Energy is defined as what?

Energy is defined as the ability to do work. This concept is fundamental in both physics and engineering, as it highlights the capacity of a system to exert force over a distance, resulting in motion or the transfer of heat. Work is done when energy is converted from one form to another or transferred from one system to another, demonstrating the practical implications of energy in real-world applications.

In various forms, such as kinetic energy (energy of motion), potential energy (stored energy based on position), thermal energy (energy related to temperature), and chemical energy (energy stored in chemical bonds), energy serves as a crucial quantity in the analysis of physical systems. Understanding this definition helps to establish a foundation for exploring more complex concepts related to energy transformation and conservation.