Statement An atom of mass M is initially at rest in its ground state. A moving (nonrelativistic) electron of mass m_e collides with the atom. The atom+electron system can exist in an 'excited state' in which the electron is absorbed into the atom. The excited state has an extra...
  11. C

    Ionization Energies Of Noble Gases

    Homework Statement I was going through my past question and answer, I then came across this: "The noble gases have the highest ionization energies in each period". I then wondered why and how the above statement is a reality. How can the above statement be true when the noble gases have...
  12. K

    Kinetic/potential energies for a ball thrown down

    Hi again! So, this time I have a ball with a mass m that I throw down from some point with a height h. I want to write the kinetic and potentiel energies that the ball has in the start and in the end for this ball that is falling to h=0. What I have thought of is that the ball must...
  13. S

    Calculate the magnetic energies of Cu and Al

    Hi, The Question i am trying to solve is " Calculate the magnetic energies of Cu and Al in an applied field of 5mT at 0K." As far as i can find is that Cu is not a superconductor and Al is a superconductor and has a critical field of 15mT, which is higher than the applied applied field so it...
  14. F

    Energies of a particle in a box vs. free particle?

    I think I'm trying to reconcile quantum mechanics and special relativity . . . or whatever I'm doing I'm pretty confused. Ok, so the allowed energy states for a particle in a box are E_n = \frac{\hbar^2 \pi^2}{2 m L^2} n^2 . This seems to mean, as you increase the length L, the particle's...
  15. C

    Double infinite square well, energies

    Homework Statement We're modelling an ammonia maser with a double infinite square well defined by: V(x) = \begin{cases} V_{0} & |x| < b - \frac{a}{2}\\ 0 & b-\frac{a}{2} < |x| < b+\frac{a}{2}\\ \infty & |x| \geq b + \frac{a}{2} \end{cases} I have had no trouble with the assignment up until...
  16. C

    Sorting Lattice Energies: KF, MgS, RbI

    Homework Statement Place the following in order of decreasing magnitude of lattice energy. KF, MgS, RbI I'm not really sure how to do this without looking up the lattice energy values with each. And I don't think that is what our teacher wants us to do
  17. G

    Tachyonic Energies in a Minkowski Metric

    So I'm working on a problem (Hartle problem 6, chapter 6) dealing with tachyons. So far, I have determined the four-velocity and the four-momentum (up to a sign) of a tachyon. I have, with the four-velocity being a unit spacelike four-vector, u^{\alpha}=\frac{\pm...
  18. N

    Orbitals & Energies: Exploring the Relationship

    Hey everyone, So I've been a little bit confused about something, and I'd like some input on this: When I look at systems like the particle in a box, or the Hydrogen Atom, it's clear that the higher energy states of comparable shape have more nodes. This seems to always be true. For any...
  19. Demon117

    Evaluate the energies of muonic K X rays in Fe

    Homework Statement Using a 1 electron model, evaluate the energies of the muonic K X rays in Fe assuming a point nucleus. Homework Equations The \Delta E is the difference between energy of the 1s state in an atom with a "point" nucleus and the 1s energy in an atom with uniformly charged...
  20. G

    Is the S-matrix at high energies affected by time dilation?

    The S-matrix can be written as the sum of the Feynman diagrams, divided by a factor of 1/sqrt[E] for each particle, where E is the particle's energy. Does this mean at large energies, the probability amplitude to scatter is unlikely? But how can such a statement be made when no physics is...
  21. H

    Difference in atomic energies 2p 1s for hygrogen and duterium

    Homework Statement Calculate the difference in wavelength between the 2p→1s line in ordinary hydrogen and in deuterium (which has a nucleus containing a proton and a neutron).Homework Equations the difference in wavelength is related with the difference in frequences with the relationship ...
  22. D

    Neutrino Oscillations at Low Energies

    Hello, I am in the process of learning about neutrino oscillations. I'm looking for some clarification as a google/forum search hasn't helped me. If someone could advise me or point me in the right direction that would be great! So, if you have neutrinos at energies below the threshold...
  23. B

    Particle Energy on a Smooth Sphere: Finding the Point of Departure

    Homework Statement A Particle is place on a smooth sphere of radius b at a distance b/2 above the central plane. As the particle slides down the side of the sphere at what point will it leave? Homework Equations potential and kinetic energies The Attempt at a Solution no idea
  24. A

    Stability of Unstable Particles at High Energies: Third Generation

    Are particles that are not stable (for example top, bottom quarks; W and Z) when produced in particle colliders possibly stable at very high energies? Are third generation particles stable at high energies? Thanks, Mark
  25. K

    Energies of a Quantum Harmonic Oscillator

    Hey guys I was just looking over a past homework problem and found something I'm not too sure on - A particle is in the ground state of a Harmonic potential V (x) = 0.5mω2x2 If you measured the energy, what are the possible results, and with what probabilities? Now I know the answer...
  26. S

    Carbon Compounds: Orbital & Bonding Energies Explained

    why carbon can form polymers and sillicon not? though both are tetra valent. explain this based on its orbital and bonding energies
  27. P

    Non conservative energies on a Loop

    Hello, i appreciate your help! Homework Statement In this website the drawing of the situation in the first exercise can be seen, for better understanding. http://wwwprof.uniandes.edu.co/~gtellez/fisica1/ejercicios-semana10.pdf The problem asks me to determine the minimum height h to allow...
  28. K

    Translational Kinetic Energies + Plane

    Homework Statement Find the ratio of the translational kinetic energies of a ring, a coin, and a solid sphere at the bottom of an inclined plane. The bodies have been released from rest at the top. Assume pure rolling without any slipping. The Attempt at a Solution Well, I'm really not...
  29. N

    Finding Quantized Speeds, Radii & Energies with Bohr's Rule

    Homework Statement Use Bohr's rule, L=n\hbar, to find the quantized speeds, radii, and energies for circular orbits of a particle of mass m bound to the origin by the Hooke's-law force, F(r) = -Kr. Homework Equations mass=m ƩF=ma F(r)=-kr L=n\hbar p=mvr mvr=n\hbar...
  30. Spinnor

    Is the CMK matrix a constant for all experimental energies?

    Is the CMK matrix a constant for all experimental energies that we can presently explore? Thanks for your help!
  31. J

    How to calculate impact/stopping power energies

    I hope this is a good place to ask this: I'm trying to model how an object such as a kevlar vest performs in stopping a high velocity projectile such as a bullet. I have only basic knowledge of energy and momentum etc. but can learn if directed. I can calculate the Ke of the bullet...
  32. K

    Relative energies inside a rectangular box

    Homework Statement Consider a three dimensional rectangular infinite potential well with sides of length L, 2L and 3L. What is the energy of the first excited state relative to the energy of the ground state? The second state? The third? The fourth? Homework Equations...
  33. R

    Electron Energies in Atoms: Fixed Values or Expectation Values?

    Hi. First post. I'm trying to understand if electronic energy levels have fixed values, or merely fixed expectation values (in the latter case, orbital electrons could have any energy and it's only the average that would be fixed). Here's my argument for the latter. If it's incorrect, could...
  34. B

    Programs Chemistry Major for Alternative Energies? Or something else?

    I'm thinking about what major study. I want to work with developing more efficient alternative energies like solar or some other new emerging energies. I would want to also make these energies available for regular people to actually have powering their cars, homes, businesses, and cities. What...
  35. O

    Constraining final energies of neutron in nuclei interaction

    Homework Statement A thin target of lithium is bombarded by helium nuclei of energy E0. The lithium nuclei are initially at rest in the target but are essentially unbound. When a Helium nucleus enters a lithium nucleus, a nuclear reaction can occur in which the compound necleus splits apart...
  36. M

    How do rotational and vibrational energies in molecules depend on masses?

    Hi! I'm wondering what the effects of a variable mass of elementary particles on the rotational and vibrational energy-transitions would be like? Would they increase, decrease or stay the same? Thank you for your help! Regards
  37. P

    Dissociation energies of: Cr2Cl3 & Cr2O3 Which is higher?

    Hi, I have been searching the net but couldn't find the dissociation energies of Cr2Cl3 & Cr2O3... Just knowing which is higher will suffice too & is there any other molecule with lower dissociation energy which could lead to Cr3+ ? Many thanks in advance.
  38. K

    Collision of a free electron and a hydrogen atom - energies

    Homework Statement An electron of know KE collides with a hydrogen atom in its ground state. With what possible KE may it rebound? KE = 11.5 eV 2. The attempt at a solution I assumed that the electron may either hit an orbiting electron and excite him (maximum layer is n = 2, change in KE...
  39. L

    Finding normal force from kinetic and potential energies

    A 69.2-kg skier encounters a dip in the snow's surface that has a circular cross section with radius of curvature of r = 13.2 m. If the skier's speed at point A in the figure below is 8.13 m/s, what is the normal force exerted by the snow on the skier at point B...
  40. P

    Range of Different Photoelectron Kinetic Energies?: Photoelectric Effect

    First of all, I would like to apologize if this question is in the wrong section of the forums. I'm not sure if the photoelectric effect should go into "Quantum Physics", "Classical Physics" or even "Homework & Coursework Questions" Descriptions of the photoelectric effect commonly states the...
  41. F

    Calculating disintegration energies of alpha emmision.

    Homework Statement (a) Calculate the disintegration energy when 232/92U decays by alpha emission into 228/90Th. Atomic masses of 232/92U and 228/90Th are 232.037156u and 228.028741u, respectively. (b) For the 232/92U decay in part (a), how much of the disintegration energy will be...
  42. S

    Planetary Orbit Energy Calculation Without Gravitational Potential Equation

    Homework Statement A satellite is to be launched from Earth to venus. It is to make two complete circuits of the earth, then travel to venus, and complete one orbit of venus in 12 hours. Find the velocities of the satellite around venus, around the earth, and the radius of the orbit around...
  43. arivero

    The wrong turn of string theory: our world is SUSY at low energies

    In post #549 here I answered: And then I was surprised by the comment of Tom, asking how the pairing was done. Well, I thought that I had discussed it in some thread in BSM, but after looking at it, it seems that I did only a few sparse remarks here and there. On other hand, people was not...
  44. P

    Binding energies and decay energy.

    I'm having some trouble with the definition of binding energy and decay energy. Consulting a nuclide table (http://atom.kaeri.re.kr/ton/nuc5.html) I found out that 53Fe has a binding energy of 458380.194 +- 2.107 keV and decays to 53Mn by electron capture. The decay energy is 3.743 MeV and...
  45. S

    Grand partition function - find occupation energies

    Homework Statement N sites 3 possible situations: empty with energy = 0, occupied by A with energy = E1, occupied by B with energy = E2. fugacities: for A = 10^-5, for B = 10^-7 T = 37 C 1) if no B find E1 such that 90% of sites occupied by A 2) with B find E2 such that 10% of sites...
  46. M

    Do the fundamental forces continue to break down at lower energies?

    First off, I would like to apologize if I'm posting this in the wrong sub-forum. Anyways, I'm sorry if this is an ignorant question, but I am curious as to whether the 4 fundamental forces (electricity and magnetism, gravitation, strong, and weak) would theoretically continue to break down...
  47. D

    Average Total Energies of Isolated Hydrogen Atom's Electron & Proton

    I wanted to know the average total energies of an isolated hydrogen atom's electron and proton separately. I came across a lot of equations I could try to use, but I figured I'd ask to see if this information has already been approximated. Thanks
  48. R

    Ionization energies for helium

    Homework Statement The first ionization energy of an atom is the minimum energy needed to remove one electron. For helium, this is 24.6 eV. The second ionization energy is the additional energy required to remove a second electron. a) Calculate the second ionization energy of helium...
  49. E

    What if electro-weak symmetry is broken at all energies?

    The common understanding is that below around 250Gev the weak force gauge bosons have mass and appear distinct from the electromagnetic force, with its massless photons. And that to explain this required hypothesizing the Higgs field, which acts like a superconducting field, in the vaccuum...
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